Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
SOC Code: 41-4012
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $66,780 and +0.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,310,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products (SOC 41-4012) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,310,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $66,780, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising.
- 2. Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.
- 3. Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.
- 4. Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- 5. Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- 6. Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- 7. Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- 8. Negotiate details of contracts and payments.
- 9. Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
- 10. Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Transportation
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Telecommunications
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products?
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is projected to grow by 0.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,310,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products?
Key skills for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products earn?
The median annual wage for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is $66,780, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products?
The typical entry-level education for Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products?
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).