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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 show little or no change from 2021 to 2031; this limited change is expected to result in a decrease of about 164,500 jobs over the decade. Nonetheless, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from replacement needs.

The median annual wage for this group was $30,600 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

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 Help 2021 MEDIAN PAY Help
Advertising sales agents Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals.

 High school diploma or equivalent $52,340
Cashiers Cashiers

Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services.

 No formal educational credential $27,260
Insurance sales agents Insurance Sales Agents

Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance.

 High school diploma or equivalent $49,840
Models Models

Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products.

 No formal educational credential The annual wage is not available.
Real estate brokers and sales agents Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties.

 High school diploma or equivalent $48,770
Retail sales workers Retail Sales Workers

Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments.

 No formal educational credential $29,180
Sales engineers Sales Engineers

Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.

 Bachelor's degree $103,710
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets.

 Bachelor's degree $62,910
Travel agents Travel Agents

Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips.

 High school diploma or equivalent $43,810
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives 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 $62,890

Last Modified Date: Thursday, September 8, 2022