Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products fall under the Sales and Related category in the U.S. occupational classification. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products earn a median salary of $66,780 per year, ranking in the top 36% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.3% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

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

The median annual wage for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is $66,780. That puts sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products at #295 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is +0.3%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 1.3M positions in 2024 to 1.3M in 2034, a net change of 4K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

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

According to O*NET task surveys of working sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
2. 2.Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
3. 3.Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports.
4. 4.Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
5. 5.Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
6. 6.Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
7. 7.Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
8. 8.Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.

Top skills for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific product?

Many sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Sales Engineers
  $121,520 median
• Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
  $100,070 median
• Models
  $89,990 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
  $84,130 median
• Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
  $78,140 median
• Real Estate Brokers
  $72,280 median

Common questions parents ask about sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products