Looking to start a career in sales? In this article, we’ll discuss which sales jobs and industries have the highest demand and command the biggest salaries so that you can better plan your decision.
April 2, 2022
We hear this question a lot as we work with new, up-and-coming salespeople.
They want to know what the best sales jobs are—and how to get them.
Yet there is no single answer to this.
And you, as an individual, determine a lot…
So if this is a question on your mind, read on.
Although what we share may surprise you…
1. What is The Best Industry for Sales Jobs
2. What Sales Jobs Are in Demand
3. What Sales Jobs Are The Highest Paying
3. 1:Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
3. 2:Medicals Device Sales Rep
3. 3:Sales Engineer
3. 4:Real Estate Agent
3. 5:Insurance Sales Agent
3. 6:Advertising Sales Executive
3. 7:Software Sales Rep
4. What is The Best Sales Jobs—The Conclusions
Here at The Sales Connection, we know firsthand what the best sales jobs are. We’ve had them. We have helped other salespeople get them. Yet each situation differs. So what may be the best sales job for you may not match mine.
This is our aim with today’s article. To not just show you some of the more popular and best-paying sales jobs, but give you access to the “big picture”.
This may not be the answer you want to hear, but there isn’t a best industry for sales.
Trends continue to change.
What’s in demand today may not be tomorrow.
Plus, you as an individual bring something unique to the table. You have a set of skills. These skills are better suited for some industries than others. So although we’ll share some of the best-paying sales jobs in this article, don’t forget this.
YOU are the person in charge of your career.
Your success comes down to aligning your skills with where you’re needed.
Similar to the above, this is another question too many salespeople get hung up on.
Demands change.
Trends change.
What doesn’t change are the fundamentals of sales. This is always our focus when we work with a new salesperson. We give them the tools and training they need to thrive in any industry.
As well as the right questions to help them find the right one for them!
So before you go further, be sure to study these resources:
With all this in mind, what sales jobs are the highest paying? This is why you’re here, so let’s dive into some of the more popular roles around…
Although before we do, there are a few caveats to share:
Everything we share is subject to change, so please keep this in mind.
Pharmaceutical sales reps are those that visit hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other medical facilities to build relationships with doctors. In doing so, they educate them on the various types of drugs and offers they provide, and how these help their patients.
As you can see, the average base salary for a sales rep in this field is high, with less emphasis placed on bonuses and commissions. The reason for this is that these jobs are very competitive. Often, you need a bachelor’s degree from a top-tier school and a high GPA to break into the industry.
Medical device sales reps build relationships with doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals. What this entails depends on the company you represent (and the types of products they produce). In general, your job is to visit hospitals and get in front of those that use the actual equipment.
The base salary for this role is lower, although the bonuses and commissions are considerably higher.
So long as you step up and are good at your job, you can make a lot of money in this field.
Sales engineers are different from many other reps and professionals as they’re a hybrid between sales, engineering, science, and technology. Often, you’re hired by a company that sells complex technologies or machines—although the scope of this is wide, covering many industries.
The main skill you need for this role is an in-depth understanding of your niche (and what you sell). Not just in terms of sales skills, but the inner workings of the product (technical specifications and all). For this reason, you can expect a high base salary with competitive bonuses and commissions alongside it—largely because there’s always a demand for these specific types of salespeople.
A real estate agent is someone who works in real estate. Although what this represents can take on many forms: houses versus business premises, for example, and different locations produce different types of roles. Realtors are often different from many salespeople because they can represent both the buyer, seller, or even both.
As you can see, the base salary for this role is good but not great. The upside is that the commission structure in real estate is usually amongst the best available—regardless of experience or location. It’s a competitive landscape, though, and many markets are saturated.
Lots of opportunities, but you need to prepare yourself to step up and become a “go-to” in your field.
An insurance sales agent is another role that can take on different forms. Depending on the industry and niche, it can lead you to sell different types of products to businesses and individuals alike.
It’s a well-established marketplace, leading to a lower base salary (although still with competitive bonuses and commissions). The good news about this is it’s a stable market. Insurance is something everyone needs, so there’s always a demand for up-and-coming sales reps.
An advertising sales executive is someone that sells various advertising and marketing products. This can take on many forms, including traditional advertising, online advertising, and other innovative services (sponsorships, endorsements, etc…).
In this role, you’ll form strong relationships with various businesses and entities, constantly pitching them relevant spots to get their brand in front of their audience. It’s a well-established industry, meaning a lower base salary. Although you can more than make up for this with very competitive commissions.
A software sales rep works for technology companies, responsible for selling the company’s software to other businesses, professionals, and consumers. Often, this involves a combination of both inbound and outbound sales, meaning you need a variety of strong sales skills.
You can expect a competitive salary in this role, along with good bonuses and commissions. Although how competitive these are depends on your niche, the business you work for, and the product you sell.
This rounds up some of the best sales jobs you can land in today’s current market.
Although as we said at the top of the article, all this is set to change. New industries get established all the time. Others lose popularity. Some grow saturated, driving down your salaries. Others boom, leading you to opportunity followed by opportunity.
This is why it’s important to become a master of sales.
If all you do is chase today’s current best sales role, you’ll never fulfill your potential.
Instead, take the time to develop your skill set with some foundational training. We share some here:
Beyond this, you may want to join us at The Sales Connection.
With our approach, we can help you stand out for the right reasons (regardless of the industry you’re in).
What is the best sales job(s)... having read this article, you now know.
Although it isn’t as simple as many make out.
The reality is, this world continues to evolve at a fast pace. Who knows what the next big industry or niche will be. The jobs we list in this article are some of the best and most stable.
But is it right for you?
Only you can decide…
Our aim is to give you the tools you need to thrive—whatever that specifically looks like for you.
If you’re ready to take that big step forward, Visit HERE and explore how to join our ever-expanding team. We set high standards when it comes to those we work with, but we’re always on the lookout for A-Class performers. If that’s you… explore this page and apply.
Kayvon Kay
Kayvon has over two decades of experience working with high-level closers and perfecting his sales methodologies. He has earned the title of Canada’s #1 pharmaceutical sales representative and continues to share his expertise as a keynote speaker and through his multi-million-dollar coaching program.