Occupational Outlook Handbook: Sales Occupations
Workers in this group sell goods and services or connect buyers with sellers in a specific market, such as real estate or securities.
Overall employment in sales occupations is projected to decline from 2022 to 2032. However, about 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
The median annual wage for this group was $35,290 in May 2022, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
BLS employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a BLS Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  |
2022 MEDIAN PAY |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Advertising Sales Agents | Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. | High school diploma or equivalent | $58,450 |
 |
Cashiers | Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services. | No formal educational credential | $28,240 |
 |
Insurance Sales Agents | Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. | High school diploma or equivalent | $57,860 |
 |
Models | Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products. | No formal educational credential | $43,130 |
 |
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. | High school diploma or equivalent | $52,030 |
 |
Retail Sales Workers | Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments. | No formal educational credential | $30,750 |
 |
Sales Engineers | Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. | Bachelor’s degree | $108,530 |
 |
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. | Bachelor’s degree | $67,480 |
 |
Travel Agents | Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. | High school diploma or equivalent | $46,400 |
 |
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives | Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. | See How to Become One | $67,750 |
