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Channel account manager vs key account manager

The differences between channel 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 channel account manager and a key account manager. Additionally, a key account manager has an average salary of $102,315, which is higher than the $97,071 average annual salary of a channel account manager.

The top three skills for a channel account manager include cam, cloud and channel sales. The most important skills for a key account manager are account management, customer service, and patients.

Channel account manager vs key account manager overview

Channel Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Yearly salary$97,071$102,315
Hourly rate$46.67$49.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs148,671160,992
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4646
Years of experience88

What does a channel account manager do?

A channel account manager is responsible for handling client accounts and maintaining a healthy business relationship with partners by providing high-quality services according to their specifications and requirements. Channel account managers identify business opportunities and other services that would meet client demands and public interests by analyzing sales and market trends. They also contribute to the development of sales improvement techniques that would drive more revenues and profits for the business. A channel account manager handles a channel team that would support the deliverables and outputs for the clients within their budget limitations and timetable.

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.

Channel account manager vs key account manager salary

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

Channel Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Average salary$97,071$102,315
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $161,000Between $75,000 And $138,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying statePennsylvaniaMaine
Best paying companyMetaQuidel
Best paying industryTechnologyPharmaceutical

Differences between channel account manager and key account manager education

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

Channel Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Channel account manager vs key account manager demographics

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

Channel Account ManagerKey Account Manager
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 71.2% Female, 28.8%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 channel account manager and key account manager duties and responsibilities

Channel account manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage key accounts of wholesalers, pharmacies chains and healthcare professionals.
  • Manage a portfolio of 1k+ SMB accounts, which generate $13M in revenue per year.
  • Manage accounts and opportunities with CRM and maximize customer retention with ongoing contact and license renewal management.
  • Manage and coordinate daily sales activities through target cold calling and telemarketing.
  • Support launch and first sale of Windstream's UCaaS cloud service power by Avaya.
  • Overachieve by proving value and benefit of equipment and future ROI through relationship selling.
  • 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.
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Channel account manager vs key account manager skills

Common channel account manager skills
  • Cam, 8%
  • Cloud, 8%
  • Channel Sales, 7%
  • Channel Marketing, 5%
  • Salesforce, 4%
  • Account Management, 4%
Common key account manager skills
  • Account Management, 10%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • CRM, 6%
  • Customer Relationships, 5%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

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