The Salary Line: Telemarketing pay grew faster in 1999 than in ’98, survey says

Wages in the telemarketing sector rose more quickly in 1999 than in 1998, but failed to match the double-digit increases of a few years ago, according to a survey by TeleManagement Search, a New York executive search firm.

>From 1997 to 1998, hikes of less than 3% were more the rule than the >exception. In contrast, inbound telemarketing directors in the consumer >arena saw their base compensation jump about 4.1%, from $82,700 in 1998 to >$86,100 last year. Salaries for business-to-business telemarketing >directors rose 4.6%, from $76,200 to $79,700 during that period.

A telemarketing director’s duties include measuring and controlling allowable costs per order, implementing call center policies, hiring and training staff, as well as designing monitoring programs.

Business-to-business telemarketing salaries tend to be slightly higher because of the more technical nature and greater ticket value of the products and services sold to businesses.

Outbounders’ Salaries

Outbound B-to-B telemarketing directors earned an average of $84,300, with a low of $72,800 and a high of $90,200. Average base compensation rose 2.7% from last year’s level of $82,100. Consumer directors typically earned about $80,200, up 7.2% from the prior year’s average of $74,800, with a low salary of $68,500 and high of $88,900.

Outbound directors determine target markets and develop sales and pricing strategies; design and implement marketing plans; develop quality and efficiency programs and analyze sales statistics.

Call center vice presidents made an average of $106,700 in 1999, up 5.3% from $101,300 in 1998. The lowest reported salary was $92,600 and the highest was $124,800. Regional directors saw their average pay increase by 2%, from $80,800 to $82,400, with salaries ranging from $71,800 to $93,100.

Call center managers made between $50,700 and $66,400; average base compensation jumped 4.9%, from $55,600 to $58,300. These categories were not broken out by consumer and B-to-B.

Survey Data

TeleManagement Search based its analysis of 22 job descriptions and salary ranges on interviews with employers, employees and firms requesting candidates.

Copies of the report are available for $35 and a business card. Requests should be sent to TeleManagement Search, 114 E. 32nd St., Suite 927, New York, NY 10016.