Head of Sales Salary:

How Much Does a Head of Sales Earn?

The salary of a Head of Sales, also referred to as Sales Director or Sales Manager, is among the highest in sales. Due to direct responsibility for revenue, strategy and team leadership, Heads of Sales benefit from attractive compensation packages with a high variable component.

The role is particularly important in technology driven industries such as Automation, electrical engineering, drive technology special purpose machinery and plant engineering. This is because these industries involve complex sales structures and large revenue volumes.

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How Much Does a Head of Sales Earn on Average?

The average salary of a Head of Sales in Germany is between €90,000 and €150,000 gross per year..

This makes the position one of the best-paid roles in sales and management.

Typical salary range:

  • Entry into a leadership role: approx. €80,000 – €100,000
  • Established Head of Sales: €100,000 – €140,000
  • Senior / large companies: €140,000 – €180,000+

With bonus payments, the total compensation can be significantly higher.

How Is a Head of Sales Salary Structured?

The salary of a Head of Sales consists of a fixed salary and usually a very attractive variable component.

Common salary components:

  • Fixed salary: approx. 60–75%
  • Bonus / commission, performance-based
  • Company car, common in this role
  • Additional benefits, such as pension schemes or incentives

The variable component is often directly linked to revenue, growth or target achievement.

Which Factors Influence the Salary of a Head of Sales?

The salary can vary significantly and depends on several decisive factors.

 

1. How Does Professional Experience Influence Salary?

With increasing experience and leadership skills, the salary rises significantly.

  • First leadership role: approx. €90,000
  • Several years of experience: €110,000 – €140,000
  • Top-level roles: €150,000+

Leadership experience and proven sales success are especially important.

 

 

2. What Role Does the Industry Play in Salary?

The industry has a major influence on income.

Particularly well-paid industries:

  • Automation
  • electrical engineering
  • drive technology
  • energy industry
  • special purpose machinery and plant engineering.

High revenue volumes and complex products are typical in these industries, which is reflected in the salary.

 

 

3. How Does Company Size Influence Salary?

Company size is a key salary driver.

  • Medium-sized companies: approx. €90,000 – €130,000
  • Larger companies: €120,000 – €160,000+
  • Corporate groups: significantly higher salaries are possible

Corporate groups often offer structured bonus models and additional incentives.

 

 

4. How Does Revenue Responsibility Affect Salary?

Revenue responsibility is one of the most important factors.

  • Small teams / lower revenue volume lead to a lower salary.
  • Large sales organisations lead to a higher salary.
  • International responsibility leads to top-level compensation.

The larger the budget and responsibility, the higher the income.

How High Is the Bonus for a Head of Sales?

The bonus is a central part of compensation and can make up a significant share of total earnings.

Typical bonus structure:

  • 20–50% of the annual salary
  • Target-based, for example revenue, growth or margin
  • Even higher bonuses are possible for top performers

Example:

  • Fixed salary: €120,000
  • Bonus: €40,000
    → Total compensation: €160,000

If targets are exceeded, additional incentives are often possible.

How Does the Salary Develop Over the Course of a Career?

The salary increases significantly with growing responsibility and company size.

Typical development:

  • Entry-level leadership role: €80,000 – €100,000
  • Mid-level: €100,000 – €130,000
  • Senior: €130,000 – €180,000+
  • Top level / executive management: significantly higher

The biggest salary increase usually comes when moving into larger companies or taking on international responsibility.

What Is the Head of Sales Salary in Summary?

The salary of a Head of Sales is typically between €90,000 and €150,000 and can increase significantly with bonuses.

In large companies and roles with high responsibility, salaries of more than €180,000 are not uncommon.

This makes the Head of Sales one of the best-paid positions in sales.

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We place candidates in attractive career opportunities across industries such as automation, electrical engineering, mechanical and plant engineering, and energy technology. We also provide personal support throughout the entire application process.

 

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