Other Sales and Related Workers earn $50,040 median – what the BLS says about pay and paths
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median salary of $50,040 for Other Sales and Related Workers, with a mean wage of $68,150 (approximately $24 per hour). The typical range spans from $30,670 at the 10th percentile to $129,350 at the 90th, showing wide variation tied to industry and experience.
This occupation covers roles like route sales, telemarketing, and counter sales. With over 513,000 workers nationwide, these positions are entry points or career paths depending on the sector. Pay and requirements differ sharply – a pharmaceutical sales rep and a retail counter clerk both fall under this title but have vastly different earnings.
How much Other Sales and Related Workers earn
According to the latest BLS data, the median annual wage for Other Sales and Related Workers is $50,040. Half of workers earn less than that; half earn more. The mean wage is $68,150, reflecting higher earners pulling the average up.
The bottom 10% earn $30,670 or less, while the top 10% earn $129,350 or more. This wide gap points to the diversity of jobs within this bucket. Some roles – like telemarketing or route sales – start low, while specialized outside sales or technical product sales can hit six figures.
Hourly, the mean works out to about $24. The OEWS survey does not break out specific industries, but the range suggests that many workers earn near minimum wage while a substantial minority earn well above typical white-collar levels.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level data specific to this occupation. Because “Other Sales and Related Workers” is a catch-all category, state averages are not published separately. However, general patterns apply: states with higher costs of living and strong economies – like California, New York, Massachusetts – tend to pay higher wages across sales roles, while lower-cost Southeastern states often pay less. For precise local figures, consult the OEWS metropolitan area data for your state.
How to become Other Sales and Related Worker
Most entry-level jobs in this category require a high school diploma. Employers look for communication skills, basic math, and the ability to use a computer or point-of-sale system.
Some positions – like inside sales or product demonstrations – may require an associate or bachelor’s degree, especially if the product is technical (medical devices, software). For roles involving transportation (route sales), a valid driver’s license and clean driving record are needed.
Licensing varies by product. For example, selling insurance or securities requires state licenses and exams. Many employers provide on-the-job training lasting a few weeks to several months.
- Earn high school diploma or equivalent.
- Gain experience in retail, customer service, or telemarketing.
- Obtain any required state or industry licenses (e.g., insurance, real estate).
- Apply for entry-level roles; advancement often comes with proven sales results.
Job outlook
The BLS projects no specific growth rate for this occupation for 2024–2034. That’s because the category aggregates many diverse jobs with varying outlooks. Some sub-fields, like telemarketing, are declining due to automation. Others, like inside sales for tech or health care, are growing. Overall, employment is influenced by economic cycles; sales roles are sensitive to business investment and consumer confidence. The large base (513,930 jobs) means that even stable employment can offer many openings due to turnover.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Other Sales and Related Workers?
The national median is $50,040 per year, according to BLS 2024 data.
What is the pay range for this occupation?
The 10th percentile earns $30,670; the 90th percentile earns $129,350.
Do I need a college degree to become an Other Sales and Related Worker?
Most entry-level jobs require only a high school diploma. Some technical or specialized sales roles may prefer an associate or bachelor's degree.
How many Other Sales and Related Workers are there in the U.S.?
The BLS reports 513,930 workers in this occupation as of 2024.
Is this occupation growing or declining?
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this broad category. Outlook varies greatly by sub-field.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Other Sales and Related Workers data.