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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 decline over the 2023–33 decade. 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 $36,760 in May 2023, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.

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 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help
Advertising sales agents Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising sales agents sell promotional space to businesses and individuals.

High school diploma or equivalent $61,270
Cashiers Cashiers

Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services.

No formal educational credential $29,720
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 $59,080
Models Models

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

No formal educational credential $47,430
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 $56,620
Retail sales workers Retail Sales Workers

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

No formal educational credential $33,900
Sales engineers Sales Engineers

Sales engineers sell business products or services, such as software or support, that require technical expertise.

Bachelor's degree $116,950
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 $76,900
Travel agents Travel Agents

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

High school diploma or equivalent $47,410
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 $73,080

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024