3. Sales Manager
- Median Annual Salary. $138,060
- Education Level Required. No four-year degree required
Sales managers lead teams that drive revenue, set sales targets, coach employees, and develop strategies to reach business objectives. They often work closely with marketing and product teams to optimize customer engagement. Individuals typically rise to this position after years in sales roles, such as account executives or representatives, relying on strong interpersonal, leadership, and negotiation skills. A proven record of sales success and deep product knowledge is usually more important than formal education, making this an attainable and lucrative path for high school graduates willing to hone their skills and grow within the field.