How much does a sales representative make?
a year · about $34 an hour
A typical sales representative in the United States makes $69,990 a year, about $34 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They contact current or potential customers, ask what they need, and explain service choices, prices, and contract terms. They prepare proposals, keep customer records, and follow up after a sale to help fix problems.
Did you know? O*NET reports that 97% of U.S. service sales reps have constant contact with other people at work—this job is truly people-filled!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,980 and $148,840How do you become one?
In the US, a high-school diploma or GED is a common starting point, and employers teach the service and sales skills on the job. Some jobs need little experience, while others expect several months to a year.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can depend on experience, sales results, and whether the plan includes commissions or bonuses. It also varies with the service industry, employer, and location; specialized knowledge or credentials may matter in some fields.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($92,190), lowest in Mississippi ($48,440).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a salesperson averages $44,047. Sales representative salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,980 | $69,990 | $148,840 | about 1.3 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $92,190 | about 81,000 |
| Massachusetts | $83,760 | about 32,000 |
| California | $80,850 | about 156,000 |
| Washington | $79,920 | about 19,000 |
| Colorado | $79,810 | about 38,000 |
Official definition: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems. Excludes “Advertising Sales Agents” (41-3011), “Insurance Sales Agents” (41-3021), “Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents” (41-3031), “Travel Agents” (41-3041), “Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing” (41-4010), and “Telemarketers” (41-9041).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-3091.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/41-3091.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes413091.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY