Last updated: January 2026
In this article: What Account Managers Do | Key Responsibilities | Required Skills | Salary | Career Path | How to Break In | FAQs
Part salesperson, part customer-service representative, an account manager is the critical link between a company and its clients. If you enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and ensuring client satisfaction, account management could be an ideal career path.
What Does an Account Manager Do?
An account manager serves as the liaison between an agency (or company) and its clients. They oversee the client relationship from start to finish—understanding what clients want to achieve, ensuring the agency delivers, and keeping everyone aligned along the way.
“I am responsible for making sure clients’ needs are met, and their voices are heard while coordinating with others and fulfilling the contractual day-to-day duties we’ve been hired to perform,” says Beth Adan, senior publicist at Three Girls Media, a public relations and social media management agency in Washington.
Account Manager Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities vary by industry and company size, but typically include:
- Client relationship management — Building and maintaining strong relationships with assigned accounts
- Presentations and pitches — Working with sales and marketing teams to prepare client presentations
- Strategy development — Designing marketing strategies and media proposals
- Communication — Handling client communications, writing reports, and translating client needs to internal teams
- Budget management — Monitoring budgets, tracking spending and revenue, and explaining cost factors to clients
- Business development — Identifying new opportunities within existing accounts and upselling products or services
- New client acquisition — Some account managers are also responsible for identifying and pitching potential new clients
Skills Required to Be an Account Manager
“An account manager should be a proactive self-starter who understands business in general,” says Dave Di Maggio, president of Aqua Marketing & Communications in St. Petersburg, Florida. “He should also be a keen observer of society and trends, specifically among clients’ target audience, and possess financial management skills.”
Essential Skills
| Skill Category | Specific Skills |
|---|---|
| Communication | Verbal and written communication, presentation skills, active listening |
| Interpersonal | Empathy, emotional intelligence, relationship building, conflict resolution |
| Organization | Project management, attention to detail, time management, multitasking |
| Business | Financial management, budgeting, strategic thinking, industry knowledge |
| Technical | CRM software, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, basic analytics |
Availability Matters
“While your work-life balance is important, being available and timely with your communication is essential for building trust and keeping a client’s account up to date,” says Adan. That sometimes includes evenings and weekends.
Attention to Detail
Being meticulous helps you avoid missing vital information about a client’s needs or misinterpreting what they want. “The simple mistake of incorrectly translating Eastern Time to Pacific can make or break a deal for your client,” Adan notes.
Account Manager Salary
Account manager salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and company size.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Director/VP Level | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
Note: Salaries in major markets (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles) typically run 15-25% higher. Many account managers also receive performance bonuses tied to client retention and revenue growth.
Account Manager Career Path
Who Does an Account Manager Report To?
In larger firms, account managers typically report to an account supervisor or VP of client services. They may also supervise account executives or coordinators who assist with day-to-day client tasks.
Career Progression
| Level | Title | Typical Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Account Coordinator / Account Executive | 0-2 years |
| Mid | Account Manager | 2-5 years |
| Senior | Senior Account Manager / Account Supervisor | 5-8 years |
| Leadership | Account Director / VP of Client Services | 8+ years |
Similar Roles
A publicist is a similar role depending on the company, though the jobs aren’t interchangeable. “As a publicist, I am an account manager, but not all account managers are publicists,” says Adan.
Other related titles include client success manager, customer success manager, client relationship manager, and business development manager.
What Does It Take to Get Ahead?
“Those with strong interpersonal skills—empathy, emotional intelligence, verbal skills, flexibility—tend to go far, even making up for having less strength in other skills,” says Di Maggio. “People want to do business with people they like.”
How to Break Into Account Management
Build Your Personal Brand
Adan recommends developing a strong personal brand. Strengthen your social media presence, personal website, and professional profiles to demonstrate how well you can manage public perception—a preview of how you’d represent clients.
Get the Right Education
“A college degree is a must,” says Di Maggio. Degrees in public relations, advertising, marketing, or communications provide a strong foundation for careers in account management.
Start with Internships
Don’t overlook internships, even unpaid ones. They frequently lead to full-time positions and provide invaluable hands-on experience managing client relationships.
Ready to start your account management career? Browse account manager jobs on Mediabistro.
FAQs About Account Managers
What is the primary role of an account manager?
An account manager is the critical link between a company and its clients. They ensure client needs are met, relationships are maintained, and the company delivers on its promises. This includes understanding client objectives, coordinating with internal teams, designing strategies, handling communications, and monitoring budgets.
What skills are essential for an account manager?
Key skills include strong interpersonal skills (empathy, emotional intelligence), excellent communication, keen observation of industry trends, financial management, attention to detail, and responsiveness to client needs. Being proactive and self-directed is also crucial.
Who does an account manager report to?
In larger organizations, account managers typically report to an account supervisor or VP of client services. They may also oversee account executives or coordinators who assist with client relationships.
What’s the difference between an account manager and an account executive?
Account executives are typically more junior and focus on supporting client accounts, while account managers take ownership of client relationships and strategy. Account managers usually supervise account executives and have more decision-making authority.
How much do account managers make?
Entry-level account managers typically earn $45,000-$55,000, mid-level professionals earn $55,000-$75,000, and senior account managers can earn $75,000-$95,000 or more. Salaries vary by location, industry, and company size.
What degree do you need to become an account manager?
Most account managers have a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, marketing, communications, or business. While not always required, a relevant degree provides a strong foundation and is often preferred by employers.
Is account management a good career?
Account management can be an excellent career for people who enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and working at the intersection of business strategy and client service. It offers clear advancement opportunities and the satisfaction of directly impacting client success.
What industries hire account managers?
Account managers work in advertising agencies, PR firms, marketing agencies, media companies, technology companies, financial services, healthcare, and virtually any B2B industry. The role exists wherever companies need someone to manage ongoing client relationships.
