Sales Representatives - Technical Description OES Code: 49005 Sell goods or services requiring scientific or similar knowledge in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from 2 or 3 years of post secondary education or its equivalent. Sell products such as aircraft, agricultural equipment and supplies, industrial machinery, medical supplies, electronic equipment, chemicals, and precision instruments. Exclude Sales Engineers whose background or equivalent knowledge is equal to a bachelor's degree in engineering. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $12.16 minimum – $33.56 New, experienced: $17.74 $6.00 – $48.71 3 yrs+ experience: $23.97 $7.00 – $76.71 Note: Many employees in this occupation receive commissions, which vary widely. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Most employees in this occupation are full time and average 42 hours per week. Almost all employers provide medical and dental insurance in addition to sick leave and vacation. Most employers will also provide retirement plans and life insurance. Employment Trends Employment 1996 50,950 Projected Employment 2006 63,450 Growth Rate 1996-2006 24.5% Openings due to Separations 13,540 Employment Trends by California County Most employers expect employment in this occupation to grow over the next three years. Nationwide, employment of manufacturers' and wholesale sales representatives is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Many job openings will also result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Advancement Employers report promoting Sales Representatives to higher level positions such as Field Sales Representative, Regional Sales Representative, or Product Marketing Manager. Getting the Job & Other Information Most employers recruit through employee referrals. Many also use private employment agencies and newspaper ads. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Most recently hires Sales Representatives have at least a bachelor's degree. Employers hiring Sales Representatives in many of todays high technology fields usually require a Bachelors of Science in either computer science or biological science. Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of undergraduate programs. Most employers always require previous work experience. The background needed for Sales Representatives varies by product line and market. Many employers require recent hires to undergo an on-the job training period for about 6-12 months. Most employers require an average of 24 months of related work experience in either product sales, technical sales, or customer service. Many employers have formal training programs that can last up to two years. Some companies have formal training for beginning sales workers that last as long as two years. This is the usual procedure for manufacturers of technical products. Some training programs involve learning all phases of the production, installation and distribution of the product. Other firms have classroom training at the plant itself, followed by on-the-job training under a field sales manager in a branch office. Some companies offer continuous training in an effort to keep their sales personnel on an upbeat trend at all times. Skills & Other Requirements Very important skills include the ability to demonstrate knowledge of specific products, customer service skills, verbal presentation skills, ability to apply sales techniques, telephone sales skills, and knowledge of contract, bidding and proposal procedures. Additionally, cost estimating skills, the ability to prepare and arrange sales contracts, computer software skills including, spreadsheets, word processing and databases, willingness to travel, record keeping skills, and report writing skills are also important skills. Basic skills include math skills, writing skills, oral communication skills, ability to read and follow instructions, English grammar and spelling skills. The ability to work independently as well as part of a team, ability to work under pressure, and attention to detail are also important. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. Related Occupation: Buyers (Retail Trade) #118, Retail Store Managers #242, Manufacturers Sales Representative #542, Food Product Sales Representatives #285 Training: California State Training Inventory