Highest paid sales jobs in New Zealand: Account manager salary & more

Key takeaways: 

• Sales salaries in New Zealand vary by role and seniority, with higher pay tied to revenue impact and complex or high-value accounts. 
• The average account manager salary in New Zealand is $90k, with senior sales roles earning $105k–$140k. 
• Entry-level sales positions typically earn $60k–$80k, offering clear pathways into higher-paying roles through experience and performance. 
• B2B, technology, and SaaS sales roles often pay more due to higher-value deals and longer sales cycles.

Sales roles sit at the centre of how businesses in New Zealand grow, compete, and expand into new markets. The country’s economy is shaped by small and mid-sized firms, export-focused industries, and a growing technology and SaaS sector. In this environment, sales professionals often carry direct responsibility for revenue outcomes.

With many sales roles available, it isn’t always easy to see which positions offer the strongest earning potential. This guide looks at some of the highest paid sales jobs in New Zealand, to show how pay compares across roles. It also explains what drives higher pay and where career progression is most likely.

Here’s what this guide will cover:

• Sales jobs and average salaries in New Zealand 
• Sales salary overview
• Highest paying sales roles in New Zealand
• Explore more about sales salaries in New Zealand

Sales jobs and average salaries in New Zealand 

In the table below, let’s explore some sales jobs and the average salaries across different management positions and specialisations in the field:

Sales salary overview 

The average account manager salary in New Zealand is $90k per year, with earnings varying by experience, and performance incentives. Industries with the highest average salaries for account managers include information and communication technology, healthcare and medical, government and defence, farming, animals and conservation, and engineering.

Entry-level sales roles such as sales assistants, sales associates, and sales consultants typically earn between $60k–$80k annually. Commissions and bonuses often supplement this base pay. Senior sales positions including key account managers, sales managers and business development managers can earn $95k–$120k per year, particularly in high-value or B2B sectors.

Sales careers offer a clear progression path from customer-facing roles to strategic leadership positions, where performance-based pay structures allow total earnings to exceed base salary. Career growth is often results-driven, making roles such as account manager and sales manager especially attractive for high performers planning long-term growth.

Highest paying sales roles in New Zealand

Sales salaries in New Zealand vary based on role scope, industry, and the value of deals managed. Positions involving large accounts, longer sales cycles, or complex B2B relationships typically offer higher pay due to their direct impact on revenue.  

Senior roles that require strategic planning, stakeholder management, and team leadership also attract higher salaries. Location influences pay levels, with Auckland and Wellington generally offering higher salaries due to stronger demand for experienced sales professionals and higher living costs. 

Here are some of the highest-paying sales roles:  

• Business Development Executive 
• Key Account Manager 
• Sales Manager 
• Business Development Manager 
• Account Manager

Let’s take a closer look at these roles, starting with their typical pay and a quick summary of what each role involves.  

Business development executives’ salary 

Business development executive salaries range from $130k–$150k per year. They drive growth by identifying new business opportunities and building strong client relationships. Additionally, they develop sales strategies, generate leads, negotiate deals, and work closely with marketing and leadership teams to achieve business objectives.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in sales or business development. Strong commercial judgement and relationship management skills are essential for success. 

Key account managers’ salary

Key account managers in New Zealand earn in the range of $100k–$120k per year. They maintain strong relationships with their organisation’s top clients. They negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and carry upselling and cross-selling activities. Strong interpersonal skills, business acumen, and sales experience are essential.

A bachelor’s degree in commerce, business, or a related field, or sales qualifications such as the New Zealand Certificate in Sales (Level 3) or Diploma in Business (Sales and Marketing) (Level 5), helps support career growth. 

Sales managers’ salary

Sales managers can earn between $95k–$115k annually. A sales manager is responsible for the sales performance of a product or service and sometimes contributes to marketing strategy. They manage sales teams, maintain client relationships, deliver presentations, and ensure targets are met.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as marketing, management, economics, or communications. Additionally, several years of experience in sales, customer service, or account management, opens pathways to leadership opportunities 

Business development managers’ salary 

Business development managers can earn $95k–$115k per year, depending on seniority and the sector they work in. They focus on growing a company’s revenue by identifying new opportunities and expanding the customer base. Business development managers develop growth strategies, nurture client relationships, research prospects and present proposals.

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, economics, or marketing is preferred.  Additionally, hands-on experience in sales, marketing, or customer service helps succeed and progress as a business development manager. 

Account managers’ salary

Account managers in New Zealand can earn $80k–$100k per year. They manage a portfolio of existing clients and ensure smooth service delivery. They respond to client inquiries, coordinate with internal teams, and keep accurate CRM records. Account managers also look for minor upselling or service improvement opportunities, without handling top-tier strategic accounts.  

A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or equivalent experience in client management is usually required. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills help professionals succeed. 

Explore more about sales salaries in New Zealand 

Look beyond one headline salary number. SEEK’s Explore Careers breaks down New Zealand pay ranges, role requirements, job opportunities, and current hiring momentum.

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.