What does an account manager do?
Account managers are the people that bridge the gap between a company and its customers. They are the customer’s primary point of contact with the company, and are responsible for the client’s satisfaction.
An account manager’s duties vary widely depending on the nature of the business or organization. Some take on roles similar to those of customer service representatives, while others focus on marketing. Some might be assigned just a few specific customer accounts, while others might be responsible for building relationships with hundreds of clients. Account managers might work in advertising or media relations, or they might have a variety of other responsibilities, including managing special events, writing press releases, and analyzing marketplace trends in order to better serve their customers.
Education and Job Qualifications:
Education requirements vary depending on the position. Most employers will only ask for a bachelor’s degree in public relations or advertising. In this degree program, the student will gain experience in areas such as marketing and advertising, media planning, and not-for-profit public relations. Some will also be looking for graduate work or internship experience. One can gain more experience, as well as improving career and salary opportunities, by pursuing a Master’s degree in public relations. This two year program focuses on building creative and problem solving skills, and giving the student experience in a variety of related areas, such as advertising and media relations.
While not required by most employers, professional credentialing can give an account manager’s job prospects and resume a boost. After five years of work experience, holders of a bachelor’s degree are qualified to be reviewed by the Public Relations Society of America and for their Accredited in Public Relations credential. They are also qualified to be designated as an Accredited Business Communicator by the International Association of Business Communicators. Each of these accreditations requires both an exam and a portfolio review.
Typical pay:
The salary of an account manager varies widely depending on the type of company or organization that employs them, the position’s responsibilities, and their level of education. On average, an account manager can expect to earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The salary range for Account Manager begins around $34,000 and usually tops out around $125,000, with a mean in the neighborhood of $79,500. This is about 83% higher than the national average for annual salaries.
In order to qualify for most Account Manager positions, you typically need to have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The growth outlook for Account Manager careers is estimated at about 13% while the estimated growth for all career fields over that same span is at about 10.12%. Over the next six years, Account Manager jobs are expected to grow at a 28% higher rate than the national average for annual salaries.