Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Salary 2025: $72,080 Median
The median annual wage for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products is $72,080, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $35 per hour. The typical range runs from $39,090 at the 10th percentile to $137,550 at the 90th. With over 1.2 million people in the role, it's one of the largest sales occupations in the U.S.
How much Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products earn
The median $72,080 is the midpoint: half earn more, half less. The mean salary is $82,530, pulled up by high earners. Most reps work on commission or bonus structures, so actual take-home can swing widely. Entry-level positions often start below $40,000, while top performers break six figures regularly.
Pay varies by industry. Reps selling durable goods like machinery or lumber tend to earn more than those in nondurable goods such as food or textiles. Experience, client portfolio size, and geographic region also drive differences.
- National median: $72,080
- Mean: $82,530 ($35/hr)
- 10th percentile: $39,090
- 90th percentile: $137,550
Pay by state
Location matters. The highest-paying state is Rhode Island, where the average rep earns $82,420. The District of Columbia ($80,010), Washington ($79,830), Massachusetts ($79,810), and New York ($79,590) also top the list. These states tend to have higher costs of living and dense industrial or wholesale hubs.
At the other end, Hawaii pays a mean of $59,010, Alaska $56,830, and Arkansas $55,120. Lower pay in these states often reflects a smaller manufacturing base or lower local demand for wholesale goods.
How to become Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Product
Most employers require a high school diploma, though a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field gives you an edge. The job is heavily experience-driven. Many reps start as inside sales assistants or customer service reps, then move up to outside sales.
No universal license is required, but some industries (e.g., chemicals or pharmaceuticals) may need specific certifications. Expect on-the-job training that lasts weeks to months. Strong communication, negotiation, and product knowledge are critical. You'll build a territory from scratch and manage your own pipeline.
- Education: High school diploma minimum; bachelor's preferred
- Experience: Entry through sales support or customer service roles
- No standard license needed except for specialized products
- Key skills: persuasion, relationship-building, and business acumen
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow by 0.3% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 114,800 openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Growth is limited by automation in ordering and supply chain efficiency, but demand for face-to-face relationship selling persists in many wholesale and manufacturing sectors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products?
The national median salary is $72,080 per year, with a typical range from $39,090 to $137,550. The average (mean) is $82,530.
How do I become a Sales Representative in wholesale and manufacturing?
Start with a high school diploma; a bachelor's in business or marketing helps. Gain experience in sales support or customer service. No universal license required, but on-the-job training is standard.
What is the job growth for this occupation?
Projected growth from 2024 to 2034 is 0.3%, slower than average. About 114,800 job openings per year are expected, mostly due to replacement needs.
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 Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products data.