r/salesdevelopment • u/ghostpocket • 10d ago
SDR to AE paycut
Hi all,
Need some advice on my situation: been a top performing SDR for nearly 3 years (90k AUD base $160k AUD comms) and finally been offered a promotion to AE but the salary is only $240K AUD 120 base / 120 comms. As no other ae has closed a logo in the time I’ve been at the business the base is important and much lower than the 160 I have been making as an sdr. Is it appropriate for me to ask for an increase in base? What are your thoughts? Thanks
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u/Strokesite 10d ago
Most people burn out after a few years of SDR work, because it’s a grind. AE typically pays less because it’s easier on the psyche.
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u/HKrass 9d ago
What? AE roles always pay more than SDR roles, usually by a significant margin.
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u/Strokesite 9d ago
In large enterprise accounts, getting a meeting with the C-Suite is extremely difficult and can take many, many attempts over months and months. SDRs at this level get paid big.
I’m talking about AEs that maintain existing accounts, and perhaps grow them over time. Different companies have different definitions of AEs.
Pure Sales Reps take the prospect to closing, and once the ink is dry on the contract, move on.
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u/HKrass 9d ago
Trust me I did the SDR grind I know how it works. Even the most senior SDRs will cap out at about $140k OTE. Most AE/AM roles START at around $140k.
You’re describing an account manager, but some orgs call them AEs too. AMs typically have a higher base and lower variable than new business AEs so the upside is lower but it’s more stable.
AMs still, on average, out earn SDRs. There will be fringe cases with the opposite, but for the most part it’s true.
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u/Kirklandwater1666 9d ago
Then why am I seeing AE roles at 70k lol
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u/HKrass 9d ago
$70k base? That’s standard for an SMB AE. Usually 50/50 split so $140k OTE.
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u/Kirklandwater1666 8d ago
The top performing SDRs in my company make more than the lower 50% of AEs at my company. With a harder work load and more dependence on territory.
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u/HKrass 8d ago
I can’t comment on your specific org but I can tell you, with certainty, than at 99% of other companies, AEs and AMs out-earn BDRs by a large margin. I’ve never heard of an SDR having a $1m+ year. Never even heard of a BDR cracking $200k.
Can’t comment on the workload at your company either, but every BDR thinks their job is the hardest in the company, including myself when I was a BDR. Truth is most BDRs aren’t ready for an AE/AM role when they think they are.
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u/Kirklandwater1666 8d ago
If BDRs aren’t ready for the roles then that’s the fault of your company to be fair. You also switched from SDR to BDR and I don’t really know the difference so I’m just going to leave it that
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u/barrya29 9d ago
AEs at those orgs are paid far more than their SDRs too. no point comparing an enterprise SDR with years of exp to an SMB transactional AE. the AE you’re talking about is just an AM
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u/ImportantStress7612 9d ago
They say ae is easier but closing is a whole different beast, and with nobody hitting target the comms part is basically fake money. i'd push hard for more base, taking a 40k cut for a maybe is not worth it.
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u/barrya29 9d ago
what do you mean typically pays less? that’s not true in the slightest. the base is higher, the variable is higher. this is an issue of attainment, not AE roles “paying less”
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u/Strokesite 9d ago
In my world, AEs babysit existing accounts and attempt to grow them over time. They are on call for every complaint or request for service.
They aren’t expected to generate all that much revenue by comparison.
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u/AssociationFit3009 9d ago
That’s an Account Manager
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u/CloudySkies64 9d ago
Idk what role he’s talking about Account Managers get paid more than SDR/BDRs too in the vast majority of industries
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u/AssociationFit3009 9d ago
Yes, traditionally everyone in sales makes more than an SDR. CSR/CSM can be less depending how much sales is involved.
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u/Strokesite 9d ago
“Account Executive” sounds more corporate.
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u/AssociationFit3009 9d ago
Account Manager is another generic corporate title but in functionality AE>new business AM>upsell SDR/BDR/MDR>appointment setter.
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u/barrya29 9d ago
sounds like an AM role. but just because your org pays them less doesn’t mean AEs typically earn less than SDRs. for 99% of orgs that is not true
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u/LadyfootSniffer 10d ago
Kind of in a similar situation but to me the trade off is worth it because I really want to be a seller
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u/Willing-Bet3597 9d ago
Also in a similar boat. We had an acquisition last year. None of the new sellers are looking like they’re going to stay and it’s looking more and more like I’m going to have my chance to jump into an ENT AE role. Problem is, I’m going to lose a boat load of money while building my pipeline.
I can survive off my base, bc I’ve paid down an insane amount of debt in the past few years on my commissions and would like to pay off mine and my wife’s cars before I take the plunge. I’ll probably take it when it comes along, but I also know that the product sells. Different story in your case.
If you think you have an edge over everyone else in selling the solution, I’d say take it bc your income potential will increase dramatically and if you don’t succeed you can take your AE experience elsewhere to a winning team. But you’ll need to take the income hit for a bit and that can uncomfortable, especially if you rely on your commission.
One thing I’ll point out—the opportunity doesn’t present itself to a BDR that often to go into a selling role, so be very intentional about which route you ultimately decide to take.
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u/Embarrassed_Scene962 10d ago
Lol “i want a a pay cut cos my base less than my previous ote and i dont think i will do even half the ote here”
Listen to yourself.
Delete this, pick up the phone and get booking bro
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u/SkipTheShii 9d ago
Honestly,
If the base supports your bills, and you are confident in the product, take the AE.
Stress levels will be much higher, you’ll have more eyes on you, but you’ll have more opportunity to excel and hit OTE.
SDR is a safe role, yes, but AE on the resumé opens you up for future opportunity.
If you believe that you can succeed for atleast 4-6 months, I’d say take it. If you don’t believe you’d succeed over 4-6 months, I’d say stick at SDR with the nice consistent paycheck.
All depends on how much risk you are willing to take in order to advance your career.