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Create CVIf you're researching the SDR salary in the US, you're likely evaluating whether this role is worth it financially and how quickly you can scale your income.
Here’s the reality: SDR compensation is one of the most performance-driven and variable pay structures in the job market. Unlike many roles, your earnings are split between base salary and commission, meaning two SDRs at the same company can earn vastly different amounts.
This guide breaks down:
Real SDR salary ranges in the US
Base salary vs OTE (On-Target Earnings)
Commission structures and accelerators
Salary by experience and industry
How to maximize your earnings as an SDR
Entry-Level SDR Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 base
Mid-Level SDR (1–3 years): $55,000 – $75,000 base
Senior SDR / SDR II: $65,000 – $90,000 base
Average OTE SDR (US): $70,000 – $110,000
Top Performers: $120,000 – $160,000+
Top 1% SDRs (Enterprise / Accelerators): $180,000+
Understanding SDR pay requires knowing how compensation is structured.
Base Salary: 50% – 65% of total earnings
Commission (Variable Pay): 35% – 50%
Bonuses / SPIFFs: $2,000 – $20,000+ annually
Equity (Startups): 0% – 20%
SMB SDR at startup:
Base: $55,000
$45,000 – $60,000 base
$65,000 – $85,000 OTE
Reality:
Most SDRs start here with little sales experience. Earnings depend heavily on hitting quota early.
$55,000 – $75,000 base
$85,000 – $120,000 OTE
Key shift:
You’re expected to consistently hit quota and generate pipeline.
$65,000 – $90,000 base
Commission: $25,000
OTE: $80,000
Mid-market SDR at SaaS company:
Base: $65,000
Commission: $45,000
OTE: $110,000
Enterprise SDR (top performer):
Base: $80,000
Commission: $100,000+ (accelerated)
Total Earnings: $150,000 – $180,000+
$100,000 – $140,000 OTE
Important:
At this level, many transition into Account Executive roles.
$70,000 – $120,000 OTE
Top companies: $130,000 – $180,000+
Why higher pay:
Pipeline directly impacts revenue growth.
Premium segment:
Complex products = higher deal value = higher commissions.
More stable, less aggressive commission structures
Lower upside due to smaller deal sizes
Base: $50,000 – $65,000
OTE: $75,000 – $100,000
Equity included
Trade-off:
Higher risk, potential long-term upside.
Base: $60,000 – $75,000
OTE: $90,000 – $130,000
Sweet spot for earnings + stability
Base: $70,000 – $90,000
OTE: $110,000 – $160,000+
Top-tier compensation and structure
San Francisco: $100,000 – $160,000 OTE
New York City: $95,000 – $150,000
Boston: $90,000 – $140,000
Austin: $80,000 – $120,000
Chicago: $85,000 – $125,000
Typically $75,000 – $110,000 OTE
Increasingly standardized nationwide
Higher quota = higher OTE
Companies align commission with pipeline targets.
SMB deals → lower commission
Enterprise deals → significantly higher earnings
High-growth industries (AI, SaaS) pay more due to competition for talent.
Prior sales experience
Industry knowledge
Track record hitting quota
Ability to consistently exceed quota
Working at high-paying SaaS companies
Leveraging commission accelerators
Territory quality (inbound vs outbound)
Top performers unlock:
Accelerators (higher commission rates)
Promotions
Better territories
SaaS
Cybersecurity
Enterprise tech
Not all SDR roles are equal.
Look for:
Strong inbound lead flow
Realistic quotas
Proven product-market fit
AE salaries: $120,000 – $300,000+ OTE
Most SDRs double income within 2–4 years
Base salary → limited flexibility
Commission → more negotiable
Higher base salary
Better commission split
Signing bonus
Ramp period (guaranteed commission)
“Is there any flexibility on the salary?”
“Based on market data and my ability to ramp quickly, I’d like to discuss increasing the base to $65k and improving the commission structure to reflect a $110k OTE.”
SDR → Senior SDR
Senior SDR → Account Executive
AE → Enterprise AE / Sales Manager
SDR: $70k – $120k OTE
AE: $120k – $250k OTE
Enterprise AE: $200k – $400k+
The average SDR earns around $85k–$100k OTE, but top performers in the right companies can reach $150k+ within 1–2 years.
Your income depends on:
Company and industry
Commission structure
Your ability to exceed quota
Strategic career moves
Bottom line:
SDR is one of the fastest paths to six-figure income in the US — but only if you understand how compensation actually works and position yourself correctly.
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