As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Development Manager in Des Plaines, IL is $126,994 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Category Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Category Development Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Category Development Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Category ... Level Category Development Manager | $164,402 |
| Category ... Level Category Development Manager | $111,428 |
| Category ... Level Category Development Manager | $128,005 |
| Category ... Level Category Development Manager | $147,470 |
| Category ... Level Category Development Manager | $181,124 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.3% |
| Strategic Sourcing | 2.62% |
| Economics | 0.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$130,804 |
3%
|
|
Partnering
|
$130,804 |
3%
|
|
Accountability
|
$130,804 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$130,804 |
3%
|
|
Supplier Management
|
$129,534 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$129,534 |
2%
|
For Category Development Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Category Development Manager positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Category Development Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $165,092 | $79.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $158,743 | $76.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $152,393 | $73.0 | 20% |
| MFG Nondurable | $146,043 | $70.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $139,694 | $67.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Category Development Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Category Development Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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