Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
SOC code 41-4012 · O*NET-SOC 41-4012.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Sales
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Wholesale sales representatives sell goods in volume to businesses rather than to consumers. The role mixes territory management, negotiation and long account relationships. Earnings depend heavily on the product line and commission structure, which is why the range on this page matters more than the median.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$72,080
a year
Hourly
$34.65
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$82,530
$39.68 per hour
Middle 50%
$50,470 – $99,640
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,090 – $137,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,238,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,090
- $18.79/hr
- 25th percentile
- $50,470
- $24.27/hr
- Median percentile
- $72,080
- $34.65/hr
- 75th percentile
- $99,640
- $47.90/hr
- 90th percentile
- $137,550
- $66.13/hr
What do sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products do?
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising.
- Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.
- Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- 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.
- Negotiate details of contracts and payments.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48%
- Bachelor's Degree34%
- Some College Courses14%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Common questions
How much does a sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products earn?
The national median is $72,080 a year. The full range runs from $39,090 at the 10th percentile to $137,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Writing3.3/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Sales and Marketing4.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.8/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Transportation3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Communications and Media2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Persuasion, Negotiation.