What Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products this way: "Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms"; "Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests"; "Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders"; "Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates"; "Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,279,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,268,200 in 2035, a decrease of 11,200 jobs (-0.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 99,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $72,080, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products earn the most
Across the 27 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $61,675 in Utah to $79,684 in New Jersey, a gap of $18,009 (1.29 times). 14 of those 27 states average above the BLS national median of $72,080 and 13 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 122,540, which is 9.9% of the 1,233,570 counted across them. Texas follows with 86,960.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($79,684), Washington ($79,553) and Colorado ($79,367) lead the ranking, while Utah ($61,675) and Florida ($61,977) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products: pay against the cost of living
We compare 43 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Cuyahoga County, OH (Cleveland, OH) at $40,962. The smallest margin is $19,453 in Miami-Dade County, FL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 43 of the 43 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 20.8% and 53.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
What is the national median wage for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $72,080. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $61,675 to $79,684.
Which state pays Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $79,684. Washington is next at $79,553.
What is the job outlook for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 0.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 99,800 openings a year.
What education do Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Cuyahoga County, OH leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $40,962 on a median wage of $76,020.