Sales
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Also called: National Sales Executive, Sales Representative (Sales Rep)
US median pay
$69,990
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
115,700
1,272,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
What they do day to day
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.
- Answer customers' questions about services, prices, availability, or credit terms.
- Develop sales presentations or proposals to explain service specifications.
- Create forms or agreements to complete sales.
- Contact prospective or existing customers to discuss how services can meet their needs.
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
- Quote prices, credit terms, contract terms, or fulfillment dates for services.
- Maintain customer records using automated systems.
- Identify prospective customers using business directories, leads from clients, or information from conferences or trade shows.
- Inform customers of contracts or other information pertaining to purchased services.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.4/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Persuasion3.4/5
- Negotiation3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Administrative3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.