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What is a client success manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
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A client success manager maintains and enhances the relationships between a company and its clients. This involves understanding the client's needs and providing effective solutions. A client success manager also advocates for the client within the company to address their concerns. They work with sales, marketing, and customer support teams to ensure client satisfaction. A successful client success manager has a positive impact on the company through increasing loyalty and retention.

ScoreClient Success ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.9

Avg. Salary $75,925

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 46.25%

male 53.75%

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 a client success manager?

Pros

  • Potential for career growth within the company

  • Competitive salary and benefits packages

  • Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams

  • Flexibility in work schedule and location

  • Ability to work with cutting-edge technology and tools

Cons

  • High pressure and stress to meet client expectations

  • Potential for long hours and weekend work during peak periods

  • Possible conflict resolution required between clients and internal teams

  • Performance metrics may be overly emphasized in some companies

  • Burnout can be a risk due to high workload and pressure

Client success manager career paths

Key steps to become a client success manager

  1. Explore client success manager education requirements

    Most common client success manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.0 %

    Master's

    9.0 %

    Associate

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific client success manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Client Facing11.91%
    Client Satisfaction8.73%
    Cloud8.15%
    Project Management7.34%
    Customer Satisfaction7.28%
  3. Complete relevant client success manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New client success 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 a client success manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real client success manager resumes.
  4. Research client success manager duties and responsibilities

    • Perform client set-ups and manage work flow through SalesForce.
    • Lead the overall client program management function providing leadership, coordination and management of PMO activities.
    • Manage partner relationship with EMC and develop go-to-market strategies.
    • Lead tool workshops to maximize CSM communication efficiency both internally and externally.
  5. Apply for client success manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a client success 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 client success manager job

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Average client success manager salary

The average client success manager salary in the United States is $75,925 per year or $37 per hour. Client success manager salaries range between $51,000 and $112,000 per year.

Average client success manager salary
$75,925 Yearly
$36.50 hourly

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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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