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Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Kinds of work

  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $72,080 Median per year · $34.65/hr Most earn $39,090–$137,550

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
  • Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
  • Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.
  • Forward orders to manufacturers.
  • Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
  • Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Numerous Job Openings

United States
1% fewer jobs by 2035, little or no change · about 99,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods19.6%
  • Merchant wholesalers, durable goods17.7%
  • Wholesale trade agents and brokers8.8%
  • Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers3.9%
  • Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies merchant wholesalers2.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Wholesale and manufacturing sales reps sell products to businesses, and many people start with a certificate, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training, then gain about 2 to 4 years of related work experience before taking this role. It usually takes a few years of building product knowledge and sales skills to get here.

  1. High school diploma or equivalent

    4 years

    Build strong communication, math, and people skills, which are the foundation for talking with business customers and handling orders and pricing.

  2. Entry-level sales or customer service job

    1-2 years

    Work in a store, warehouse, or customer support role to learn how products move, how customers make buying decisions, and how to build trust with clients.

  3. Sales Representative training or certificate program

    6 months-2 years

    Complete a certificate or apprenticeship that teaches sales techniques, product knowledge, and business basics, which helps you qualify for a wholesale or manufacturing sales role.

  4. Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing

    2-4 years of related experience before this job

    Sell goods from wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups, using deep knowledge of the products you sell to win and keep accounts.

Where it can lead

  1. Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

    3-5 years of experience first

    Move into selling more technical goods, which requires deeper product expertise and often a stronger understanding of how customers use the products.

  2. Sales Engineer

    4-6 years of experience first

    Combine sales with technical knowledge to explain complex products and solutions, which usually requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

  3. Sales Manager

    4-6 years of experience first

    Lead a team of sales reps, set targets, and manage territories, which shifts your focus from your own sales to coaching and planning for others.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and English classesStrong math helps with pricing, order totals, and sales numbers, while strong writing helps with emails and proposals.
  • Join a debate or public speaking clubSpeaking clearly and listening well are core sales skills you can practice in a low-pressure setting.
  • Get a part-time job in retail or customer serviceWorking with customers teaches you how to understand needs and build trust, which are key for sales.
  • Take a business or marketing class if offeredBasic business knowledge helps you understand how wholesalers and manufacturers make money and work with buyers.
  • Volunteer for a school or community fundraiserHelping sell tickets, items, or sponsorships gives you real practice asking for business and handling rejection.

In college

  • Take courses in sales, marketing, or businessA business or sales major or elective builds the knowledge employers expect from wholesale and manufacturing sales reps.
  • Seek an internship in sales or distributionHands-on experience with a wholesaler, distributor, or manufacturer shows you how products move and how sales teams work.
  • Work a campus job involving customers or salesRoles like campus bookstore associate or event sales help you build real selling experience while you study.
  • Pursue a sales certificate or apprenticeshipA short certificate or apprenticeship in sales can count toward the training this career typically asks for.
  • Join a sales or entrepreneurship student clubClubs often run sales competitions and networking events where you can practice and meet professionals in the field.

Tips for getting started

  • Learn the products you would sell: visit local wholesalers or manufacturers, ask questions, and read their product catalogs so you can speak knowledgeably about them.
  • Get a part-time job in retail, customer service, or a warehouse to practice selling and reading what customers need.
  • Practice persuasive speaking, such as joining a debate club or public speaking group, because sales relies on clear, confident conversations.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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