Client associate vs business relationship manager

The differences between client associates and business relationship managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a client associate, becoming a business relationship manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a business relationship manager has an average salary of $87,741, which is higher than the $45,992 average annual salary of a client associate.

The top three skills for a client associate include client service, wealth management and sales support. The most important skills for a business relationship manager are customer service, relationship management, and cash management.

Client associate vs business relationship manager overview

	Client Associate	Business Relationship Manager
Yearly salary	$45,992	$87,741
Hourly rate	$22.11	$42.18
Growth rate	-4%	17%
Number of jobs	191,586	114,003
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age	40	46
Years of experience	12	8

What does a client associate do?

A client associate is an individual who builds a strong relationship with customers by providing support for their account needs and provides training if necessary. Client associates are required to communicate with their customers either on the phone, through email, or in person. They carry out administrative tasks for financial advisers, such as maintaining client account information and assisting with special projects. Client associates must also collect and analyze competitor data and client usage so that they create new business opportunities.

What does a business relationship manager do?

A business relationship manager is primarily responsible for improving the relationship between customers and businesses. Typically, it is their responsibility to develop strategies and business plans to strengthen client relationships, address issues and concerns, and perform corrective measures when necessary. There are instances when they have to reach out to clients through calls and correspondence, perform follow-up contacts to offer new services and opportunities, and provide industry advice or consultation. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage staff in the joint effort to reach target sales and improve client base.

Client associate vs business relationship manager salary

Client associates and business relationship managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Client Associate	Business Relationship Manager
Average salary	$45,992	$87,741
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $74,000	Between $61,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Arrowstreet Capital	AstraZeneca
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between client associate and business relationship manager education

There are a few differences between a client associate and a business relationship manager in terms of educational background:

	Client Associate	Business Relationship Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	University of Pennsylvania

Client associate vs business relationship manager demographics

Here are the differences between client associates' and business relationship managers' demographics:

	Client Associate	Business Relationship Manager
Average age	40	46
Gender ratio	Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0%	Male, 64.6% Female, 35.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 10.0% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	7%	11%

Differences between client associate and business relationship manager duties and responsibilities

Client associate example responsibilities.

Manage business development of electronic trading services for cash equities.
Process payroll and payroll taxes, generate financial statements, compute taxes owe and file corporate tax returns
Enter client trade orders, respond to client inquiries, research questions, troubleshoot problems, and maintain accurate client records.
Coordinate the conversion of data base from mainframe to windows base application
Establish advanced CRM skills that can be used through any interactions with clients.
Greet high profile clients, and act a liason between them and their attorney.

Business relationship manager example responsibilities.

Manage cross-selling and foster customer loyalty by ensuring value to these services.
Originate and structure commercial loans and manage credit risk both before and after loan origination.
Prepare and manage annual budget, perform financial reporting, complete tax returns, and manage personnel and payroll functions.
Manage a portfolio in various stages of workout including liquidation, refinancing, restructure, rehabilitation, bankruptcy and litigation.
Complete extensive executive training in business banking, with focus on commercial loan origination, deposits and treasury services.
Negotiate and procure supplies to maximize return on investment through use of RFP process.

Client associate vs business relationship manager skills

Common client associate skills

Client Service, 23%
Wealth Management, 13%
Sales Support, 12%
Investment Products, 6%
Customer Service, 4%
Branch Management, 4%

Common business relationship manager skills

Customer Service, 10%
Relationship Management, 7%
Cash Management, 6%
Risk Management, 6%
Business Development, 6%
Customer Relationships, 5%

Client Associate vs. similar jobs

Client Associate related careers

Client Associate related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Client Associate
Client Associate vs Business Relationship Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs