Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
SOC: 41-4012 O*NET: 41-4012.00
Median Salary
$72,080
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.9%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
99.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
What does a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,090
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,470
25th percentile
Median
$72,080
50th percentile
Experienced
$99,640
75th percentile
Top Earners
$137,550
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,090
25th
$50,470
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$72,080
Mean: $82,530
75th
$99,640
90th
$137,550
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $98,460 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,470 and $99,640
- •Salary spread is 68.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,238,190 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,279,400
Top Industries
Wholesale Trade64.6%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods33.8%
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods21.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.9%
Annual Openings:99,800
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)1,279,400
Current
2035 (Projected)1,268,200
-0.9%
-11,200
Employment Change
-0.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
134,800 jobs$76,4900.93x
Texas
95,670 jobs$65,9700.85x
Florida
92,920 jobs$62,4901.18x
New York
61,500 jobs$79,5900.80x
Ohio
58,740 jobs$73,9601.33x
Illinois
51,310 jobs$73,5101.06x
Pennsylvania
51,270 jobs$66,1301.06x
North Carolina
49,110 jobs$70,9901.25x
Georgia
43,630 jobs$63,8601.12x
Michigan
40,960 jobs$72,9801.17x
Wisconsin
37,700 jobs$65,9301.61x
New Jersey
34,360 jobs$79,4101.01x
Indiana
32,350 jobs$71,3301.27x
Minnesota
31,230 jobs$76,7501.33x
Colorado
27,530 jobs$79,2501.20x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Sales and Marketing
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Speech Clarity
92%
#6
Customer and Personal Service
88%
#7
Persuasion
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Negotiation
80%
#10
English Language
76%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Sales and Marketing
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Speech Clarity
advanced4.6
92%
Customer and Personal Service
intermediate4.4
88%
Persuasion
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Sales and Marketing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Persuasion
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Negotiation
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speech Recognition
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Advertising Sales Agents100%
5 shared skills
Bill and Account Collectors82%
5 shared skills
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products82%
5 shared skills
Fundraisers82%
5 shared skills
Insurance Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Labor Relations Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Persuasion
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Sales and Marketing
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Mathematics
- →Transportation
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Persuasion
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Sales and Marketing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Sales and Marketing
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Oral Expression
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechIBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechYardi software
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Analytics
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Tableau
Slack
Autodesk AutoCAD
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Yardi software
Google Analytics
Adobe InDesign
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (2)Planning & Development (1)
1
Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prepare drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision79% perform86%
9
Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision76% perform84%
10
Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •39% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products professionals typically have a ECR Holland code and highly value relationships
EEnterprising
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.34
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.31
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.27
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.26
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.22
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Integrity
4.2
Innovation
4.2
Attention to Detail
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.3k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.6k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.9k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.9k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
1.4k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.1k program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
974 program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
844 program completions/year
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