Entry-Level Customer Success Manager Salary Guide

Entry-Level Customer Success Manager Salary Guide

Starting your career as an Entry-Level Customer Success Manager (CSM) can be exciting, offering a pathway into one of the most in-demand roles in business today. But what can you expect to earn when you’re just starting out? Our guide to entry-level CSM salaries gives you a clear picture of how much you can make and what factors influence your earnings.

What is the Average Salary for an Entry-Level Customer Success Manager?

For an entry-level Customer Success Manager, the typical salary in the U.S. ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year. However, various factors can influence this salary, including location, industry, and the size of the company.

Entry-Level Customer Success Salary Overview:

  • Low end: $50,000/year
  • Average: $65,000/year
  • High end: $75,000/year

Factors That Influence Entry-Level CSM Salaries

1. Location

Your location has a significant impact on your starting salary as a Customer Success Manager. Cities with a higher cost of living or a greater demand for tech and SaaS talent tend to offer higher starting salaries.

  • San Francisco, CA: $70,000 – $75,000/year
    San Francisco is a hub for tech companies, particularly SaaS businesses, which tend to pay higher than average salaries, even for entry-level roles.
  • New York, NY: $68,000 – $72,000/year
    New York offers strong pay for entry-level CSMs due to its large number of enterprise and tech companies, though the high cost of living plays a role in these numbers.
  • Austin, TX: $60,000 – $68,000/year
    Austin is an emerging tech hub that offers competitive salaries for new CSMs, with a lower cost of living compared to major cities like San Francisco and New York.
  • Remote Roles: $55,000 – $70,000/year
    Remote entry-level CSM roles can vary widely depending on the company, but they generally offer competitive pay relative to the cost of living in the employee's location.

2. Industry

Certain industries offer higher pay for entry-level Customer Success Managers due to the complexity of the products or the value of the customer relationships they manage.

  • SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): $65,000 – $75,000/year
    SaaS companies typically offer the highest starting salaries for CSMs due to the importance of customer retention and the high value of recurring revenue.
  • Healthcare & MedTech: $60,000 – $70,000/year
    The healthcare industry also pays competitive salaries for CSMs, especially as the role becomes more vital in the management of client relationships in MedTech solutions.
  • E-commerce & Retail: $55,000 – $65,000/year
    CSMs in the e-commerce or retail sectors can expect slightly lower starting salaries, but with the potential for growth as they gain experience.

3. Company Size

The size of the company you work for can also affect your starting salary. Larger companies typically offer higher starting pay due to more resources and established client bases.

  • Enterprise Companies: $65,000 – $75,000/year
    Large companies with established Customer Success teams often have structured salary tiers and offer more competitive starting pay for new hires.
  • Startups: $50,000 – $65,000/year
    Startups may offer lower salaries, but often provide additional benefits such as equity or performance-based bonuses. There is also more room for rapid growth as the company expands.

4. Education & Certifications

While a degree in business, marketing, or communications can help, having Customer Success certifications can significantly increase your marketability and earning potential, even at the entry level.

  • Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM)
    This certification can help differentiate you from other candidates and may allow you to negotiate a higher starting salary.
  • Customer Success Manager Competency (CSM)
    Specialized certifications in Customer Success strategies and tools can show employers that you're ready to hit the ground running.

How to Increase Your Salary as an Entry-Level CSM

Want to start on the higher end of the salary range? Here are some ways to maximize your earnings early in your career:

  1. Pursue Relevant Certifications: Consider getting certifications like Certified Customer Success Manager (CCSM) to enhance your qualifications and increase your earning potential.
  2. Highlight Transferable Skills: If you have experience in client management, sales, or marketing, emphasize these skills in your job applications and interviews to command a higher salary.
  3. Target High-Growth Industries: Look for entry-level roles in industries with a strong focus on Customer Success, such as SaaS or FinTech, where salaries tend to be higher.
  4. Leverage Negotiation Tactics: Even in entry-level positions, there's often room to negotiate. Research salaries in your location and industry, and don’t hesitate to ask for a compensation package that matches your value.

What Does an Entry-Level Customer Success Manager Do?

As an entry-level CSM, you'll be responsible for helping customers achieve success with your company's products or services. Key responsibilities typically include:

  • Onboarding: Guiding new customers through the setup process and ensuring they understand how to use the product.
  • Customer Support: Acting as the first point of contact for customer questions, ensuring they receive timely responses and solutions.
  • Account Management: Building strong relationships with clients to foster loyalty and prevent churn.
  • Feedback Gathering: Communicating customer feedback to product and development teams to improve offerings.

Is Customer Success a Good Career Path for Beginners?

Absolutely! Customer Success is one of the fastest-growing career fields, with excellent opportunities for advancement. Starting as an entry-level CSM offers you the chance to develop key business skills, build relationships, and create a strong foundation for career growth. Many CSMs go on to more senior roles, such as Customer Success Directors or VP of Customer Success within a few years.

Find Entry-Level Customer Success Jobs Today

Ready to start your career as a Customer Success Manager? Explore our curated list of entry-level CSM job openingsto find the best opportunities in your area or for remote roles.