How much does a Proposal Manager make?
A Proposal Manager plays a key role in helping companies win new business. They create detailed proposals that show how a company can meet a client's needs. This job can be very rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. On average, a Proposal Manager earns about $95,386 per year. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the industry.
The salary for a Proposal Manager can range from around $46,000 to over $162,000 per year. Most managers fall somewhere in the middle of this range. Those with more experience or in high-demand industries often earn more. For example, managers in tech or consulting often make higher salaries compared to those in other fields. Location also plays a big role. Cities with a higher cost of living, like San Francisco or New York, tend to offer higher salaries to cover those costs.
What are the highest paying cities for a Proposal Manager?

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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $134,191
In Tucson, professionals excel in crafting compelling proposals. The tech and aerospace sectors offer many opportunities. Companies like Raytheon and Boeing often seek skilled proposal managers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $124,130
San Francisco is a hub for tech innovation. Proposal managers here work with leading firms like Google and Salesforce. They create proposals that highlight cutting-edge technology and services.
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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $118,679
Cleveland offers a strong industrial base. Proposal managers here often work with companies like General Electric and Sherwin-Williams. They focus on delivering detailed and persuasive proposals.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $114,108
Detroit is known for its automotive industry. Proposal managers here collaborate with giants like Ford and General Motors. They craft proposals that emphasize innovation in vehicle technology.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $113,917
St. Louis has a diverse job market. Proposal managers here work with companies like Edward Jones and Centene Corporation. They focus on creating proposals that meet the unique needs of clients.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $112,906
In Washington, DC, proposal managers work with government and defense contractors. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman seek their expertise. They create proposals that align with policy and defense needs.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $112,597
Miami offers a vibrant and diverse job market. Proposal managers here work with companies like Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line. They focus on crafting proposals that highlight customer experience and luxury.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $112,386
San Diego is a center for biotech and defense. Proposal managers here work with companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics. They create proposals that emphasize innovation and technology.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $107,898
Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry. Proposal managers here work with companies like NASA and Raytheon. They focus on creating proposals that highlight advanced technology and research.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $105,517
Raleigh offers a growing tech and research sector. Proposal managers here work with companies like Red Hat and IBM. They craft proposals that emphasize innovation and software development.
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What are the best companies a Proposal Manager can work for?

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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $166,731
BAE Systems USA offers exciting opportunities for Proposal Managers. They work in various locations, including Arlington, VA, and San Diego, CA. The company focuses on defense and aerospace technologies.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $158,168
KPMG provides a dynamic environment for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like New York, NY, and Chicago, IL. KPMG specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services.
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Raytheon
Average Salary: $154,094
Raytheon offers rewarding roles for Proposal Managers. They operate in locations such as El Segundo, CA, and Tucson, AZ. Raytheon focuses on defense and aerospace.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $142,219
Deloitte provides a competitive salary for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC. Deloitte offers consulting and audit services.
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PwC
Average Salary: $141,526
PwC offers attractive positions for Proposal Managers. They work in locations such as New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA. PwC specializes in assurance, tax, and consulting.
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Moffatt & Nichol
Average Salary: $118,410
Moffatt & Nichol provides good opportunities for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC. The company focuses on engineering and consulting.
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HDR
Average Salary: $105,131
HDR offers roles for Proposal Managers. They work in locations such as Omaha, NE, and Charlotte, NC. HDR specializes in architecture, engineering, and environmental services.
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Hendall Inc.
Average Salary: $105,000
Hendall Inc. provides competitive salaries for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like San Diego, CA, and Washington, DC. The company focuses on construction and engineering.
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U.S. Bank
Average Salary: $98,306
U.S. Bank offers good positions for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like Minneapolis, MN, and Phoenix, AZ. The company provides banking and financial services.
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WHITE CONSTRUCTION
Average Salary: $95,160
WHITE CONSTRUCTION offers roles for Proposal Managers. They work in cities like San Diego, CA, and Washington, DC. The company specializes in construction services.
How to earn more as a Proposal Manager?
A Proposal Manager plays a key role in securing business for a company. This role involves crafting compelling proposals that win contracts and projects. To earn more in this position, focus on enhancing skills and gaining experience. This can lead to higher-paying opportunities and career advancement.
Here are some factors that can help increase earnings as a Proposal Manager:
- Experience: Gaining experience in different industries can make a Proposal Manager more valuable. Each industry has unique needs and challenges.
- Specialization: Focusing on a specific industry or type of proposal can lead to higher pay. Specialization shows expertise and can command a premium.
- Certifications: Earning certifications in proposal writing or related fields can boost earnings. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
- Networking: Building a strong network of industry contacts can lead to better job opportunities. Networking can also provide insights into higher-paying roles.
- Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest trends and tools in proposal management can improve performance. Continuous learning can lead to more efficient and effective proposals.



