Account Executive Salary in Amarillo: $38,000-$82,000 (2026)

Amarillo’s cost-of-living index sits roughly 15% below the U. S.

average, which materially affects how far an Account Executive salary stretches. Typical one-bedroom rents run about $650–$800/month; two-bed units commonly rent $850–$1,100.

Median home prices are near $170k–$190k, substantially below the national median. Commuting is inexpensive: average local commutes are 15–20 minutes, and monthly fuel/maintenance for a typical suburban commute often totals under $150–$200.

For an AE earning the market average (~$55k), lower housing and transport costs raise discretionary income compared with peer cities. That means an AE at mid-level can allocate more to savings or family expenses while maintaining a comparable lifestyle to someone earning $65k–$70k in a higher-COL city.

However, discretionary spending categories like dining out, entertainment, and certain professional networking events are more limited locally, so out-of-town travel costs for client meetings can be a meaningful line item for AEs handling regional accounts.

Salaries reflect the local employer mix and economic drivers. Amarillo’s largest employers (health systems like BSA, food processors such as Tyson Foods, government-related Pantex activity, regional distribution centers and retail operations) favor sales and account management roles focused on regional B2B and institutional clients.

Many AE roles are with small-to-medium local agencies and regional suppliers that price compensation to local revenue cycles rather than national tech-market rates. Demand is moderate: healthcare and distribution consistently hire AEs to manage territory accounts, while energy/agriculture hiring is cyclical and can boost senior AE pay during booms.

The presence of regional distribution centers creates stable opportunities for account managers servicing retail clients, but competition with larger markets (Oklahoma City, Midland during oil upturns) limits upward pressure on pay. Where premiums exist, they're for AEs with vertical expertise (healthcare, foodservice) or those who can manage multi-county territories and bring measurable revenue growth.

Lubbock (about 120 miles) pays slightly more for AEs (~$58k) with a similar COL (~88). Oklahoma City (~260 miles) offers higher AE pay (~$65k) and more senior roles, but a higher COL (~95) reduces net advantage.

Midland / Odessa in the Permian Basin often posts the highest AE salaries (~$82k) due to energy-sector premiums, but COL and housing costs rise accordingly (~110 index) and opportunities are cyclical. For Amarillo AEs, commuting into Lubbock for weekly meetings can work for territory-based roles; relocating to OKC or Midland makes sense when seeking faster mid/senior advancement or industry specialization (tech/energy).

Remote roles from Amarillo are viable, especially for regional/inside sales with national companies — you can often command closer-to-market pay while keeping Amarillo’s lower living costs, though some employers may adjust offers for local COL.

Typical advancement path: entry AE (0–2 years) builds pipeline, territory knowledge and client relationships; after 2–3 years, a successful rep moves to mid-level (3–7 years) with larger accounts and quota ownership. Promotion to senior AE or strategic account manager (8+ years) depends on consistent quota attainment, managing key institutional accounts (health systems, distribution partners), and cross-selling across product lines.

In Amarillo, accelerators include specialization (e. g.

, healthcare or foodservice sales), demonstrated territory growth (doubling revenue in 12–18 months), and regional networking (chamber, industry trade shows). Because senior roles are fewer locally, some AEs speed progression by managing multi-market territories or taking regional roles that cover nearby cities.

Pursuing certifications in CRM platforms, consultative selling, and industry-specific compliance (healthcare HIPAA basics, food-safety sales knowledge) also shortens timelines to senior compensation bands.

Be specific about local benchmarks: request a base in the $50k–$60k range for mid-level AE roles in Amarillo, with OTE that brings total compensation to $65k–$75k; senior roles justify $70k+ base and $90k+ OTE depending on quota. If the employer cites local pay scales, justify with documented territory wins, existing client relationships, and comparable listings from Lubbock and OKC.

Common benefits to negotiate include a realistic sales expense budget (mileage reimbursement at or above IRS standard, monthly travel stipend $150–$300), flexible remote days to cut commute costs, and performance accelerators (increased commission rates after quota attainment). For local culture: hiring managers often value long-term community fit, reliability, and face-to-face relationship building—highlight local network ties and examples of in-person client retention.

If employer can’t raise base, negotiate accelerated ramp targets, signing bonus, or earlier quota reset at 6 months.