Business Development Manager Salary in 2026
Business development managers identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and expand market presence. They drive revenue through new markets, products, and client relationships.
Median Salary
$101,000
$8,417/mo
Entry Level
$60,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$152,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Sales Managers (SOC 11-2022, the closest published occupation to Business Development Manager) at a national median of $148,270 per year (mean $164,350), or $71.28 per hour, with 637,080 people employed nationwide. Salario's $101,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Business Development Manager Overview
Business development managers identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and expand market presence. They drive revenue through new markets, products, and client relationships.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Sales
Total Jobs (US)
280K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Sales
Hourly Rate
$48.56/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,417
Business Development Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Business Development Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Business Development Manager Salary
$121,000
$10,083/month · $4,654/biweekly · $58.17/hr
Business Development Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Business Development Manager field.
Entry-level Business Development Managers earn around $60,000, while the top 10% earn $166,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Business Development Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $119,000 | +$18,000 |
| New York | $116,000 | +$15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $113,000 | +$12,000 |
| Illinois | $105,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $99,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Business Development Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $126,000 | +$25,000 |
| New York | $119,000 | +$18,000 |
| Boston | $113,000 | +$12,000 |
| Chicago | $106,000 | +$5,000 |
| Dallas | $101,000 | $0 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Business Development Manager Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Business Development Manager.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Business Development Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Business Development Manager from entry level to expert.
$60,000
0-2 years
$106,000
3-7 years
$152,000
8-14 years
$180,000
15+ years
Related Sales Jobs
Business Development Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a Business Development Manager make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Business Development Manager in the United States is $101,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $60,000, while senior professionals earn up to $152,000. Top earners in the field can make $180,000 or more annually. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $148,270 national median for the broader occupation Sales Managers (SOC 11-2022).
What education is needed to become a Business Development Manager?
A Business Development Manager typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 3-6 years of experience. Key skills include Strategic Partnerships, Market Analysis, Lead Generation. Relevant certifications such as CPBD or Salesforce Administrator can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Business Development Managers?
The job market for Business Development Managers is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 280K Business Development Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 16%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Business Development Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for Business Development Managers include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $116,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Business Development Manager salary?
To increase your Business Development Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Strategic Partnerships and Market Analysis. Pursue certifications such as CPBD. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-6 years of experience, you can progress from $60,000 to $152,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Business Development Manager Salary
How we calculate Business Development Manager salary data: Business Development Manager has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Sales Managers, SOC 11-2022) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $101,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($60,000) and senior-level ($152,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 280K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 16% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Sales sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $101,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Business Development Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Business Development Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Sales
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Business Development Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Strategic Partnerships, Market Analysis, Lead Generation), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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