Sales Managers in District of Columbia. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Sales Managers in the District of Columbia earned a median annual wage of $154,320 in 2024, about 10% above the US median of $140,418. The mean was higher at $169,140, which tells us a smaller group of top earners pulls the average up.
The range across earners is wide. The bottom tenth made around $80,440, while the top quarter started at $211,720. That gap reflects how differently Sales Manager roles are structured in DC: a mid-level manager at a government contractor sits in a very different pay band than a senior VP of sales at a trade association or lobbying firm. Experience, industry, and the size of the team you manage all move the number.
The cost-of-living picture is worth a look. DC's overall price index sits at 117.7, meaning everyday expenses run about 18% above the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the local median translates to roughly $131,100 in national-baseline dollars, a slight dip below the US figure. The nominal premium shrinks once housing, transportation, and other costs enter the calculation.
BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 4.7% between 2024 and 2034, which falls in the average range nationally. We do not have a DC-specific openings figure from this data, so we would caution against reading too much into state-level job volume from that projection alone.
Salary distribution
Where District of Columbia sales managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $103,750 and $198,140, with a median of $141,800.
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Sales Managers pay by experience level in District of Columbia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Sales Managers in District of Columbia, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Professional services leads with a median of $108,813.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | Capstone LLC | 2 | $108,813 |
| Technology and software | SES Americom, Inc. | 1 | $77,626 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in District of Columbia over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Persuasion
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
- 02
Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- 03
Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs, and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
- 04
Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- 05
Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
- 06
Determine price schedules and discount rates.
- 07
Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
- 08
Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in District of Columbia
Metro-level salary data for sales managers in major District of Columbia metropolitan areas.
- Washington, D.C.$175,820
Compare Sales Managers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare District of Columbia with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Sales Managers in District of Columbia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Sales Managers in District of Columbia is $141,800.
- How does District of Columbia compare to the national median for Sales Managers?
- The District of Columbia median is -3.3% versus the BLS national figure of $146,653.
- What is the salary range for Sales Managers in District of Columbia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $83,560 and the 90th-percentile at $270,340, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Sales Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Sales Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.