PathScorer

    How to Become a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product in 2026

    Median salary: $100,070 · +1.9% projected growth (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 41-4011.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $100,070
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    +1.9%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    Bachelor's degree
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    58/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product do?

    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.

    Section 02

    Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products is $100,070. The bottom 10% earn around $48,840 while the top 10% earn over $194,890.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$48,840
    Early career (P25)$65,640
    Median$100,070
    Experienced (P75)$146,150
    Top earners (P90)$194,890
    10th: $48,840Median: $100,07090th: $194,890

    Highest-paying metros

    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    Highest paying
    $161,510
    top metro salary
    Rochester, MN
    $156,910
    $-4,600 vs highest
    Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area
    $143,470
    $-18,040 vs highest
    Rochester, NY
    $142,590
    $-18,920 vs highest
    Columbus, IN
    $139,790
    $-21,720 vs highest
    West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area
    $138,540
    $-22,970 vs highest
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
    $138,240
    $-23,270 vs highest
    Ann Arbor, MI
    $137,570
    $-23,940 vs highest

    Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    New Jerseytop$134,240
    New York$132,410
    Colorado$132,010
    Washington$130,470
    West Virginia$126,770
    California$123,980
    Kansas$123,560
    Hawaii$120,490
    North Dakota$119,610
    Florida$113,730
    Virginia$112,190
    Illinois$110,420
    Michigan$108,740
    Louisiana$106,860
    North Carolina$105,640
    South Dakota$104,060
    Georgia$103,920
    Oregon$103,760
    Iowa$102,740
    Delaware$101,990
    Indiana$101,000
    Rhode Island$99,870
    Massachusetts$98,350
    Wyoming$97,830
    Minnesota$96,470
    Nevada$96,260
    Vermont$95,900
    South Carolina$95,460
    Ohio$95,420
    Connecticut$94,990
    New Hampshire$94,150
    Missouri$92,100
    Pennsylvania$91,860
    Idaho$88,170
    District of Columbia$87,170
    Utah$84,340
    Texas$83,860
    Arizona$83,220
    Tennessee$83,110
    Kentucky$82,860
    Montana$81,270
    Wisconsin$79,640
    Nebraska$78,790
    Mississippi$78,690
    New Mexico$77,900
    Oklahoma$77,050
    Maryland$76,920
    Maine$76,100
    Alaska$63,470
    Arkansas$59,880

    How to earn more as a Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product

    The salary range for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products spans $146,050 — from $48,840 at entry level to $194,890 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $161,510 — $61,440 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: Bachelor's degree
    On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
    2. Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
    3. Build 1–2 years of entry-level experience
    4. Moderate-term on-the-job training
    5. Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements

    Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.

    4–6 years $20K–$100K

    In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.

    With a related degree

    1. Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
    2. Earn professional certifications (industry-specific sales certifications)
    3. Build relevant experience through lateral transfers or project work
    4. Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience

    Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.

    1–3 years $5K–$30K

    Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.

    Career change from another field

    1. Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
    2. Earn required professional certifications
    3. Moderate-term on-the-job training
    4. Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile

    Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.

    2–4 years $15K–$60K

    Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.

    Already working in another career?

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    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    58/100

    The Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product.

    Sales Manager
    $138,060(+$38K)+4.7% growth
    Industrial Production Manager
    $121,440(+$21K)+1.9% growth
    Purchasing Manager
    $139,510(+$39K)+3.1% growth
    Supply Chain Manager
    $102,010(+$2K)+6.1% growth
    Wholesale and Retail Buyer
    Purchasing Agent

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    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 41-4011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034