How much does a wholesale sales rep make?
a year · about $35 an hour
A typical wholesale sales rep in the United States makes $72,080 a year, about $35 an hour, about 1.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A rep may call a store buyer, show a sample or catalog, explain prices and delivery, and take an order. Later, they help solve a customer problem and update sales records.
Did you know? Some U.S. wholesale reps cover several states and may be away from home for days or weeks; others spend much of their time selling by phone.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $39,090 and $137,550How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school (often around 18); that is usually enough for nontechnical sales, with no related experience required. Employers train new hires; a license is not usually needed, and certification is optional.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay varies with the employer and products sold; many jobs add sales-based commissions or bonuses, so personal, team, or company results matter. Experience, useful skills, and credentials can matter too, though a license is generally not required and certification is optional. Location and hours also make a difference.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Rhode Island ($82,420), lowest in Arkansas ($55,120).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39,090 | $72,080 | $137,550 | about 1.2 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $82,420 | about 5,000 |
| District of Columbia | $80,010 | about 560 |
| Washington | $79,830 | about 27,000 |
| Massachusetts | $79,810 | about 23,000 |
| New York | $79,590 | about 62,000 |
Official definition: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
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.bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-4012.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes414012.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY