Quick Facts: Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
2012 Median Pay
$57,870 per year $27.82 per hour
Entry-Level Education
See How to Become One
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2012
1,863,000
Job Outlook, 2012-22
9% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2012-22
169,300
What Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives Do
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They contact customers, explain product features, answer any questions that their customers may have, and negotiate prices.
Work Environment
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives work under pressure because their income and job security depend on the amount of merchandise they sell. Some sales representatives travel frequently.
How to Become a Wholesale or Manufacturing Sales Representative
Educational requirements vary, depending on the type of product sold. If the products are not scientific or technical, a high school diploma is generally enough for entry into the occupation. If the products are scientific or technical, sales representatives typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
In May 2012, the median annual wage for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, technical and scientific products was $74,970. The median annual wage for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, except technical and scientific products was $54,230 in May 2012.
Job Outlook
Employment of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives is projected to grow 9 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth for sales representatives is expected to follow the economy as a whole. Employment opportunities should be best in independent agencies, which operate on a fee basis and represent several manufacturers, instead of buying and holding the product they are selling.
