Sales Representatives

Many beginning sales representatives are paid a salary while receiving their training. After assuming direct responsibility for a sales territory, they may receive only a commission (a fixed percentage of each dollar sold). Also common is a modified commission plan (a lower rate of commission on sales plus a low base salary). Some companies provide bonuses to successful representatives.

Because manufacturers' and wholesale sales representatives typically work on commission, salaries vary widely. Some made as little as $30,530 a year in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The most successful representatives earned more than $125,300. Median annual salaries (including commissions) for sales representatives were $81,020 for those working with technical and scientific products, and $59,930 for those working in other aspects of wholesale and manufacturing. 

Earnings can be affected by changes in the economy or industry cycles, and great fluctuations in salary from year to year or month to month are common. Employees who travel usually are reimbursed for transportation, hotels, meals, and client entertainment expenses. Door-to-door sales workers usually earn a straight commission on their sales, ranging from 10 to 40 percent of an item's suggested retail price.

Sales engineers earned salaries that ranged from $59,180 to $174,270 or more in May 2019, according to the DOL.

Sales representatives typically receive vacation days, medical and life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, manufacturers' agents and some door-to-door sales workers do not receive benefits.