Employment of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment growth for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives will largely follow growth of the overall economy.
In addition to the total volume of sales, a wider range of products and technologies will lead to increased demand for sales representatives.
Because the work of sales representatives requires a lot of face-to-face interaction with potential buyers, this type of work is not likely to be outsourced to other countries.
Employment growth is expected to be strongest for sales representatives working at independent sales agencies. Companies are increasingly shifting their sales activities to independent agencies as a way to cut costs and boost revenue. These independent companies do not buy and hold the products they are selling. Instead, they operate on a fee or commission basis in representing the product manufacturer. Employment of sales representatives in this industry—wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers—is projected to grow 26 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities should be best for those with previous sales experience. Though the large size of the occupation creates many job openings, the relatively high pay will also likely attract a large number of applicants.
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
7%
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives
7%
Total, all occupations
7%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
6%
Sales and related occupations
5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program