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Sales Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $65K/yr

Sales Associate Department: Sales Reporting To: Sales Manager Employment Type: Full-Time Pay ... Sales Development & Training * Engage in a comprehensive training program focused on understanding ...

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Sales Development Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$59.8K

$167.9K

How much do sales development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for sales development associate in Chicago, IL is $59,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a sales development associate get paid?

The average salary for a sales development associate typically ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Many roles also offer commissions or bonuses based on performance, and entry-level positions may start lower while experienced associates can earn more with additional skills and certifications.

What does a sales development associate do?

A sales development associate is responsible for identifying and qualifying potential customers, often through outreach such as calls, emails, and social media. They focus on generating leads, setting appointments, and supporting the sales team to increase revenue, typically using customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Strong communication skills and product knowledge are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sales development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sales Development Associate, you need strong communication skills, a basic understanding of sales principles, and often a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce and proficiency in lead generation platforms are commonly required. Persistence, active listening, and a results-driven mindset help individuals excel in engaging prospects and building relationships. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively identifying leads, initiating productive conversations, and driving revenue growth.

Is a sales development associate an entry level position?

Yes, a sales development associate is typically an entry-level role that involves prospecting, qualifying leads, and supporting sales teams. It often requires strong communication skills and familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools, making it suitable for candidates starting their sales careers.

What are some common challenges faced by sales development associates, and how can they overcome them?

Sales Development Associates often face challenges such as handling frequent rejection, maintaining motivation during high-volume outreach, and effectively qualifying leads. To overcome these obstacles, it’s important to develop strong resilience and adopt a growth mindset. Leveraging sales enablement tools, collaborating closely with account executives, and regularly seeking feedback from peers and managers can help refine outreach strategies and improve conversion rates. Building time management skills and celebrating small wins also contribute to sustained performance and job satisfaction.

What is the difference between Sales Development Associate vs Business Development Representative?

AspectSales Development AssociateBusiness Development Representative
Primary FocusGenerating and qualifying leads for sales teamsIdentifying new business opportunities and building client relationships
ResponsibilitiesCold calling, email outreach, lead qualificationMarket research, networking, partnership development
Required SkillsCommunication, CRM proficiency, persistenceNegotiation, strategic thinking, relationship building
Work EnvironmentSales teams, marketing departmentsBusiness development teams, executive leadership

While both roles focus on growth, a Sales Development Associate primarily qualifies leads for the sales team, whereas a Business Development Representative actively seeks new business opportunities and partnerships. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the right candidate.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sales Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Sales Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sales Development Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sales Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Sales Development Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,799 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Sales Associate & Business Development

StickOutSocial, LLC.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We create beautiful websites and powerful web applications.  

The great news is virtually every business needs this service. This is truly the wild west of generating new business.

MORE INFO ON POSITION:

http://stickoutsocial.com/careers/sos-inside-sales-associate/

Where we are at as a company:

  • We very much still have that 'startup vibe'. We all sit together. We all work together. The president dresses like a homeless person. This will probably never change.
  • We have a lot of business coming in and are at a point where we struggle to answer the question 'are we a startup or are we a company?'.
  • Whatever the case, what we can say is that we are far more established than what we were 3 years ago, and we are still working in an environment where we work hard & support one another. 

From the founder of StickOutSocial:

  • I owe everything I learned to an entry level sales position I was in 6 years ago. I quickly learned that hard work and the passion to represent the company were the perfect ingredients to becoming successful. Sales goes beyond making money. It teaches you how to communicate. It teaches you how to negotiate. Most importantly, it teaches you how to listen.
Job Description

SOS is looking for a full-time entry-level sales associate who has the motivation and personality to flourish in a small startup environment. Upon mastering sales best practices (3-6 months based on success/work ethic), this associate will be moved into a business development role, where strategic partnerships are formed with companies that can bring multiple projects to the company on a consistent, ongoing basis.

What to expect:

Entry Level is where it starts:

  • Week long training program to learn sales best practices, our services, and general information.
  • Reaching out to businesses primarily by phone calls to start, but also through meetings & job boards.
Business Development is just one direction for growth within the company:
  • Reaching out to business who go beyond 'one time' website projects. These are the companies that can send you several jobs a month. From a financial standpoint, a lot of money can be made here, but we first want to make sure you prove yourself through cold calls and hard work!


Qualifications
  • A passion for making shit happen. This is not bullshit. We mean it.
  • Keen judgment and decision making skills. 
  • Curiousity. StickOutSocial puts a lot of value in asking questions - to our clients and to each other.
  • Good with numbers. Our services offer relief and results. Being able to quantify results accurately and clearly is a must.
  • A good sense of humor. Yup. It's a requirement.
  • Experience in Sales or Account Management. Not required, but it helps!
Additional Information
  • We are located near Wells and Van Buren in downtown Chicago. We are steps away from two CTA stops, Quincy/Wells (Brown/Green/Orange/Pink/Purple) and LaSalle (Blue).
  • There's a lot of energy in our office
  • Typically we have snacks delivered to the office on a monthly basis... meaning 2 weeks we are gorging chips... and then we run out and starve for 2 weeks. We need to work on this.