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Sales Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an sales development specialist this is your main deliverable, which should be achieved using a high level of creativity, ingenuity, and out-of-the-box thinking. Requirements - Qualifying leads ...

As an sales development specialist this is your main deliverable, which should be achieved using a high level of creativity, ingenuity, and out-of-the-box thinking. Requirements - Qualifying leads ...

Our Sales Development Specialist is primarily a training role to develop into a District Sales or other Sales role. In this role, you will: * Complete cross-functional training in Production ...

The Sales Development Specialist plays a critical role in fueling pipeline growth by identifying new business opportunities and engaging both prospective and current customers. This role is ideal for ...

The Sales Development Specialist plays a critical role in fueling pipeline growth by identifying new business opportunities and engaging both prospective and current customers. This role is ideal for ...

The Sales Development Specialist plays a critical role in fueling pipeline growth by identifying new business opportunities and engaging both prospective and current customers. This role is ideal for ...

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Sales Development Specialist information

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$37.5K

$67.9K

$94.5K

How much do sales development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for sales development specialist in the United States is $67,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Sales Development Specialists?

Sales Development Specialists are professionals who focus on generating and qualifying leads for a company's sales team. They typically reach out to potential customers, identify their needs, and determine if they are a good fit for the product or service offered. Their main goal is to build a pipeline of opportunities for sales representatives by initiating contact, nurturing relationships, and setting up meetings or demos. This role often acts as a bridge between marketing and sales, ensuring that high-quality prospects are handed off for further engagement.

Do SDRs need a degree?

Sales Development Specialists typically do not require a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is usually necessary. Many employers value relevant skills such as communication, CRM software proficiency, and sales techniques, which can be gained through training or certifications. Having a degree can be advantageous but is not mandatory for entry-level roles in sales development.

What is the difference between Sales Development Specialist vs Sales Representative?

AspectSales Development SpecialistSales Representative
Primary FocusGenerating and qualifying leads, setting appointmentsClosing sales and managing client accounts
Required SkillsLead generation, prospecting, communicationNegotiation, closing, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentInside sales, marketing teamsCustomer-facing, sales meetings
Common CertificationsSales certifications, CRM trainingSales certifications, product-specific training

While both roles are vital in the sales process, a Sales Development Specialist focuses on prospecting and qualifying leads, whereas a Sales Representative primarily works on closing deals and managing customer relationships. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the right candidate.

Is SDR an entry level position?

A Sales Development Specialist (SDR) is often considered an entry-level role in sales, focusing on lead generation and qualification. It typically requires minimal prior experience, though strong communication skills and familiarity with CRM tools can be beneficial for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sales Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sales Development Specialist, you need strong prospecting skills, a solid understanding of the sales cycle, and often a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software like Salesforce, email automation tools, and lead generation platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, resilience, and active listening are standout soft skills for engaging potential customers and overcoming objections. These skills are crucial for building a quality sales pipeline, nurturing leads, and driving revenue growth for the organization.

What does a sales development specialist do?

A sales development specialist is responsible for identifying and qualifying potential customers, generating leads, and setting appointments for the sales team. They often use customer relationship management (CRM) tools and sales outreach strategies to build a pipeline of prospects and support revenue growth.

What are the most common challenges faced by Sales Development Specialists, and how can they be overcome?

Sales Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as handling frequent rejection, maintaining motivation during high-volume outreach, and effectively qualifying leads. Overcoming these hurdles requires resilience, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to learning from each interaction. Building good relationships with the sales and marketing teams, using CRM tools efficiently, and regularly seeking feedback can help specialists refine their strategies and succeed in their role.

Do Sdr make good money?

Sales Development Specialists typically earn a base salary plus commissions or bonuses based on performance, with total compensation often ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Earnings can increase with experience, skills, and success in lead generation and outreach efforts. Some roles also offer incentives or sales targets that impact overall income.
What cities are hiring for Sales Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Sales Development Specialist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Sales Development Specialist jobs? The top employers for Sales Development Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sales Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,855 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Sales Development Specialist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to launch your human capital management career with a well-respected company? Alliance HCM is looking for a motivated full-time Sales Development Specialist to join our team in The Woodlands, TX. In this payroll and benefits software sales position, you will help connect with potential clients and support our Sales team.

This capital management position earns competitive pay. We also offer our excellent human capital management team benefits and perks, such as:

  • Competitive compensation consistent with qualifications
  • 100% paid medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability coverage
  • Base life insurance
  • A 401k plan with a generous 3-5% match
  • Profit sharing to celebrate our collective success

WHAT WILL YOU DO EVERY DAY AS A SALES DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST?

As a Sales Development Specialist, your day will involve reaching out to potential clients through cold calls and emails. You will aim to make at least 60 calls and send 30 emails each day. Your main tasks will include scheduling initial meetings for the Sales team and sharing important information to help them have successful conversations. You will also research and evaluate potential leads online to find new opportunities. Throughout the day, you will keep track of all contacts and progress in Salesforce to ensure smooth communication within the team.


WHEN WILL YOU WORK?

You will work full-time during regular business hours.


WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE OUR SALES DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST?

  • Experience in effectively articulating product selling points via phone and email
  • Ability to assist in coordinating sales functions, including prospecting and lead research
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, coupled with excellent listening skills
  • Positive attitude and resilience in the face of rejection
  • Self-motivation, persistence, and the ability to work independently while maintaining strong working relationships

At least one year of experience in marketing, inside sales, or business development is preferred. A four-year post-secondary education/bachelor's degree is also a plus.


WHO ARE WE?

Alliance aims to be the largest independent human capital management (HCM) company in the United States by providing the most advanced technology to customers through our proprietary, single database, cloud-based software. We help small- to medium-sized businesses manage their payroll, HR, benefits, onboarding, off-boarding, and everything in between. As the second largest privately held payroll company in the U.S., our goal is to constantly innovate and create best-in-class HCM solutions. At Alliance, our employees enjoy more than rewarding work and competitive compensation. By joining us, you become part of a team that supports and celebrates your success. We encourage everyone to push the boundaries of what's possible and test new ideas. As part of our team, you'll go as far as you want and have fun doing it.


READY TO START?

If you're excited to start your payroll and benefits software sales career with AllianceHCM, we invite you to fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. Don't miss your chance to join our human capital management team!