How much does a wholesale sales rep make?
Answer: A typical wholesale sales rep in the United States makes $72,080 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.2 million people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Wholesale sales rep pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a wholesale sales rep do?
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Sales jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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