Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sales representatives for wholesalers and manufacturers sell goods to businesses and other organizations. They work for distribution companies or manufacturers, selling products like equipment, materials, or supplies to retail stores, factories, or other commercial buyers. The job requires detailed knowledge of the products being sold and how they meet customer needs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with existing clients to take orders and discuss their needs, visiting potential new customers to present products, and preparing sales proposals. Representatives track inventory and delivery schedules, handle pricing and contract details, and may attend industry trade shows. Much of the work happens outside the office, traveling to customer locations, with administrative tasks completed back at the desk between visits.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you enjoy persuading others and building business relationships—enterprising work that focuses on sales and growth. You're also comfortable with detailed processes, record-keeping, and following procedures, which reflects conventional interests. Success requires persistence, product knowledge, and comfort working independently in the field.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $58,950 | $82,420 | $132,730 | 4,870 |
| District of Columbia | $60,390 | $80,010 | $105,670 | 560 |
| Washington | $62,850 | $79,830 | $108,310 | 27,340 |
| Massachusetts | $63,550 | $79,810 | $108,200 | 22,700 |
| New York | $59,860 | $79,590 | $106,010 | 61,500 |
| New Jersey | $59,950 | $79,410 | $123,920 | 34,360 |
| Colorado | $59,630 | $79,250 | $110,930 | 27,530 |
| South Dakota | $61,060 | $77,210 | $95,960 | 5,220 |
| Vermont | $59,010 | $76,840 | $101,100 | 1,890 |
| Minnesota | $59,490 | $76,750 | $100,630 | 31,230 |
| California | $56,460 | $76,490 | $104,870 | 134,800 |
| Connecticut | $54,900 | $75,570 | $102,940 | 9,870 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) — Manufacturers Representatives Educational Research Foundation
- Sales Associate / Industry Professional Technical Certification — International Certified Floor Installers
- Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) — Construction Specifications Institute
- Professional Certification in Advanced Service and Sales — National Retail Federation Foundation
- Certified Sales Counselor — National Wood Flooring Association
- Inside Sales Agent Certification — Residential Real Estate Council
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
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-4012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.