Where AI can help
AI can prepare initial messages, account summaries and proposal drafts.
Business · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sell manufacturers’ and wholesalers’ products to other businesses. This category excludes technical and scientific products.
Observed AI exposure62.8%Anthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection-0.9%2025–2035
Education typically neededHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- 02
Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- 03
Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- 04
Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- 05
Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
An example of an output
A proposal connecting a customer need with product, pricing, terms and follow-up.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Distributors and manufacturers. Travel, targets and variable compensation may apply, depending on the employer.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$82,530
Median annual pay$72,080
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$39,090
90th percentile$137,550
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 20251,279,400
Projected openings per year99,800
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Negotiated terms, product fit and commitments need validation.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Simulate a discovery conversation and write a proposal with limits and decision criteria.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Negotiationlisteningproduct knowledgefollow-through
Tools you may encounter
CRM · product catalogs · spreadsheets and proposals
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$75,550 Mean annual pay
Training and Development Specialists ↗
Product knowledge and presentations can support sales training.
- What you can carry over
- Presentation and customer knowledge
- What you would need to learn
- Learning design and assessment
What to consider
Additional education and experience may be needed; it does not imply a training opening at your employer.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$89,490 Mean annual pay
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists ↗
Uses customer contact as a starting point for research questions.
- What you can carry over
- Customer knowledge and communication
- What you would need to learn
- Statistics, research and data analysis
What to consider
Sales anecdotes do not replace sampling and method; a degree is typical.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Simulate a discovery conversation and write a proposal with limits and decision criteria.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific ProductsSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 41-4012.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗