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

What do sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products do?

• 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.
• Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
• Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 41-4012.00.

What does it take to become one?

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

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.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET Job Zone 4, SVP (7.0 to < 8.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Salesforce software, Adobe Acrobat for this role.

What do sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products in 92 of the metro areas we publish data for. The median ranges from $52,440 to $103,670 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $66,250. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 41-4012.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest median any metro we publish data for pays sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is $103,670 a year, place of work (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $20,734 to $31,101 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a wholesale sales representative search fill?

Typically 23 to 35 days, and typically 2 to 3x faster than a contingency search, per our recruiting partner's published figures. Both are typical rather than guaranteed.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.