If you’re considering a remote career as a Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Development Representative (BDR) in 2026, one of the biggest questions is simple: how much can you actually earn? The answer isn’t a single number — it depends on base salary, commissions (OTE), company size, experience, and geography. Below is a clear breakdown of what remote SDRs and BDRs are making this year.
Typical Pay Ranges in the U.S. (Remote Roles)
SDR (Sales Development Representative) Pay
- Average base salary: ~$70,000 per year
- Typical range: ~$57,000 to $87,000 annually
- Top performers: Can reach $100,000+ with commissions and accelerators
Most remote SDRs fall in the $55k–$90k range, with base pay around $60k–$75k and the rest coming from bonuses or commissions tied to quota achievement. High performers at well-funded companies often hit the top end.
BDR (Business Development Representative) Pay
- Average base salary: ~$65,000 per year
- Average total compensation (base + variable): ~$97,000/year
- Common range: ~$55,000 to ~$85,000 per year
- Top earners: Some senior BDRs exceed $110,000+ with strong commission and quota performance
BDR roles typically have similar base salaries to SDRs but slightly higher variable compensation because outbound prospecting metrics are heavily incentivized. Quota overachievement can significantly increase total earnings.
Base Pay vs. OTE: What’s the Difference?
- Base salary: Guaranteed pay each year
- OTE (On-Target Earnings): Expected total if you hit quota — includes commission/bonuses
A remote SDR or BDR might have a base of $60k–$75k, but their OTE (often $80k–$100k+) reflects realistic earnings if performance targets are met. Top performers in high-growth SaaS or enterprise sales teams can exceed that.
Does Experience Change Pay?
Yes — experience matters:
- Entry-level (0–1 year): ~$55k–$65k
- 1–3 years: ~$60k–$80k
- Top performers / senior SDR/BDR: $90k–$110k+ total compensation
In many remote roles, commission and performance influence earnings more than years of experience.
Remote Pay Variations by Region
- U.S.: Highest salary ranges
- UK & Europe: SDR/BDR salaries vary widely, often €35k–€60k or £30k–£50k with OTE depending on company and experience
Many remote companies adjust pay to local markets, so European figures may look lower but are competitive relative to local cost of living.
Key Takeaways: What to Expect in 2026
SDR Salary Snapshot
- Base: $57,000–$87,000
- Average base: ~$70,000
- Top earnings with commission: $100k+
BDR Salary Snapshot
- Base: $55,000–$85,000
- Average total comp: $90,000–$100,000
- Top performers: $110k+ with strong quotas
Trends
- Remote SDR/BDR roles continue to grow in tech and SaaS
- OTE varies widely depending on commission structure and performance
- Base pay is solid, but most reps earn a meaningful portion from hitting or exceeding quota
Final Thoughts
In 2026, remote SDR and BDR roles pay competitively, especially in tech and high-growth SaaS companies. While base salaries are generally $55k–$90k, total compensation through commissions and bonuses can significantly increase earnings. Even entry-level reps can earn respectable pay with room for rapid growth, while top performers can push past $100k total compensation quickly.