6 Figure Bases - Who's Got 'Em?

About to start hunting around for a new job and aiming for Mid-Market and Field roles. Anyone got or negotiated a six figure base? I know Salesforce, VMware, Google all have six figure bases for some sales reps. If you don't feel comfortable posting your company, feel free to mention the industry and anything else relevant. Thanks all!

💰 Compensation
👥 Hiring
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68
braintank
Politicker
15
Enterprise Account Executive
150k base at series C infosec company. Previously 135k at large public security company. They're definitely out there depending on your tenure.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
Are you remote?
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Yes
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
🦊
Are you hiring? Just kidding. But not really 👀
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
Yes, we're hiring like crazy
Upper_Class_SaaS
Politicker
0
Account Executive
👀
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
All the clues are there ... cloud security...
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
0
Inside Sales
I'm gonna be doing some googling haha. Thanks 
funcoupons
WR Officer
3
👑
Do u guys hire the maple syrup people…asking for a friend 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Yes, we have open reqs for Ontario and BC reps
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
If only we had DMs. 😒
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
I had the same thought...
Kamran
Opinionated
0
Mortgage Broker
My biggest challenge is being Canadian

Coffeesforclosers
Notable Contributor
3
Director Sales and Market Development
They were supposed to happen like so long ago, i want to DM
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
0
Inside Sales
Definitely love a Series B / Series C company
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
0
Senior AE & Business Owner
@braintank genuinely curious, how long have you sold into this certain sector and what size vertical? (Enterprise, MM, SMB or mix)
braintank
Politicker
6
Enterprise Account Executive
• I've been in SaaS sales since 2008. Started as Ent SDR.
• Was first sales hire at 2 failed startups after that (1 edtech, the other a freelancer platform)
• Jumped to eComm in 2012. Started as inside sales rep but then created my own position within the org going after SMB customers. Prior to this company wasn't pursuing anyone under $100M in revenue. Spent 6 months building a business plan then was given green-light from CRO to "make it so". Went from me running solo to me as DVP of SMB Sales over the course of 3 years. Company IPO'd along the way.
• Hated management, jumped to Ent AE at Series C data science company.
• Moved to Ent AE at Series C infosec company. Spent 5 years there. Company was eventually acquired.
• Recently (<2 months) left to join Series C infosec company. Sell to companies w/ >3,500 employees in MN, WI, and the Dakotas. 
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
2
Senior AE & Business Owner
@braintank yeah I was graduating HighSchool in 2009…. 😂 So this for sure tracks! You’ve earned your spot 💪🏼
alwaysbeclozin
Fire Starter
0
Account Manager
Out of curiosity, can you share the name of the freelance platform you worked at? Interested in that space 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
They went out of business. It's REALLY hard to build a sustainable freelance platform.
sweetlew
0
AE
Equity at any?
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Yes, equity at the one that IPO'd, one acquired, and current job. I had equity at others but chose not to exercise because I knew they weren't gonna make it.
bravadoavocado
Member
0
Account Manager
Is it related to the "killer whale" ..? 
braintank
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Maybe...
bravadoavocado
Member
1
Account Manager
I've made a living off of maybe. 
dncsv
OG Sales Savage
0
SD manager
what does this mean?
brovadoavocado
0
Account Manager
lol.. It means I'm in sales and that I get "maybes" and "no's" all the time. "Maybe" I can work with.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
11
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Enterprise AE at small SaaS software company, 6-figure base.  50/50 OTE.   Can be done, good luck!
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
3
Inside Sales
Small company seems like a great idea. Feel like they'd be more likely to take a risk on someone with less experience + bigger territories. 
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
They did that for one of my colleagues, but I’m not sure about the comp there. I did come with a lot of experience.
buckets1
Politicker
7
AE
100k base is very possible for Mid Market and should be the minimum expectation for Enterprise. For Mid Market you may have to go to a larger/public company with chopped up territories so there’ll be less upside. But those bases are definitely out there.
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
1
Inside Sales
Yeah, I don't have MM experience so I think it might be easier to snag that than Enterprise. 
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Work up to Enterprise, but MM can still be done and well-compensated.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Hell, I pulled in 6 figures as an SDR and SMB AE. Just gotta work the plan!
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
0
Inside Sales
Damn you must've been a playmaker of an SDR 
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
1
Senior AE & Business Owner
@ExtremeVibeChecker44 Honestly, a ton of SaaS “Enterprise” and “MM” roles aren’t truly in those verticals - lines get blurred. I’d suggest starting somewhere with a lower than 50+ headcount after gaining 3+ years in any AE role. Should more than qualify you for a MM 
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
1
Senior AE & Business Owner
This!!! I know career SDR’s just because of easy 💴 
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
0
Inside Sales
Cheers.
countingmyinterest
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I had a 91k OTE as a BDR. I know a couple startups that are offering their BDR's 80k base and 120k OTE
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
0
Inside Sales
Gawd haha
southernfriedsales
Opinionated
1
Senior AE & Business Owner
This has been my experience. Though my current role is between SMB and mid market and it’s more than I’ve ever made… I’ve done two MM roles now. 
thebushdownthestreet
1
Account Executive
'should be minimum' love this. so true, especially for the 12 month plus sales cycles. 
Dwightshrute
Valued Contributor
6
Account Manager
Currently $85k base (60/40) at large data platform company in SMB/Mid-market. Just got a raise too $100k base.
Got a offer for $160k (50/50) base at much smaller company in enterprise, in one of the best territories. (I spoke with many people I trust there did my own vetting) I will be taking it.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
4
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Also should note, people most likely will not post their companies - rule 5 states not to.   Yes, yes, we're a bunch of rule-breaking savages, but we also don't want to dox ourselves.
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
3
Inside Sales
Totally fair, don't want people breaking rules or breaking anonymity. 
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
No worries! We just can’t message and most want to stay anonymous, so it’s difficult to be specific. Besides, there is rule 5. :)
IzzyWinning
Tycoon
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Enterprise AE at small SaaS company. 6 figure base on 50/50.
SalesBeast
Politicker
3
Ty
SaaS = huge base right now. Go into software. Security is HUGE now.
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
2
sales
me
BenitoBlanco_
Opinionated
2
Regional Account Executive
6 figure base, about 60/40 OTE as an AE at a K-12 SaaS company. I'm responsible for all districts in my territory including the biggest ones, so I suppose that would be comparable to an Enterprise role in terms of being responsible for the largest prospects?

I got here by toiling in wireless sales and sales management roles for a decade, building my skills until a connection got me an opportunity at my first K-12 SaaS company as an AM, then was promoted to a hybrid AE/AM role at that company and it's been history from there. Absolutely love this work and I could never imagine willingly leaving except possibly for early retirement.

My advice to you from my experience would be to cultivate AUTHENTIC connections, not just typical bullshit surface-level networking. Stay interested in the professional lives of your friends, as it was a good personal friend of mine who got me into the industry. Remember that if someone vouches for you, they are putting their neck on the line as well, so someone who really feels they know you and trust you is much more likely to do so in a genuine way.
LMHandle7
Personal Narrative
2
Sales Director
If you don't ask, you don't get...coming off 100K+ base and now in process of negotiating another one for $120K, HR Tech roles
UnearnedConfidence
Fire Starter
1
Associate District Manager
I'm also in HR tech but negotiating 90k base for MM. Is it reasonable to ask for 100k+ then?
Skywalker
Good Citizen
0
Senior Account Executive
I’m in HR Tech for large, public company. Mid Market with $100k base. Attractive commission ramps put me at $340k W2. $100k is reasonable, since profit margins are typically 65%+ and clients stick around 5+ yrs, which is good residual for company.
techsales
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
150k base, series C company in martech. Less than 100 employees. Most of the Enterprise AE and in some cases Senior AE roles at smaller companies have higher bases from what I have seen. Good luck!
saler
Valued Contributor
0
AE
Interesting I’m in mar tech and haven’t seen a ton of these.
saler
Valued Contributor
0
AE
Mind letting me know how long you’ve been in sales?
techsales
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
8 yrs 
worktolive14
Fire Starter
0
Director of Sales and Partnerships
as in maritime?
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Mid market AE 100k base selling to the trucking and transportation industry. 
JMSwiggidy
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Mid market new logo role at a large public SaaS company. 50/50 split with a low 6 figure base. Enterprise/field reps here are very easily into 6 figure bases if not more.
Varro36
1
AE
Keep in mind ote inflation is big. Big ote can mean big ass quota you have no dream of hitting and you make less than you did with your previous base if you are good.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
over $100K base, negotiating up for next year. Series A.
TheOverTaker
Politicker
1
Senior Account Executive
Senior AE at a series C start up 95k (i know its not 100) 200 OTE
emooney
Opinionated
1
RSM
260, 50/50 split. Mid market at late stage startup. About 5-6 years of real closing experience
Cothrock
Catalyst
1
Account Executive
125/150 at a large bay-area based HR/Fins tech company you've heard of. Any of the big players will get you into the 6 figs. It's a good feeling. Good luck!
salesdude1
Old School Bravo
1
Sales
Really depends on where you're looking. Have you checked www.repvue.com for salary data?
PedraPeanut
Old School Bravo
1
Director of Inside Sales
Larger bases -> Startups & companies with a technical product. Thus, a startup with a technical product is a good bet
laterskater
Personal Narrative
1
VP of Sales
Any company just that raised a later round, C or D, would be possible to make $100K, especially those looking to hire and grow fast.

Crunchbase is pretty great for segmenting. You'll have to buy a plan after trial (or find an investor friend who has access).


For example, here's a list of 300 companies that have raised more than $25M total and raised at least $15M in past year. They will be looking to grow. https://www.crunchbase.com/discover/organization.companies/d6b96570147d8cb75c5c97af6a4aa66d
DollarBill
Executive
1
Director of Sales - Financial Services
For those in Series A-C companies here, how come no one is commenting on the equity they are getting. IMO this is the most important reason for joining a startup. If you want to maximize cash that is likely done at bigger orgs. How much equity are these startups giving out to Enterprise reps now?
eljefe
Executive
1
Senior Account Executive
@ExtremeVibeChecker44 what's your background like? SaaS Sales? how many years as a closer? 

If you have 5+ years experience in tech sales then you shouldn't take anything less than $100k base. If you have less experience then I recommend joining a mid to large company that has sales training and can help you build up your skills and network. This way you'll have the experience, training and background hitting quota.

A good sales resume has years of experience hitting and exceeding quota so when looking for a job make sure the product is a good fit for the market. The money will all fall into place after that.
pceccarelli1
Personal Narrative
1
VP of Sale
Was offered 100/100 at signing - secured 200k salary, no OTE - lack of company revenue clarity (historical and future) and removing 80% of my team in the first 6 months of being hired made it the best decision of my life. New team is stacked with rockstars from SMB so all things point to massive market dominance and a big payout. Know your worth.
CaptainColdCall
Big Shot
0
Director of sales
Healthcare or Health-Tech is the place to be, hands down. Salesforce Et al is old news and they constantly screw with commissions.  My reps are paid 150k, plus OTE,  and a monthly tech stipend and that's the WORST offer you can get. However, you have 90 days to produce or you're out. 
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
You had me until that last sentence
CaptainColdCall
Big Shot
0
Director of sales
Lol yea, thats just my methodology though. I've found that if you dont have significant pipeline built in 3 months, its likely that the rep is a bum. Still, Medtech is hands down the place to be. 
Infamous
0
ASD
3 months and you’re out is starting to change.  Just spoke to a company hoping to IPO in a year or 2.  They adjusted nicely.  Covid shutting down all our hospitals doesn’t make the 3 and out a logical expectation anymore.  I’ve been in med sales for awhile now.  
Wellss
Tycoon
0
Channel sales
The things I would do for a 6 figure base...
huntmaster
Fire Starter
0
AE (Account Executive)
It can also depend on company HQ geo. One company in NYC starts at 120k base for a mid market role when another company out of North Carolina could say starts at 75-90k. We are also stuck in this period of inflation where 100k is the new 70k base. Some people don’t realize that so they don’t push for it and companies rip them off.
Quotaboi
Catalyst
0
Enterprise Account Executive
I am CTZ based, Enterprise level, selling a security SaaS product. Here's my track:

18 mos as a DGRInternal promotion to territory field sales role, mix of hunting/farming $45k base, earned about $70k in commish 1st year. 2nd year made about $80k in commish.
Left to get a job with a better base and 50/50 split.
Was at $75k base. Hit quota, asked for a bump, company said no, so started looking. 

Took an offer with a SaaS company, Series D funding, base bumped to $120k (50/50).

Ended up back at 2nd company for $125k base (50/50).

From talking to other guys, Mid - Market in CTZ should be around a $100k base, Enterprise maybe $125k. The strategic reps I know are making more like $200-$250k base. This is all for security software companies that help you manage logins on your devices, etc.
CorporateSis
Contributor
0
Account Executive
Hate to break it to you, but none of the EMEA AEs at Salesforce have a 100k+ base. Although I assume you're talking about AMER here... 

Good luck, I saw some wonderful comments below!
17

*UPDATE* Didn't get the raise and now they're raising my quota. Time to go

Question
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