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Sales Occupations

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Employment of sales and related occupations is projected to grow 3 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations, which will result in about 458,700 new jobs. Sales workers in the services and wholesale sectors will continue to be in demand because these occupations remain critical in building and maintaining customer bases for businesses. Rising levels of E-commerce will depress employment growth in the retail sector, where the number of cashiers is projected to decline slightly.

The median annual wage for sales and related occupations was $28,180 in May 2018, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 MEDIAN PAY
Advertising Sales Agents	Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. They contact potential clients, make sales presentations, and maintain client accounts.	High school diploma or equivalent	$51,740
Cashiers	Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services.	No formal educational credential	$22,430
Insurance Sales Agents	Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Insurance sales agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose plans that suit them.	High school diploma or equivalent	$50,600
Models	Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances. Models also work as fit or fitting models, enabling the manufacturer or fashion designer to achieve the best fit for new styles.	No formal educational credential	$23,770
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents	Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Although brokers and agents do similar work, brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Sales agents must work with a real estate broker.	High school diploma or equivalent	$50,300
Retail Sales Workers	Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers’ payments. There are two types of retail sales workers: retail salespersons, who sell retail merchandise, such as clothing, furniture, and automobiles; and parts salespersons, who sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts.	No formal educational credential	$24,340
Sales Engineers	Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products’ parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.	Bachelor's degree	$101,420
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades.	Bachelor's degree	$64,120
Travel Agents	Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. They offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, and make travel arrangements for clients.	High school diploma or equivalent	$38,700
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives	Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They contact customers, explain the features of the products they are selling, negotiate prices, and answer any questions that their customers may have about the products.	See How to Become One	$61,660