What is an account executive and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.
introduction image

An account executive manages client accounts for a company. They serve as the primary point of contact and work to build strong relationships with clients to meet their needs. Account executives also monitor client satisfaction, identify new business opportunities, and negotiate contracts. They work closely with other departments such as marketing and customer service, to effectively address clients’ needs. Successful account executives possess communication and negotiation skills.

What general advice would you give to an Account Executive?

K

Kaustav Misra Ph.D.Kaustav Misra Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean, Central Connecticut State University

I have spent almost two decades in the higher education industry and about a decade in administration. I often advised students, and it is astonishing to see how many of these students do not plan for their future. A good plan is a starting point to lead a good and successful career and life. Hence, by all means, it is worth noting that developing a future-oriented focus is important, so taking time to streamline the plan should be an important exercise for every graduate before they begin to do anything.
ScoreAccount ExecutiveUS Average
Salary
5.4

Avg. Salary $69,618

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.4

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.38%

Asian 5.57%

Black or African American 6.75%

Hispanic or Latino 16.30%

Unknown 4.05%

White 66.94%

Gender

female 42.81%

male 57.19%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Account Executive?

Pros

  • Potential for high income through commission and bonuses

  • Collaborative work environment with a team

  • Ability to work independently and manage your own schedule

  • Access to networking events and industry conferences

  • Variety in daily tasks and responsibilities

Cons

  • Long hours, including evenings and weekends

  • Frequent rejection and frustration when deals don't go through

  • Constant need to keep up with industry trends and changes

  • Competition with other account executives for clients and commissions

  • Potential for conflicts of interest or ethical dilemmas

Account Executive career paths

Key steps to become an account executive

  1. Explore account executive education requirements

    Most common account executive degrees

    Bachelor's

    78.0 %

    Associate

    9.7 %

    Master's

    6.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific account executive skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service8.69%
    CRM6.30%
    Healthcare5.04%
    Sales Process4.62%
    Salesforce4.42%
  3. Research account executive duties and responsibilities

    • Create and manage Facebook and twitter accounts.
    • Have achieve Google certification for both SEM and SEO sales.
    • Lead proposal team in winning a $1MM RFP, turning around a key account relationship.
    • Manage all aspects of new FedEx implementations (automation set-up, operational support and training of customers).
  4. Prepare your account executive resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your account executive resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an account executive resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Account Executive Resume templates

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  5. Apply for account executive jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an account executive job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Account Executive Job

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Are you an Account Executive?

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Average account executive salary

The average Account Executive salary in the United States is $69,618 per year or $33 per hour. Account executive salaries range between $44,000 and $109,000 per year.

Average Account Executive Salary
$69,618 Yearly
$33.47 hourly

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How do account executives rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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Account Executive reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2021
Pros

Cultivating relationships with customers and accessing customers needs , I like solving their problems with the product or service that I am pre selling to them before passing the lead to a sales executive.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Cons

I don't like feeling like I haven't did a great at job at making customers feel comfortable and confident about where and who they are purchasing from.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Meeting with consumers, educating, coaching, discussing products

Cons

None, I really enjoy it


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.