Sales Reps Earn $76,460 Median: Wholesale & Manufacturing Salary Guide 2024
Sales Representatives for wholesale and manufacturing firms pull in a median salary of $76,460 — far above the national average for all occupations. The typical range spans from $40,760 at the 10th percentile to $159,460 at the 90th, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about $37 an hour for the median earner, though commission-heavy roles can swing pay significantly.
How much Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing earn
Median pay for the occupation sits at $76,460, with the mean wage higher at $89,490 — the gap suggests a fairly right-skewed distribution where top performers earn well above the midpoint. The bottom 10% make around $40,760, while the highest 10% take home $159,460 or more. Experience, industry, and commission structures are the main drivers of income variation.
- National median: $76,460
- Mean: $89,490 (~$37/hour)
- 10th percentile: $40,760
- 90th percentile: $159,460
- Employment: 1,522,990 jobs
Pay by state
The BLS data does not provide state-by-state figures for this occupation, but typical patterns apply: states with high costs of living and strong manufacturing or wholesale hubs — California, Texas, New York — tend to pay above the national median. Industrial and capital goods sales reps in the Midwest may see more stable but lower base pay with heavy commission upside. Without official state stats, it's best to research local demand and cost of living.
How to become Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
Most employers require at least a high school diploma, though a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field can be a leg up. Industry-specific knowledge (e.g., machinery, chemicals, electronics) is often learned on the job. Licensing is rare for this role compared to securities or real estate sales, but some manufacturers require a valid driver's license and a clean record for field visits.
- Education: High school diploma minimum; bachelor's preferred for many firms
- Experience: Entry-level roles often available; prior sales or customer service helps
- Licensing: Typically none required beyond a driver's license for travel
- Skills: Negotiation, product knowledge, CRM software proficiency
Job outlook
The BLS projects no specific growth rate for 2024-2034 for this occupation. Broader trends suggest the role will remain stable but may be impacted by automation of ordering and lead generation. Experienced reps with strong client relationships will continue to be in demand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for wholesale and manufacturing sales reps?
The median annual salary is $76,460, with the average (mean) at $89,490.
Do you need a degree for this job?
A high school diploma is the minimum, but many employers prefer a bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
Is sales rep a growing occupation?
The BLS did not provide a growth projection for 2024-2034. The role is expected to remain stable but may see slower growth due to automation.
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 data.