How to become a sales representative, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products do
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
- Prepare and submit sales contracts for orders.
- Visit establishments to evaluate needs or to promote product or service sales.
- Maintain customer records, using automated systems.
- Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.
- Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
Is sales representative, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 106% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Colorado $135,000
- New Jersey $131,360
- Kansas $130,850
- New York $129,410
- Georgia $128,850
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.