The gender pay gap in sales shows no sign of closing – women still earn around €700 less per month than men
The analysis shows the gap cannot be explained by factors such as work experience, role complexity or hours worked.
”We cannot talk about equality when men’s salaries are several hundred euros a month higher than women’s. In practical terms, female sales professionals work the rest of the year for free after 17 November, compared to men’s earnings. It is absolutely essential that companies critically examine their compensation systems in order to root out pay inequality,” says Marko Hovinmäki, Chairman of MMA.
In sales, you can reach a good salary level early in your career, and as experience grows, earnings can increase very quickly. This is one of the field’s main attractions.
Median salary in sales is now €6,160
The median salary in sales roles rose by 2.7 percent in 2025 and now stands at €6,160 per month. Salary progression is rapid after the early stages of a career. The median salary — including bonuses or commission — for sales professionals with up to ten years of experience rose from €4,800 to €5,440 over the year. This represents growth of approximately 13%.
”For young people considering their career options, this is a positive message. In sales, you can reach a good salary level early in your career, and as experience grows, earnings can increase very quickly. This is one of the field’s main attractions,” says Hovinmäki.
Contrary to popular belief, straight commission pay is now very rare among sales professionals. By far the most common pay model is a combination of a fixed salary and a bonus.
Steady growth in base salaries
Sales work is often associated with commission and bonuses, but the survey also shows that base salaries have risen. Growth has been steady and continuous: in 2025, the median base salary among sales respondents was €5,600, compared to €5,040 two years earlier — an increase of 11 percent over two years.
The survey found that pay rises in sales are most commonly based on general increases, as reported by 68 percent of respondents. Around one third (31 %) say their earnings grew through a personal base salary increase, and one quarter (25 %) through improved results and bonuses.
Highest salaries in industry
Salary levels vary considerably by sector. In 2025, the median salary for sales professionals working in manufacturing was €6,676 per month. In the service sector it was €5,936, and in wholesale and retail trade €5,779.
”In our view, strong export figures appear to be reflected in the salary development of sales professionals in the sector. One contributing factor is the sector’s collective agreement pay increases in 2024 and 2025,” Hovinmäki notes.
For further information:
Marko Hovinmäki
Chairman
Sales and Marketing Professionals (MMA)
Phone: +358 400 747 333
Email: marko.hovinmaki@mma.fi
MMA’s salary survey 2025
MMA’s salary survey was conducted by Aula Research Oy via an online questionnaire between January 7 and January 26, 2026. A total of 2,033 sales and marketing professionals responded, of whom 1,672 were employed full-time throughout 2025. The survey examined gross earnings including incentives and benefits. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the impact of various factors on gross monthly income. 75 percent of respondents were reached via MMA’s membership register.