Top 10 Highest Paying Sales Jobs 2024 (Inc Salaries)

They say that being a salesperson is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Each day you wake up with a task to convince someone to part with their hard-earned dollars in exchange for the goods or services you are peddling, such as cars. And you can multiply this toughness by the power of 10 if you are working in a call centre or other cold-calling avenues, such as peddling life insurance.

Whether you have it in you to be a salesperson or not, and let's face it, every day we pretty much have to sell ourselves to other people, for those that, as they say, 'have the gift of the gab, working in sales can be a very lucrative job. It may surprise you that quite a few of today's top businesspeople began their careers in sales. Howard Schultz, the CEO and chairman of Starbucks, worked as a salesman at XEROX. Warren Buffett, one of the top five richest people in the world and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, was once a sales rep. And William C. Weldon, who started his career as a sales rep at Johnson & Johnson in the pharmaceutical division, became the CEO of the pharmaceutical operations.

So being in sales such as medical sales can be lucrative for several reasons. You often have the opportunity to earn commissions or bonuses based on performance, which can significantly boost your income potential. You can build strong relationships with clients over time, leading to repeat business and referrals, further increasing your earnings. Moreover, the skills developed in sales, such as negotiation, communication, and persuasion, are highly transferable and valuable in various industries, opening up doors for advancement and higher-paying positions.

Overall, the combination of incentives, skill development, a bachelor's degree or higher, and ongoing opportunities for advancement makes a career in sales for say a medical device sales rep, enterprise sales executives, pharmaceutical sales reps, account executives, or people operating in tech sales or field sales, a lucrative choice for many individuals who are looking for jobs and remote jobs in the sales industry with a high base salary.

Top 10 Highest Paying Sales Jobs 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1) Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is a licensed professional with sales experience who responds well to sales leads and acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions to create more real estate sales. Their primary role is to facilitate the buying, selling, or renting of properties on behalf of their clients. Real estate agents possess in-depth knowledge of the local market, property values, and legal regulations governing real estate transactions.

They provide valuable guidance to clients, assisting them in pricing their properties effectively, negotiating deals, and navigating complex paperwork. Additionally, agents often conduct market research, advertise properties, and coordinate property showings to attract potential buyers or renters.

Ultimately, real estate agents play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and successful real estate transactions for their clients. There are many high paying real estate jobs that exist.

A Real Estate Agent can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $97,504.

2) Sales Engineer

A sales engineer is a technical professional who serves as a bridge between the technical aspects of a product or service and its potential customers. They possess a deep understanding of the products or solutions offered by their company, including their functionalities, features, and applications, and work closely with both the sales and engineering teams, leveraging their technical expertise to articulate the value proposition of the products to clients.

Their role involves engaging with customers to assess their needs, providing technical demonstrations, and offering customized solutions that meet specific requirements. Additionally, sales engineers play a vital role in the sales process by addressing technical inquiries, overcoming objections, and providing post-sale support to ensure customer satisfaction.

Overall, they serve as trusted advisors, helping clients understand how a product or solution can address their challenges and achieve their business objectives.

A Sales Engineer can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $84,783.

3) Financial Services Sales Agent

A financial services sales agent is a professional who specializes in promoting and selling various financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. They typically work for banks, insurance companies, investment firms, or other financial institutions and are knowledgeable about a wide range of financial products, including savings accounts, investment portfolios, insurance policies, and retirement plans.

They play a crucial role in assessing the financial needs and goals of clients, providing personalized recommendations, and guiding them in making informed decisions about their finances. These agents often build and maintain relationships with clients through regular communication, offering ongoing support, and adjusting financial strategies as needed to adapt to changing circumstances.

Overall, Financial Services Sales Agents help clients achieve their financial objectives by offering tailored solutions and expert guidance in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape.

A Financial Services Sales Agent can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $117,461.

4) Advertising Sales Executive

An advertising sales executive comes in as sort of entry-level sales and is a professional responsible for generating revenue by selling advertising space or time to businesses, organizations, or individuals. Armed with at most times a high school diploma, they typically work for media companies, such as newspapers, magazines, websites, television stations, or radio stations, and play a crucial role in driving revenue for their organization by identifying potential advertisers, pitching advertising solutions, negotiating terms, and closing deals.

They are skilled at understanding client needs, developing customized advertising proposals, and demonstrating how their advertising offerings can effectively reach target audiences and achieve marketing objectives. Additionally, advertising sales executives maintain relationships with existing clients, provide ongoing support, and ensure client satisfaction.

Overall, Advertising Sales Executives contribute to the success of media companies by driving revenue growth through effective sales techniques and client relationship management.

An Advertising Sales Executive can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $51,718.

5) Insurance Sales Agent

An insurance sales agent is a professional who specializes in selling insurance policies to individuals and businesses to provide financial protection against risks such as accidents, illnesses, property damage, and other unforeseen events. These agents work for insurance companies or brokerage firms and are tasked with assessing the insurance needs of clients, explaining policy options, and recommending coverage plans that best suit their circumstances.

On the whole, they possess in-depth knowledge of various insurance products, including life, health, auto, home, and business insurance, and play a critical role in educating clients about the terms and benefits of different policies, helping them understand the importance of insurance in managing risks and securing their financial future. Additionally, insurance sales agents often cultivate relationships with clients to provide ongoing support, review policy updates, and address any claims or inquiries.

Overall, they serve as trusted advisors, guiding clients in making informed decisions to protect themselves, their families, and their assets through appropriate insurance coverage.

An Insurance Sales Agent can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $65,074.

6) Manufacturer's Representative

A manufacturer's representative, also known as a sales representative or sales agent, is an individual or a firm that acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and buyers.

These professionals are hired by manufacturers to promote and sell their products to retailers, wholesalers, distributors, or other end-users and typically specialize in a specific industry or product category and possess a deep understanding of the products they represent.

Their primary responsibilities include identifying potential customers, presenting product offerings, negotiating contracts and pricing, and facilitating transactions between the manufacturer and the buyer and often play a vital role in expanding the market reach of manufacturers, building relationships with customers, and providing valuable feedback to improve product offerings.

Overall, Manufacturer's Representatives serve as essential intermediaries in the sales process, connecting manufacturers with buyers and driving revenue growth for both parties.

A Manufacturer's Representative can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $86,457.

7) Medical Device Sales Representative

A medical device sales representative or as they are mostly known medical sales reps are specialized professionals who focuses on selling medical devices and equipment to healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, and works for medical device companies, leveraging their expertise and knowledge of the products they represent to engage with healthcare professionals and decision-makers

Their role involves identifying potential clients, conducting product demonstrations, providing educational materials, and offering technical support to ensure proper use and functionality of the medical devices and they also play a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships with healthcare providers, addressing inquiries, and providing ongoing support to meet customer needs. Additionally, they stay updated on industry regulations, market trends, and competitor products to effectively position their offerings and drive sales.

Overall, Medical Device Sales Representatives contribute to improving patient care by facilitating access to advanced medical technologies and equipment within healthcare settings.

A Medical Device Sales Representative can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $86,158 and is one of the high-paying jobs in sales.

8) Software Sales Representative

A software sales representative is a professional responsible for promoting and selling software products and solutions to businesses, organizations, or individuals and generally work for software companies, ranging from large corporations to startups, with a focus on meeting sales targets and improving sales to drive revenue growth across a determined sales cycle.

Their role involves identifying potential customers, understanding their needs and pain points, and presenting software solutions that address those challenges effectively and are proficient in articulating the features, benefits, and value proposition of their products to prospects through presentations, demonstrations, and proposals. They also negotiate pricing and contractual terms, handle objections, and close deals to secure new business.

Additionally, software sales representatives maintain relationships with existing clients, providing ongoing support and identifying opportunities for upselling or cross-selling additional products or services.

Overall, they play a critical role in driving the adoption of software solutions and helping businesses optimize their operations through technology.

A Software Sales Representative can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $75,699 and is one of the highest-paying marketing jobs around.

9) Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative is a medical sales representative or sales associate tasked with promoting and selling pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals, and works for pharmaceutical companies, playing a crucial role in driving sales revenue and market share for their organization's products.

Their responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals, providing information about pharmaceutical products, conducting product demonstrations, and offering educational materials on drug efficacy, safety, and usage and often engage in face-to-face meetings, presentations, and seminars to communicate the benefits and features of their products effectively.

Additionally, they stay updated on industry regulations, competitor products, and market trends to position their offerings competitively.

Overall, Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives play a vital role in facilitating access to medications and improving patient care by ensuring healthcare professionals are informed about the latest pharmaceutical innovations and treatment options.

A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $77,921.

10) Consumer Packed Goods Sales Representative

A consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales representative is a professional responsible for selling a wide range of consumer goods directly to retailers or wholesalers and generally works for CPG companies, which produce items such as food, beverages, household products, personal care items, and more.

Their primary objective is to drive sales and increase market share by securing distribution and placement of their company's products in retail stores. They also build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers within retail establishments, negotiate contracts, and coordinate promotional activities to maximize product visibility and sales. They are knowledgeable about their company's product line, pricing strategies, and market trends, allowing them to effectively communicate the value proposition of their products to potential buyers.

Additionally, CPG Sales Representatives analyze sales data, monitor inventory levels, and identify opportunities for growth within their assigned territory.

Overall, CPG Sales Representatives play a critical role in ensuring the success and profitability of their company's products in the competitive consumer goods market.

A CPG Sales Representative can expect to earn an average annual salary in the US of $92,848.

Conclusion

The landscape of sales careers in 2024 offers a myriad of lucrative opportunities for individuals with the right skills, expertise, and qualifications. The Top 10 Highest-Paying Sales Jobs in 2024 reflect the evolving demands of various industries, from technology to pharmaceuticals, and highlight the importance of specialized knowledge, exceptional communication, and strategic thinking. Whether it's software sales, medical device sales, or e-commerce account management, these roles reward top performers generously for their ability to drive revenue, build strong client relationships, and navigate complex market dynamics.

As technology continues to reshape the sales landscape, professionals equipped with a blend of technical proficiency, industry insight, and emotional intelligence are poised to thrive and command top-tier compensation packages. By embracing innovation, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach, individuals with a degree in business or marketing can unlock their full potential and pursue rewarding careers in sales that offer both financial success and personal fulfillment in the dynamic business world of 2024 and beyond.

If you're ready to start your career in sales or take it to the next level to meet sales goals or a sales budget, you don't have to rely on being in the right place at the right time. Taking a BBA or MBA degree will equip you with all of the skills necessary to succeed. You'll gain a holistic business understanding that will enable you to align sales efforts with overall business goals, making you a more valuable asset to any organization. Discover advanced sales techniques and customer relationship management strategies from seasoned professionals and industry experts. And gain a global perspective by being equipped with the cross-cultural competence and international business acumen necessary to thrive in diverse markets and seize global sales opportunities.

If you are looking to learn more about the key hard and soft skills deemed necessary to succeed in the ever-competitive sales world, download our free report.

FAQs

What is the highest paying sales job in 2024?

Of course, there would be a great deal of debate on this one, but according to the career experts at Zippia, that honour would go to a financial services sales gent. The reason being that they tend to benefit from a blend of fixed and variable compensation, ensuring a stable income through base pay while also enjoying the potential for uncapped commission earnings determined by their individual sales efforts and capabilities. Exceptional performers have the opportunity to achieve substantial earnings, often reaching well into six figures.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which sales jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

In surveys run by this respected body, it was found that sales managers are projected to have the highest growth, as most have a bachelor’s degree and work experience as a sales representative. Employment of sales managers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 43,200 openings for sales managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What is the best sales career path in 2024?

In 2024, the best sales career path will be one that embraces innovation, adapts to evolving market dynamics, and prioritizes customer-centric strategies. With the rapid advancement of technology and changing consumer behaviors, sales professionals who excel in digital selling, data analytics, and personalized customer experiences are poised for success.

Industries such as technology, healthcare, and e-commerce offer promising opportunities, with roles in software sales, pharmaceutical sales, and e-commerce account management gaining prominence.

Additionally, a strong foundation in relationship-building, effective communication, and continuous learning remains indispensable, enabling sales professionals to navigate complex challenges and capitalize on emerging trends in the ever-evolving landscape of sales.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying sales jobs?

High-paying sales jobs often require a combination of essential skills, expertise, and qualities that set top performers apart, but there are some key attributes typically sought after in candidates for high-paying sales roles.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as sales professionals should be able to articulate product benefits, negotiate terms, and build rapport with clients.

Top-notch negotiation skills, as this is crucial for closing deals and maximizing profitability. Strong negotiators can find win-win solutions that satisfy both the client and the company.

Total product knowledge, as a deep understanding of the product or service being sold, instills confidence in customers and allows salespeople to address their needs effectively. Continuous learning about the product and industry trends is essential.

Adaptability is key, as the ability to adapt to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and sales strategies is crucial for staying competitive in dynamic environments.

Strategic thinking is also vital, as high-performing sales professionals must possess strategic thinking skills as they enable them to develop innovative approaches, anticipate market trends, and outmaneuver competitors.

Finally, the top salespeople must have closing skills, as the ability to effectively close deals and convert prospects into customers is fundamental for achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.

What qualifications are required for high paying sales jobs?

Qualifications for high-paying sales jobs can vary depending on the industry, company, and specific role. While formal education and certifications are valuable, practical experience, skills, and a track record of success often carry significant weight in the hiring process. That said, there are some common qualifications sought after for high-paying sales positions.

A bachelor's degree is typically preferred for many high-paying sales roles. Degrees in business, marketing, communications, or related fields can provide a solid foundation for a career in sales. Some positions may require advanced degrees, such as an MBA, especially for senior or executive-level roles.

Demonstrated success in previous sales roles is often a prerequisite for high-paying sales jobs. Employers look for candidates with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, building strong client relationships, and driving revenue growth.

Depending on the nature of the sales role, proficiency in relevant software, CRM platforms, and sales automation tools may be required. Additionally, familiarity with digital marketing techniques and social media platforms can be beneficial in today's digital-centric sales environment.

While not always mandatory, obtaining certifications relevant to the industry or specific sales techniques can enhance credibility and marketability. For example, certifications in sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Selling, or industry-specific certifications, can demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional development.

And sales professionals often encounter complex challenges and objections from clients. The ability to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and overcome objections is essential for navigating sales negotiations and closing deals.

While possessing these qualifications can increase the likelihood of securing a high-paying sales job, it's essential for candidates to continually develop and refine their skills, adapt to changing market conditions, and stay abreast of industry trends to remain competitive in the field of sales.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to gain a career in sales?

Gaining a Bachelor's or Master's in Business Administration (BBA/MBA) degree can provide numerous benefits for individuals pursuing a career in sales.

BBA/MBA programs offer a well-rounded education covering various aspects of business, including marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. This broad understanding enables sales professionals to align their sales efforts with overall business goals and contribute more effectively to organizational success.

BBA/MBA programs often include coursework specifically tailored to sales and marketing, providing insights into cutting-edge sales methodologies, negotiation strategies, and customer relationship management techniques. Sales professionals can leverage this knowledge to enhance their sales skills and achieve better results.

Many BBA/MBA programs focus on developing leadership skills essential for managing sales teams and driving organizational growth. Sales professionals with leadership capabilities can inspire and motivate their teams to excel, leading to improved performance and higher sales revenues.

Holding a BBA/MBA degree can enhance the credibility and perceived expertise of sales professionals in the eyes of employers, clients, and colleagues. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and a dedication to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for success in sales.

And having a BBA/MBA degree can significantly improve career prospects and opportunities for advancement in the field of sales. Employers often prefer candidates with advanced degrees for leadership and executive-level positions, offering higher salaries and greater responsibilities.

If you're ready to start your career in sales or take it to the next level to meet sales goals or a sales budget, you don't have to rely on being in the right place at the right time. Taking a BBA or MBA degree will equip you with all of the skills necessary to succeed. You'll gain a holistic business understanding that will enable you to align sales efforts with overall business goals, making you a more valuable asset to any organization. Discover advanced sales techniques and customer relationship management strategies from seasoned professionals and industry experts. And gain a global perspective by being equipped with the cross-cultural competence and international business acumen necessary to thrive in diverse markets and seize global sales opportunities.

If you are looking to learn more about the key hard and soft skills deemed necessary to succeed in the ever-competitive sales world, download our free report.