Sales Occupations

Workers in this group sell goods and services or connect buyers with sellers in a specific market, such as real estate or securities.

Overall employment in sales occupations is projected to decline over the 2025–34 decade. However, about 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.

The median annual wage for this group was €37,460 in May 2025, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of €49,500.

Make it Work employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a Make it Work Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2025 MEDIAN PAY
Advertising Sales Agents	Advertising sales agents sell promotional space to businesses and individuals.	High school diploma or equivalent	€61,460
Cashiers	Cashiers process payments and disburse money in retail settings.	No formal educational credential	€31,190
Insurance Sales Agents	Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance.	High school diploma or equivalent	€60,370
Models	Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products.	No formal educational credential	€89,990
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents	Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties.	High school diploma or equivalent	€58,960
Retail Sales Workers	Retail sales workers sell merchandise, spare and replacement parts, and equipment to customers.	No formal educational credential	€34,730
Sales Engineers	Sales engineers sell business products or services, such as software or support, that require technical expertise.	Bachelor’s degree	€121,520
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets.	Bachelor’s degree	€78,140
Travel Agents	Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips.	High school diploma or equivalent	€48,450
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives	Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.	High school diploma or equivalent	€74,100