Director of Sales Salary
by City (2026)
Lead sales teams, set quotas, develop sales strategy, and manage key accounts. National median: $158K/year. See how your city compares.
Director of Sales salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $158K Director of Sales salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βDirector of Sales Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Director of Sales is $158,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $118,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $210,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Director of Saless nationally earn $278,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Business; 10+ years sales; proven revenue track record. This role is 45% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Director of Sales compensation is growing at 4.5% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate.
Director of Sales salary FAQ
How much does a Director of Sales make?
The median Director of Sales salary in the US is $158,000 per year β about $76/hour. Most earn between $118,000 (25th percentile) and $210,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Director of Sales?
Entry-level Director of Sales positions typically start around $118,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Director of Saless earn?
The top 10% of Director of Saless earn $278,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Director of Saless the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Director of Sales salary at $237K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Director of Sales salaries going up?
Yes β Director of Sales pay is growing about 4.5% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.