Customer Success Manager Salary Overview
Customer Success Managers (CSMs) at SaaS companies drive customer outcomes, retention, and expansion by managing a portfolio of accounts throughout the customer lifecycle. They work closely with Account Managers on renewals and commercial negotiations, partner with Implementation Specialists on customer onboarding, and report to a Director of Customer Success or Head of Customer Success.
CSM compensation increasingly includes variable pay tied to net revenue retention and expansion revenue. The career path typically leads to Senior Customer Success Manager or Director of Customer Success for those building a career in post-sale leadership. View all SaaS salary benchmarks.
Detailed Customer Success Manager Compensation Breakdown
Percentile Band | Average Base Salary | # of salaries |
|---|---|---|
| Top 25% | $144,010 | 149 salaries |
| Middle 50% | $74,787 | 275 salaries |
| Bottom 25% | $43,403 | 142 salaries |
What Drives Higher CSM Pay?
Portfolio ARR managed — larger books of business command higher pay
Net revenue retention (NRR) and gross retention track record
Enterprise vs. SMB accounts (enterprise CSMs earn 20–35% more)
Expansion revenue responsibility and upsell track record
CSM Compensation Structure
Base salary is 75–85% of total compensation
Variable pay tied to retention, NRR, and expansion metrics
Equity grants at growth-stage companies (0.02–0.1%)
Expansion bonuses for driving upsell and cross-sell revenue
