Sales Engineers salary 2025: $124,900 median, 5.5% growth, and how to break in
Sales Engineers earn a median salary of $124,900, with a mean of $130,140 — about $60 per hour. The pay range is wide: 10th percentile at $73,870, 90th percentile at $195,270. There are 51,790 Sales Engineers employed nationally, and the field is growing faster than average.
How much Sales Engineers earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median wage of $124,900. Half of all Sales Engineers earn between roughly $74,000 and $195,000. Experience, industry, and location drive the wide spread.
Top earners typically work in computer systems design, software publishing, or wholesale trade. Entry-level positions often start near the 10th percentile figure.
Pay by state
Location matters. Highest-paying states: Delaware ($167,200), Maryland ($153,410), Rhode Island ($149,750), Washington ($147,620), and Colorado ($139,990). These states have strong tech, defense, or manufacturing sectors.
On the lower end: Iowa ($83,450), Indiana ($74,960), and Alaska ($71,080). Rural areas and states with less tech concentration tend to pay below the national median.
How to become Sales Engineer
The typical path: a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field. Employers value a blend of technical know-how and sales ability. Many Sales Engineers start as engineers or in technical support before moving into sales.
Certifications can help: the Certified Sales Engineer (CSE) credential is one example. Licensing is generally not required, though some roles in specialized industries may need a professional engineering license. On-the-job training in product knowledge and sales techniques is common.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering, IT, or a related field.
- Gain 2-5 years of technical experience (e.g., as a support engineer or systems engineer).
- Develop sales skills through on-the-job training or sales-focused programs.
- Consider certifications like CSE or vendor-specific credentials (e.g., AWS, Cisco).
Job outlook
Employment of Sales Engineers is projected to grow 5.5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,000 job openings per year are expected, largely due to workers retiring or moving to other roles.
Growth will be driven by continued demand for complex technical products—cloud computing, automation, and industrial machinery all require Sales Engineers who can explain and demonstrate value to buyers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a Sales Engineer?
The median salary is $124,900; the mean is $130,140 (about $60 per hour). The typical range is $73,870 to $195,270.
How do I become a Sales Engineer?
You usually need a bachelor's degree in a technical field like engineering or computer science, plus relevant work experience. Some employers prefer candidates with sales training or certifications like the CSE.
Is Sales Engineer a growing career?
Yes. BLS projects 5.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 5,000 openings per year. That's faster than the average occupation.
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 Sales Engineers data.