How much does a Proposal Manager make?
A Proposal Manager plays a crucial role in many industries by preparing and presenting proposals to win business. The job involves a lot of hard work and can be very rewarding. The average yearly salary for a Proposal Manager stands at approximately $95,671. This figure can change based on experience, location, and industry.
Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution for Proposal Managers:
- The lowest 10% earn about $45,316 a year.
- The next 20% earn between $45,316 and $67,986.
- The middle 20% earn between $67,986 and $90,656.
- The next 20% earn between $90,656 and $113,325.
- The top 10% earn more than $124,660 a year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Proposal Manager?

-
Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $144,411
In Tucson, working in proposal management means collaborating with tech and defense companies. With a growing tech scene, professionals find ample opportunities to showcase their expertise in preparing compelling bids.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Tucson, AZ
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,543
San Francisco offers a vibrant tech hub for proposal managers. Working here means partnering with major firms like Google and Salesforce, crafting proposals that capture the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $117,476
In Washington, DC, proposal managers work with government contractors and non-profits. The city’s political environment demands high-caliber proposals that align with public sector needs and compliance.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Washington, DC
-
St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $114,033
St. Louis presents a mix of industries for proposal managers, from manufacturing to healthcare. Professionals here leverage their skills to support large corporations and small businesses alike in winning contracts.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in St. Louis, MO
-
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $109,753
Detroit’s proposal management scene is centered around the automotive industry. With giants like Ford and General Motors, professionals create proposals that focus on innovation and sustainability in manufacturing.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Detroit, MI
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $109,458
San Diego’s proposal managers enjoy a blend of tech, defense, and biotech sectors. The city’s strategic location and innovative spirit make it an exciting place to develop proposals for cutting-edge companies.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $108,257
Tallahassee offers a unique environment for proposal managers, focusing on government and education sectors. With state agencies and universities, professionals create proposals that impact public policy and education.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Tallahassee, FL
-
Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $106,368
In Milwaukee, proposal managers work with a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. The city’s supportive business environment encourages the development of proposals that drive local and regional growth.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Milwaukee, WI
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $105,788
Los Angeles provides a dynamic landscape for proposal managers, with opportunities in entertainment, tech, and aerospace. Working here means engaging with a diverse set of companies and crafting proposals that appeal to a wide audience.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $105,318
Rochester’s proposal managers find opportunities in healthcare, education, and tech. The city’s focus on innovation and research provides a fertile ground for professionals to develop proposals that advance these sectors.
Find Proposal Manager jobs in Rochester, NY
What are the best companies a Proposal Manager can work for?

-
BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $164,632
BAE Systems USA offers exciting Proposal Manager roles in defense and aerospace. They operate across the United States, providing advanced technological solutions for national security. Their role involves crafting compelling proposals for government contracts, requiring strong communication and project management skills.
-
Raytheon
Average Salary: $163,471
Raytheon offers rewarding Proposal Manager positions in defense and commercial markets. They are a global leader, with major offices in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Proposal Managers at Raytheon develop strategic proposals for a variety of defense and security solutions. Their work is crucial for securing large contracts.
-
KPMG
Average Salary: $158,168
KPMG provides high-paying Proposal Manager positions in various industries, including finance and consulting. With offices worldwide, KPMG is known for its strong focus on client service and innovation. Proposal Managers here work on securing contracts by preparing detailed and persuasive proposals.
-
Obayashi Corporation
Average Salary: $157,000
Obayashi Corporation offers competitive salaries for Proposal Managers in the construction and engineering sectors. This Japanese multinational has a strong presence in Asia and the U.S. Their role involves preparing detailed proposals for large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing technical expertise and strategic planning.
-
PwC
Average Salary: $149,325
PwC provides attractive opportunities for Proposal Managers in the consulting and advisory services. With offices globally, they offer a dynamic environment for professionals. Their proposal managers create compelling proposals for various business services, focusing on client needs and market trends.
-
Moffatt & Nichol
Average Salary: $123,500
Moffatt & Nichol offers Proposal Manager roles in the architecture and engineering sectors. Operating throughout the U.S., they provide innovative solutions for infrastructure and urban planning. Proposal Managers here prepare detailed proposals for public sector projects, requiring strong technical and communication skills.
-
HDR
Average Salary: $106,891
HDR offers Proposal Manager positions in architecture, engineering, and environmental services. With offices worldwide, they focus on sustainability and innovation. Proposal Managers at HDR develop strategic proposals for a variety of infrastructure and environmental projects.
-
U.S. Bank
Average Salary: $96,564
U.S. Bank provides Proposal Manager roles in the financial services sector. They operate across the United States, offering a wide range of banking and financial services. Proposal Managers here focus on preparing proposals for commercial banking products and services.
-
WHITE CONSTRUCTION
Average Salary: $95,941
WHITE CONSTRUCTION offers Proposal Manager positions in the construction industry. With a strong presence in the western United States, they specialize in commercial and industrial construction. Proposal Managers here prepare detailed proposals for large-scale building projects.
-
Willdan
Average Salary: $82,500
Willdan provides Proposal Manager roles in architecture, engineering, and planning services. They operate primarily in California and the U.S. West Coast. Proposal Managers at Willdan develop strategic proposals for a variety of infrastructure and planning projects.
How to earn more as a Proposal Manager?
To boost earnings as a Proposal Manager, it is essential to focus on several key areas that can enhance both skills and market value. Continuous learning and skill enhancement stand out as foundational steps. Attending workshops, obtaining certifications, and staying updated on industry trends can provide a competitive edge. Networking with other professionals in the field can open doors to higher-paying opportunities and collaborative projects.
In addition, gaining experience in various sectors can diversify a Proposal Manager's portfolio, making them more attractive to potential employers. Taking on challenging projects that require innovative solutions can also lead to greater recognition and higher compensation. Building a strong professional reputation through successful proposals and client satisfaction can result in more lucrative job offers.
An organized and efficient work approach can also lead to increased efficiency and better proposal outcomes. Developing strong communication skills ensures clear and effective collaboration with team members and clients. Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance for career advancement.
Below are five factors to consider for earning more as a Proposal Manager:
- Continuous learning and skill enhancement
- Networking with other professionals
- Gaining experience in various sectors
- Building a strong professional reputation
- Developing strong communication skills



