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
$66,780
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.3%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
114.8
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
$37,860
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,040
25th percentile
Median
$66,780
50th percentile
Experienced
$97,570
75th percentile
Top Earners
$134,470
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,860
25th
$49,040
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$66,780
Mean: $81,470
75th
$97,570
90th
$134,470
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $96,610 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,040 and $97,570
- •Salary spread is 72.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,266,860 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,310,500
Top Industries
Wholesale Trade63.8%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods33.2%
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods21.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.3%
Annual Openings:114,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,310,500
Current
2034 (Projected)1,314,900
+0.3%
+4,400
Employment Change
+0.3%
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
141,300 jobs$73,9200.95x
Florida
92,370 jobs$60,3301.14x
Texas
91,290 jobs$63,5700.80x
New York
67,050 jobs$76,5600.86x
Illinois
58,080 jobs$65,2101.17x
Ohio
57,610 jobs$72,9701.27x
Pennsylvania
53,290 jobs$65,4901.08x
Georgia
45,810 jobs$63,0501.15x
North Carolina
45,550 jobs$63,2601.13x
Michigan
42,910 jobs$74,0701.19x
Wisconsin
38,600 jobs$64,4301.61x
New Jersey
35,600 jobs$78,8701.02x
Indiana
33,150 jobs$64,1601.27x
Minnesota
32,010 jobs$75,0601.33x
Colorado
31,290 jobs$77,8301.32x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Persuasion
86%
#4
Negotiation
80%
#5
Social Perceptiveness
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Reading Comprehension
60%
#8
Writing
54%
#9
Service Orientation
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Persuasion
intermediate4.3
86%
Negotiation
intermediate4.0
80%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.0
60%
Writing
basic2.7
54%
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
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Persuasion
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Negotiation
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Writing
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Critical Thinking
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Persuasion
- ✓Negotiation
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Social Perceptiveness
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
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