How much does a technical sales rep make?
a year · about $50 an hour
A typical technical sales rep in the United States makes $104,920 a year, about $50 an hour, about 2.1× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They call or visit businesses, ask what customers need, then explain or demonstrate a technical product and prepare a quote. They answer questions, follow up after sales, and update records; outside reps often travel to customers.
Did you know? Surprise: “Technical Sales Representative” is an approved U.S. Department of Labor title for a registered apprenticeship.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $52,600 and $200,440How do you become one?
In the U.S., a related college degree—often in biology, engineering, chemistry, or electronics—is the usual route. Employers teach product and sales skills on the job, and registered apprenticeships are another path; most start after college.
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 depends on the product, the kind of employer, and the region. Many reps get a salary plus commission or bonuses tied to personal, team, or company sales; experience and useful technical knowledge can also make a difference.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Colorado ($135,000), lowest in Arkansas ($71,830).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a machine salesperson averages $43,960. Technical sales rep salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $52,600 | $104,920 | $200,440 | about 285,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $135,000 | about 4,000 |
| New Jersey | $131,360 | about 6,000 |
| Kansas | $130,850 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $129,410 | about 11,000 |
| Georgia | $128,850 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Sales Engineers” (41-9031).
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/41-4011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes414011.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/41-4011.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY