Business Analyst
$86,667
avg. annual salary
Sales Manager
pays more on average
Sales Manager
$92,030
avg. annual salary
When choosing between a career as a Business Analyst or a Sales Manager, understanding the salary landscape is crucial. Both positions play vital roles within organizations but differ significantly in responsibilities, compensation, and career growth opportunities. Business Analysts focus on analyzing data to drive strategic decisions, whereas Sales Managers lead sales teams to meet revenue targets. As of 2025, the salary ranges for these roles reflect their unique contributions to business success. This guide will compare the average salaries, benefits, and career paths of Business Analysts and Sales Managers, helping you make an informed decision about your future career path.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (6%)
Average Salary Comparison
As of 2025, the average salary for a Business Analyst is approximately $85,000 per year, with a salary range from $65,000 to $110,000 based on experience and industry. In contrast, Sales Managers earn an average salary of $95,000 per year, ranging from $75,000 to $130,000.
This discrepancy highlights the demand for skilled Sales Managers, who often have direct revenue responsibilities.
Salary by Experience Level
Business Analysts typically see their salaries increase with experience: entry-level positions start around $65,000, while mid-level Analysts earn about $85,000, and senior positions can reach $110,000. Sales Managers also enjoy a structured salary growth, starting at $75,000 for entry-level roles, medium positions at $95,000, and senior roles can exceed $130,000 depending on performance.
Benefits and Compensation Packages
Both roles often come with additional benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and bonuses. Business Analysts may also receive training allowances and certification reimbursement, while Sales Managers might benefit from commission structures and performance bonuses that can substantially increase their total compensation.
Understanding these perks is essential for assessing overall job value.
Career Path Opportunities
Business Analysts can progress into roles like Senior Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, or Product Manager. Their analytical skills open pathways in various sectors.
In contrast, Sales Managers have the potential to move up to regional or national sales director roles or transition into higher-level management positions within companies. The choice of career path should align with your professional interests and long-term goals.
Factors Influencing Salaries
Several factors influence salary levels for both roles, including experience, industry, company size, location, and educational background. For example, analysts in tech companies may earn more due to the industry's high demand for data-driven decision-making, while sales roles in competitive markets may offer higher base salaries plus commission.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Business Analyst vs Sales Manager (2025)
Base salary ranges and total compensation differ sharply between these roles. Typical 2025 ranges in the U.
S. : Business Analyst — entry $65,000, median $95,000, senior $130,000+; Sales Manager (base) — entry $55,000, median $90,000, senior $140,000+.
However, Sales Managers often earn significant variable pay: commissions and bonuses can add 20%–100%+ of base pay, so total compensation for a SaaS sales manager can reach $180,000–$250,000 on target (OTE). By contrast, Business Analysts rely more on base pay and bonuses: typical total comp is base + 5%–20% bonus, though equity in tech can add material upside.
Location matters: San Francisco/New York adds 15%–30% to base; smaller markets subtract 10%–20%. Example: a NY senior BA might earn $130k base + 10% bonus; a mid-market Sales Manager in SaaS could have $110k base + $90k commission (OTE $200k).
Takeaway: choose BA for steadier base pay and analytical career path; choose Sales Manager for higher upside tied to performance.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
Evaluate these concrete factors before deciding:
- •Compensation structure: If you prefer predictable income, favor Business Analyst roles with 80%+ salary stability. If you tolerate variability, Sales Manager roles can offer 30%–100%+ variable pay.
- •Industry and product: Tech and finance pay BAs 10%–25% more than retail or government. Sales Managers selling enterprise software commonly see higher OTE than retail or consumer goods.
- •Location and cost of living: A $100k base in Austin has ~15% lower buying power than $100k in San Francisco.
- •Experience and credentials: Senior BAs with CBAP/PMP-style credentials can command ~8%–12% higher pay; top-performing Sales Managers can double base via commissions.
- •Career trajectory: BA skills translate into product, data, or consulting roles; Sales Managers move into regional/director roles with larger teams and higher team-based bonuses.
Actionable takeaway: list your tolerance for income volatility, target industry, and 2–3 salary benchmarks in your city to compare realistic offers.