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The differences between distribution sales representatives and technical sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a distribution sales representative, becoming a technical sales representative takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technical sales representative has an average salary of $71,310, which is higher than the $41,865 average annual salary of a distribution sales representative.
The top three skills for a distribution sales representative include product knowledge, territory sales and customer accounts. The most important skills for a technical sales representative are sales process, business development, and sales support.
| Distribution Sales Representative | Technical Sales Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $41,865 | $71,310 |
| Hourly rate | $20.13 | $34.28 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 235,775 | 237,456 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A distribution sales representative is a sales professional who usually works for wholesale and manufacturing companies, aiming to secure sales with retailers and individuals. Their duties entail conducting market research and analyses to find client and business opportunities, generating leads, communicating with clients through calls, arranging appointments, answering inquiries, discussing product or service specifications, and negotiating contracts, building positive relationships along the way. Moreover, as a distribution sales representative, keeping up with the latest trends to enhance sales pitches is essential.
A technical sales representative is responsible for selling products and services by demonstrating the product's details and features to existing and potential clients. Technical sales representatives evaluate clients' needs and recommend solutions through the organization's technology-based products. They also assist with promotional offers and marketing campaigns to boost brand awareness and increase revenues and achieve profitability goals while ensuring the highest customer satisfaction. A technical sales representative must have excellent communication and customer service skills, handling customers' inquiries, and resolving complaints.
Distribution sales representatives and technical sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Sales Representative | Technical Sales Representative | |
| Average salary | $41,865 | $71,310 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $68,000 | Between $39,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a distribution sales representative and a technical sales representative in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Sales Representative | Technical Sales Representative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between distribution sales representatives' and technical sales representatives' demographics:
| Distribution Sales Representative | Technical Sales Representative | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.1% Female, 34.9% | Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |