How Much Does a Business Development make?

Business Development made a median salary around $179,735 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $201,939 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $161,147. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $161,147 10% $144,224 90% $222,154 75% $201,939 $179,735 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Business Development

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Business Development profession are Gadsden , San Luis , Somerton , Yuma , Cibola .
Gadsden, AZ $197,081
San Luis, AZ $197,081
Somerton, AZ $197,081
Yuma, AZ $197,081
Cibola, AZ $188,039

Best-Paying States for Business Development

The states and districts that pay Business Development the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $205,385) , California (around $203,540) , New Jersey (around $202,248) , Alaska (around $200,956) , and Massachusetts (around $200,772) .
District of Columbia $205,385
California $203,540
New Jersey $202,248
Alaska $200,956
Massachusetts $200,772

What is the Career Path of Business Development?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Business Development, the upper level is Business Development Director , and then progresses to Chief Business Development Executive

Frequently Asked Questions for Business Development

Q: What is the salary range of Business Development in Arizona?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Business Development in Arizona earned an average annual salary of $161,147 , while the highest-paid made $201,939.
Q: What is the salary for a Business Development in California?
A: Business Development employed in California earned an average salary of $203,540 in 2024.

Average Business Development Pay vs. Other Jobs

Business Development earned an average salary of $179,735 in 2024. Other jobs related to Business Development earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Business Development Director - Biotech made $167,855 , Business Development Manager - Biotech made $128,067 , Business Development Director and Business Development Manager made $204,115 and $138,572 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Business Development

Business Development Director - Biotech - Average Salary $167,855
Business Development Director - Biotech supports top management by providing analysis for evaluating new business opportunities such as in/out licensing, collaborative research and development agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. Oversees business development activities through subordinate managers. Being a Business Development Director - Biotech requires an MBA and at least 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Additionally, Business Development Director - Biotech relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management.
Business Development Manager - Biotech - Average Salary $128,067
Business Development Manager - Biotech supports management by providing analysis for evaluating new business opportunities such as in/out licensing, collaborative research and development agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. May manage activities through subordinate supervisors. Being a Business Development Manager - Biotech requires an MBA and at least 3-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Additionally, Business Development Manager - Biotech relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Business Development Director - Average Salary $204,115
Business Development Director directs the execution of the business development vision, strategy, plans, and processes to drive sales, increase revenue, expand markets, and accomplish financial objectives. Identifies and evaluates new markets, partners, channels, and customers. Being a Business Development Director develops and uses contacts and relationships within the industry, business environment, and customer base to understand and respond to competition, pricing, and product demand changes. Oversees the development of proposals and contracts for new business opportunities and manages negotiations. Additionally, Business Development Director collaborates with marketing, sales, product development, and other stakeholders to support business development plans. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. The Business Development Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Business Development Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Business Development Manager - Average Salary $138,572
Business Development Manager manages the daily execution of the business development strategy, plans, and processes to drive sales, increase revenue, expand markets, and accomplish financial objectives. Coaches teams in best practices and effective tactics for prospecting new markets, partners, channels, and customers. Being a Business Development Manager establishes team targets and metrics to measure the achievement of objectives. Develops and uses contacts and relationships within the industry, business environment, and customer base to understand and respond to competition, pricing, and product demand changes. Additionally, Business Development Manager makes suggestions for new product offerings or improvements to sales or marketing efforts. May administer or negotiate new business proposals and prepare contracts. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Business Development Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Business Development Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Business Development Supervisor - Average Salary $126,154
Business Development Supervisor identifies, evaluates, and pursues business opportunities with partners or potential customers. Coordinates and negotiates with other departments to implement marketing initiatives. Being a Business Development Supervisor is responsible for maintaining close relationship with existing clients. Acquires new customers, retains and expands existing customer relationships. Additionally, Business Development Supervisor develops sales of products and services by investigating and resolving customer problems, recommends modifications to the product/service line, and coordinates sales negotiations with appropriate personnel. Responsible for meeting sales volume and revenue goals and standards for activity, such as number of sales calls. Requires a bachelor's degree in business, finance or marketing. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Business Development Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Business Development Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.