Sales Representative: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Sales Representatives earn a national median of $66,260/yr with 3.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Sales and Marketing, Customer and Personal Service, English Language.
Median Salary
$66,260
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
3.1%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
1,189,330
2024 data
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Sales Representative
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Sales Representative candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Sales Representative performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Sales Representative roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 3.1% for Sales Representative roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 1,189,330
- Projected Growth
- 3.1%
- Typical Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Sales Representative do?
- Sales Representatives apply expertise in Sales and Marketing, Customer and Personal Service, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include .
- How much does a Sales Representative make?
- The national median salary for a Sales Representative is $66,260 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Sales Representative a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Sales Representative roles is projected to grow 3.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 1,189,330 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Sales Representative?
- The typical entry-level education for a Sales Representative is High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Sales Representatives need?
- The most important skills for Sales Representative roles based on verified occupational data: . Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce software, Apple macOS.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.