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What is an account manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.
introduction image

An account manager acts as a liaison between a company and its clients. They work to manage client relationships and ensure satisfaction with the company's products or services. Account managers identify new business opportunities and develop strategies to increase revenue from the company’s current customers. They collaborate with internal teams to meet the client’s needs and complete projects. Successful account managers possess strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

What general advice would you give to an account manager?

Kaustav Misra Ph.D.Kaustav Misra Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean, Central Connecticut State University

I have spent almost two decades in the higher education industry and about a decade in administration. I often advised students, and it is astonishing to see how many of these students do not plan for their future. A good plan is a starting point to lead a good and successful career and life. Hence, by all means, it is worth noting that developing a future-oriented focus is important, so taking time to streamline the plan should be an important exercise for every graduate before they begin to do anything.
ScoreAccount ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.4

Avg. Salary $68,535

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 4.07%

Black or African American 3.24%

Hispanic or Latino 9.82%

Unknown 4.41%

White 78.23%

Gender

female 45.20%

male 54.80%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an account manager?

Pros

  • Exposure to different industries and businesses

  • Potential for higher salary and commission

  • Opportunity for career advancement within the company

  • High job stability and demand in the industry

  • Access to training and professional development opportunities

Cons

  • High-stress environment with tight deadlines and demanding clients

  • Constant pressure to meet sales targets and revenue goals

  • Significant amount of paperwork and administrative tasks involved

  • High level of competition within the industry

  • Risk of burnout due to high workload and intense pressure.

Account manager career paths

Key steps to become an account manager

  1. Explore account manager education requirements

    Most common account manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.6 %

    Associate

    13.0 %

    High School Diploma

    6.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific account manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service19.23%
    Account Management8.27%
    Healthcare6.48%
    CRM5.76%
    Product Knowledge5.02%
  3. Complete relevant account manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New account managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an account manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real account manager resumes.
  4. Research account manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage financial departments with responsibility for managing payroll, bank re-consolidations, bank deposits, budgeting and cost control.
    • Manage $4 million territory encompassing three Mid-Atlantic states.
    • Manage new business and renewals for leading Saas legal solution.
    • Manage an inside sales territory of multiple states with Avaya technology solutions.
  5. Prepare your account manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your account manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an account manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable account manager resume templates

    Build a professional account manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your account manager resume.
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  6. Apply for account manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an account manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first account manager job

Zippi

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Average account manager salary

The average account manager salary in the United States is $68,535 per year or $33 per hour. Account manager salaries range between $42,000 and $110,000 per year.

Average account manager salary
$68,535 Yearly
$32.95 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do account managers rate their job?

4/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Account manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

The Strategic approach used to uncover new sales opportunities excites me the most working as an Enterprise Account Executive.

Cons

This is a great career.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Speaking g at trade shows and seminars. Contributing to the software products we sold. Technical writer for the owners manual.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

B2B Communication and Building Relationships, Product\Strategy Development and Implementation, Solving Problems


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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