Post job

Business account manager vs key account manager

The differences between business account managers and key account managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a business account manager and a key account manager. Additionally, a key account manager has an average salary of $102,315, which is higher than the $68,498 average annual salary of a business account manager.

The top three skills for a business account manager include customer service, product knowledge and account management. The most important skills for a key account manager are account management, customer service, and patients.

Business account manager vs key account manager overview

Business Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Yearly salary$68,498$102,315
Hourly rate$32.93$49.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs212,532160,992
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a business account manager do?

Business Account Managers are experienced employees who manage client accounts. Companies usually employ them as distributors, retailers, manufacturers, or any other company with various business partnerships or dealings. They are in charge of managing the company's relationship with a specific client or group. They are the point of contact for these clients regarding requests or concerns related to company products or services. Business account managers ensure that the clients' concerns are properly addressed. They also ensure client loyalty and build harmonious working relationships with their assigned clients.

What does a key account manager do?

A key account manager is primarily in charge of handling key clients that produce the most profit for a company or business, ensuring that they remain with them. They are mainly responsible for understanding their clients' needs and long-term goals, ensuring that the key clients get to receive all the necessary services and products in time, and promptly address and resolve any issues and concerns. Furthermore, a key account manager may prepare reports and proposals to team members, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.

Business account manager vs key account manager salary

Business account managers and key account managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Business Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Average salary$68,498$102,315
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $104,000Between $75,000 And $138,000
Highest paying CityRedmond, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMaine
Best paying companyMetaQuidel
Best paying industryTechnologyPharmaceutical

Differences between business account manager and key account manager education

There are a few differences between a business account manager and a key account manager in terms of educational background:

Business Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Business account manager vs key account manager demographics

Here are the differences between business account managers' and key account managers' demographics:

Business Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 55.8% Female, 44.2%Male, 68.1% Female, 31.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between business account manager and key account manager duties and responsibilities

Business account manager example responsibilities.

  • Generate leads, prepare RFP responses, build relationships, identify business/functional requirements, present technical solutions and negotiate contracts.
  • Add PowerPoint graphical and word text supplemental materials to hold interest and increase memory retention on user trainings.
  • Prepare payroll for the entire company, including responsibility for investigating and resolving issues.
  • Utilize marketing development funds strategically with customers, analyzing ROI before committing more funds.
  • Create numerous technical documentation and user manuals including release memos, system descriptions and extend PowerPoint presentations.
  • Prepare customized corporate contracts/proposals, corporate budgets including conservative ROI, organize and conduct executive level meetings, presentations.
  • Show more

Key account manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead the KAM division in market share expansion and activation for SWS portfolio.
  • Develop and manage GPO partnerships and new relationships in preparation of new product launch.
  • Utilize IRI reporting (CPGN) to deliver key category insights to customer base in order to effectively manage category decisions.
  • Manage company CRM implementation leading to increase sales profitability and customer satisfaction.
  • Provide managed care expertise to industry leading system developers to create web-base solutions for healthcare revenue cycle.
  • Manage services including contract logistics, distribution, and inbound logistics and shipping brokerage along with various additional transportation solutions.
  • Show more

Business account manager vs key account manager skills

Common business account manager skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Product Knowledge, 8%
  • Account Management, 6%
  • Financial Statements, 5%
  • Business Sales, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
Common key account manager skills
  • Account Management, 10%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • CRM, 6%
  • Customer Relationships, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

Browse executive management jobs