Sales Engineers
Sales engineers sell technical products or services—such as software, manufacturing equipment, or industrial systems—that require deep engineering knowledge to explain and customize for clients. They work for technology companies, manufacturers, and service providers, combining sales skills with technical expertise to help customers understand complex solutions and make purchasing decisions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sales engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A sales engineer might spend mornings reviewing a client's technical requirements and preparing system specifications, then conduct a product demonstration in the afternoon showing how the solution addresses specific operational challenges. The work includes responding to detailed technical questions via email, collaborating with the engineering team to customize offerings, attending trade shows, and following up on proposals. Travel to client sites occurs regularly, and much time goes into translating between what customers need and what the product can deliver.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this role if you enjoy solving problems systematically and presenting structured solutions to business challenges—both hallmarks of the Conventional and Enterprising interests. You're comfortable with technical depth and equally comfortable persuading others, finding satisfaction in closing deals based on solid engineering merit rather than pressure tactics.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Sales Engineer · Forma.ai · Canada, USA · Remote
- Senior Sales Engineer - Enterprise · Amplitude · USA · Remote
- Principal Sales Systems Engineer · Veeam Software · USA · Remote
- Sales Engineer, Seattle/Portland (Strategic) · Cribl · United States · Remote
- Customer Sales Engineer · UpGuard · USA · Remote
- Mid-Enterprise Sales Engineer · Doppel · United States · Remote
- Sales Engineer, SMB · Socket · USA · Remote
- Senior Sales Engineer · Commvault · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $155,390 | $167,200 | $203,690 | 80 |
| Maryland | $138,820 | $153,410 | $153,410 | 850 |
| Rhode Island | $77,960 | $149,750 | $181,480 | 30 |
| Washington | $109,940 | $147,620 | $173,040 | 760 |
| Colorado | $110,120 | $139,990 | $176,780 | 2,800 |
| California | $102,770 | $139,160 | $174,510 | 6,310 |
| New Jersey | $111,640 | $139,010 | $167,970 | 1,760 |
| New York | $101,550 | $137,480 | $174,820 | 3,150 |
| Massachusetts | $97,440 | $136,200 | $171,170 | 3,150 |
| West Virginia | $134,000 | $135,260 | $141,740 | 40 |
| Arizona | $81,240 | $131,870 | $216,650 | 1,000 |
| Arkansas | $67,280 | $130,760 | $151,590 | 30 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) — AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology
- Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) — National Association of Home Builders
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 2 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sales engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-9031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.