Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Sales representatives for wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products, play a major role in connecting producers with the businesses that buy their goods. Nationally, this occupation employs about 1,310,000 people, reflecting a large presence in the labor market. The national median annual salary is $66,780, offering solid earning potential for those who develop strong sales and relationship-building abilities. Projected employment growth of 0.3% suggests a relatively stable outlook, and an estimated 115,000 annual openings indicates consistent hiring activity from a mix of new positions and turnover. Typical entry into this field is possible with a high school diploma or equivalent, supported by key skills such as customer service, speaking and listening, problem solving, and adaptability. Additional strengths in computers and information technology, mathematics, project management, and writing and reading can further support performance and advancement. Overall, this career can appeal to people interested in sales-focused roles that emphasize interpersonal interaction and ongoing client contact.
The national median annual salary for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products, is $66,780. Earnings vary by location, with several states and metro areas offering higher median pay. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington all show median salaries above the national median, ranging from $76,490 in California to $79,830 in Washington. At the metro level, pay can be even higher. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area reports a median salary of $103,670, while San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA shows $93,100 and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ reports $81,140. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also provide median salaries above or around the higher-paying states. These figures suggest that geography can significantly influence earning potential in this occupation, with certain metros and states offering notably higher median pay than the national level.
Employment for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products, stands at about 1,310,000 nationally. Projected employment growth of 0.3% indicates a relatively steady outlook rather than rapid expansion or contraction. Despite the modest growth rate, the occupation is expected to generate around 115,000 annual openings. This combination suggests that many opportunities will arise from retirements, career changes, and normal turnover, in addition to limited new job creation. For job seekers, the large employment base means this role is widespread, and the consistent flow of openings can support ongoing entry and mobility within the field. Because the projected growth rate is the same 0.3% in the highlighted top states and metros, job seekers considering relocation can expect a similar growth pattern in those leading regions. Overall, the data point to a sizable, established occupation with ongoing hiring needs across the country.
Location plays a major role in both opportunity and pay for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products. Among states, California leads with an opportunity score of 67.38, a median salary of $76,490, and employment of 134,800. Massachusetts and New York follow closely with opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78 and median salaries of $79,810 and $79,590, respectively. Colorado and Washington also stand out, each with growth of 0.3% and median salaries near or above $79,000, plus mid-sized employment levels around 27,000. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has the highest opportunity score at 77.42, plus the highest median salary of $103,670. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ also ranks high with an opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 61,860. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH provide strong combinations of pay, employment, and opportunity scores, giving multiple regional options to consider.
Typical entry into sales representative roles in wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products, is available with a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who may not have a college degree but are ready to build a strong skill set. Success in this occupation relies on a combination of interpersonal and analytical abilities. Important skills include customer service, interpersonal skills, and speaking and listening, which support building and maintaining client relationships. Problem solving and decision making, adaptability, and creativity and innovation help representatives respond to customer needs and changing situations. Competence with computers and information technology, mathematics, and project management can assist with planning, organizing, and tracking sales activities. Writing and reading skills are also important for handling sales materials and communication. Together, these skills create a well-rounded profile for progressing in sales roles or transitioning into related occupations such as advertising sales agents, real estate brokers, or other sales and related positions.
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