Uncovering the Truth: Is the Oracle Business Development Representative Salary Worth It?
Oracle, one of the largest technology companies in the world, has been attracting aspiring Business Development Representatives (BDR) for years now. But is it all that it’s cracked up to be? In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind the Oracle BDR salary and try to determine whether it’s worth it for you to pursue a career at this tech giant.
The Basic Compensation
Oracle’s BDR salary varies according to location, but the average base salary for this entry-level position is around $50,000-$60,000 annually, which is relatively competitive in the tech industry. Plus, with Oracle’s reputation for providing solid benefits, such as a 401k plan, healthcare, and stock options, the package appears promising. But before you dive in headfirst, it is essential to dig a little deeper and figure out the potential downsides.
The Commission Plan
While the base salary is competitive, the commission plan is where the significant earning potential for BDRs is located. Sales reps are initially offered a commission bonus of between 0% and 20% on their sales, depending on the region in which they’ll be working. This percentage could rise as high as 45% with additional sales. It is important to note that this commission is based on a bench-mark that is significantly higher than most of its competitors. Therefore, to accumulate a meaningful commission, BDRs must continue to exceed increasingly longer sales cycles, leading to frustration amongst its sales teams.
The Workload
To make those sales, Oracle BDRs are expected to put in a lot of hard work and long hours. They are expected to make up to 120 cold calls a day, set up around 7-10 meetings per week, and consistently follow up with clients to ensure their needs are addressed promptly. With rigorous performance metrics and looming deadlines, the work is never-ending. And with the additional expectations of studying product knowledge and contributing to departmental initiatives, the expectation is set high thus causing strain on its employees.
The Feedback from Employees
While some former employees have posted positive reviews received from their experience at Oracle, others suggest that the workload wasn’t worth the pay and that there is a lack of work-life balance.[1] The research has shown that due to its increased workload, the burnout rate for Oracle’s BDR employees is high[1] leading to high turnover and low morale.
The Conclusion
Is the Oracle BDR salary worth it? While the base salary and benefits package appear to be attractive, the commission plan’s benchmarks are higher than what most competitors offer, which makes it more difficult to earn significant commissions. Additionally, the workload is significant, leading to higher burnout rates and low morale. So, before agreeing to pursue this career path, research and evaluate whether the payout is worth the work.
References:
[1] Glassdoor, “Oracle Business Development Representative” (Accessed Nov. 30th, 2021)
