Close Box

Change Your Area:

Select your county from the list:

Change Occupation:

1. Enter a keyword and click the "GO!" button:

2. Select an occupation from the results listed
below and click the "Get Information" button.

Summary Guide for

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products in California

May also be called: Sales Representatives; Account Managers; Account Executives; Salesmen; Outside Sales Representatives; Sales Consultants; Account Representatives; Customer Account Technicians; Inside Sales Persons; and Marketing Associates.

What Would I Do?

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, except Technical and Scientific Products sell products for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. This broad occupational classification is found in a variety of industries, but does not include workers who sell scientific or technical goods and products at a wholesale level.

Sales Representatives spend much of their time traveling to visit with prospective buyers and current clients. Some Sales Representatives work in office settings while others may spend most of their day in the field, where working conditions may range from driving an air-conditioned car to demonstrating construction equipment in a muddy field in the rain.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Sales Representative will appeal to those who enjoy starting up and carrying out projects, especially business ventures.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

Compensation methods vary significantly by the type of firm and the product sold. Most employers use a combination of salary and commission or salary plus bonus. Representatives who are self-employed may receive straight commission where payments are based on the value of their own sales.

The median wage in 2009 for Sales Representatives, Except Technical in California was $54,763 annually, or $26.33 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Annual Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Hourly Wages
California	$39,062	$54,763	$77,502
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009 Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Hourly Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Annual Wages
California	$18.78	$26.33	$37.26
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009. Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Sales Representatives may receive medical, dental, vacation, and sick leave benefits. They may also gain personal use of a company car and frequent flyer mileage. Some companies offer incentives, such as free vacation trips or gifts for outstanding sales workers. In addition to their earnings, Representatives are usually reimbursed for expenses such as transportation costs, meals, hotels, and entertaining customers.

What is the Job Outlook?

In California, the number of Sales Representatives, Except Technical is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Sales Representatives, Except Technical are expected to increase by 17.9 percent, or 27,300 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Sales Representatives, Except Technical
Geographic Area (Estimated Year-Projected Year)	Estimated Employment	Projected Employment	Numeric Change	Percent Change	Additional Openings Due to Net Replacements
California (2006-2016)	152,300	179,600	27,300	17.9	33,600
Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation
View Projected Growth for All Areas

Employment of Sales Representatives in wholesale and manufacturing industries is expected to increase, primarily due to the continued growth in the variety and number of goods sold.

How Do I Qualify?

The background needed for sales jobs varies by product line and market. Many employers hire individuals with previous sales experience who lack a college degree, but they increasingly prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Some employers hire individuals with no experience and provide training for them.

Finding a Job

Applicants should apply directly to manufacturers and wholesalers. Sales Representatives can also find employment opportunities through placement offices at colleges and universities. Frequently, Sales Representatives, customers, and others working within the trade will recommend an interested candidate for an existing opening. Newspaper classified advertisements offer additional sources of job referrals. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

Learn More About Sales Representatives, Except Technical