Sales & Marketing

How to become a Sales Manager

From sales representative: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–5 years

Typical pay

$85k–$130k

Starting from

Sales representative

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from sales representative and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–4 years

   Carry a quota and beat it

   Nobody follows a sales manager who has not sold.

   Course that covers thisFoundations of SalesUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–18 months

   Mentor junior reps

   Volunteering to coach new hires is the audition for the role.

3. 3

   1–2 years

   Learn forecasting and pipeline management

   You will be judged on the accuracy of your forecast as much as the number.

   Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   1–2 years

   Take a team

   Your income becomes their performance. That is a genuinely different job.

   Course that covers thisPMP Practice Tests 2026: Project Management ProfessionalUdemy · around $19.99 →
5. ✓

   Destination

   Sales Manager

   Browse jobs now →

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