Sales Representatives

Employment for manufacturers' and wholesale sales representatives is expected to grow at a slower than average rate through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Because of continued economic growth and an increasing number of new products on the market, more sales representatives will be needed to explain, demonstrate, and sell these products to customers.

"In addition to a rising total volume of sales, a wider range of products and technologies will lead to increased demand for sales representatives," the DOL explains. "Although wholesale sales are increasingly being conducted online, these online sales are expected to complement, rather than replace, face-to-face selling. Therefore, online sales are not expected to have a negative effect on employment growth for these workers."

Employment growth is expected to be strongest for sales representatives who are employed by independent sales agencies. These professionals represent product manufacturers and operate on a fee or commission basis. Although this decreases overhead costs for manufacturers, the instability of self-employment is a deterrent in the field of independent sales. Thus, competition for in-house sales positions with wholesalers will be stiff, and jobs will go to applicants with the most experience and technical knowledge.