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Job outlook for medical sales specialists in the United States
Medical sales specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected medical sales specialist job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 63,300 new jobs for medical sales specialists are projected over the next decade.
Medical sales specialist salaries have increased 10% for medical sales specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 23,709 medical sales specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 76,398 active medical sales specialist job openings in the US.
The average medical sales specialist salary is $69,959.
Are medical sales specialist jobs in demand?
Medical sales specialist job and salary trends over time
Medical sales specialist jobs over time
Medical sales specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23,709 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,668 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,346 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,880 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,146 | 0.01% |
Average medical sales specialist salary over time
Medical sales specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $69,959 | $33.63 | +6.9% |
| 2025 | $65,413 | $31.45 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $64,331 | $30.93 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $63,645 | $30.60 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $63,766 | $30.66 | +3.7% |
Medical sales specialist jobs by state
Most common states for medical sales specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 514 | 74% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,689 | 48% |
| 3 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,281 | 44% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 421 | 44% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 444 | 42% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,770 | 40% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 675 | 39% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,774 | 37% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 3,816 | 37% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,150 | 37% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 386 | 37% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 745 | 36% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,129 | 35% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,450 | 35% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,064 | 34% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 209 | 34% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,997 | 33% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 448 | 33% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 4,148 | 32% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,541 | 32% |
Most common cities for medical sales specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockville Centre | 1 | 4% | $72,833 |
| 2 | Hoboken | 1 | 2% | $75,024 |
| 3 | Midland | 1 | 2% | $87,282 |
| 4 | San Clemente | 1 | 2% | $85,321 |
| 5 | Kissimmee | 1 | 1% | $52,025 |
| 6 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $74,139 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $65,721 |
| 8 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $73,001 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $88,218 |
| 10 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $70,843 |
| 11 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $83,936 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $87,156 |
| 13 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $63,555 |
| 14 | Pittsburgh | 1 | 0% | $59,830 |
Medical Sales Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical sales specialist experts
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Akron
Florida International University
Denison University
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Aurora University
William & Mary
University of Central Missouri
University of Washington
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
What Medical Sales Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Buckley: Adaptability - The sales environment is evolving rapidly with changes in buyer expectations, technologies, and go-to-market strategies. Successful salespeople will need to be highly adaptable, comfortable with change, and able to quickly adjust their approach as needed. Those stuck in outdated methods will struggle. Digital Selling - The ability to effectively sell through digital channels and virtual interactions is now table stakes. Mastering skills like virtual presentations, video marketing, social selling, and leveraging sales technology tools will separate the top performers. Buyers expect a seamless, digitally-enabled experience. Business Acumen - More than ever, salespeople need the ability to position their products/services as strategic solutions that tangibly impact the client's key objectives, financial metrics, and business outcomes. Knowing how to speak the language of business strategy is crucial for consultative selling.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Sales Specialist?
Dr. John Hansen: Regarding the third question, the only real way to maximize your salary in sales is to perform well against the success metrics in place in your role. Sales is, for the most part, an outcome-based profession, meaning that pay increases (or decreases) based on outcomes attained. Whatever the success metrics are in the position one is currently in, they will maximize their income to the extent that they perform well in relation to these success metrics.
Frederik Beuk
Associate Professor of MarketingUniversity of Akron
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What will help Medical Sales Specialists increase their earning potential?
Frederik Beuk: Digital Literacy and AI are obviously on everybody's mind. The benefit for early career professionals is that these are skills they can use to differentiate themselves from more established professionals. Embrace these tools. At the same time, being an authentic storyteller that helps buyers envision the potential of your solutions can be an extremely powerful skill.
What's a day at work look like for a Medical Sales Specialist?
John Tobon: In the near term the work day will look a lot like online learning. Everything, starting with onboarding of employees has transitioned online. Newly hired employees may not meet their supervisors and co-workers in person for several months, if ever. There will be more real time online collaboration and greater need for proficiency in the use of communication software. Graduates may not necessarily live in the city where their employer is located, this will provide greater freedom to employees but it will also increase the level of competition for some positions. In the long term, workplace will look different. As a cost savings measure, companies will maximize the amount of offsite work that can be performed by implementing hybrid models that incorporate maximum telework arrangements.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Sales Specialists?
Ashley Strausser: Much has changed in the last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the most obvious impacts being that of how we work and connect with others. I believe that working remotely will continue as employees and organizations have proven that they can work effectively from home. For many graduates, utilizing digital technology to do their work, collaborate with colleagues, engage with clients and connect socially with friends and family will continue to be the norm for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, graduating during a global pandemic has required students to be more flexible, open-minded and resourceful than ever before. Students graduating this spring had to adjust and pivot last year when many internships were cancelled or turned remote. While there are many industries that are struggling, many others are experiencing unprecedented growth during this time. I am encouraging students to be open to exploring positions in different industries, sectors and even geographic regions than perhaps they were initially considering, while still being true to their interests and skills. I coach students daily on the importance of networking, which has always been an essential part of an effective job search strategy; however, the power of one's professional network is even more valuable in a competitive job market.
What's a day at work look like for a Medical Sales Specialist?
Ashley Strausser: As we continue to live and work through a global pandemic, many new graduates will be working remotely or in some sort of hybrid variation. Working remotely necessitates discipline and being a self-starter. Graduates will need to develop strong professional work habits that will serve them well and lay a strong foundation as they begin their career. Many of us are challenged by a lack of social interaction beyond meetings with colleagues or clients via Zoom or Teams. Working from home for the last year, I can personally attest that attending to our physical and mental health is more important than ever. Take time to go for a walk or run on your lunch break. Set your alarm early to spend time meditating before you begin your work day. Don't get into the habit of rolling out of bed at 7:55am to start work at 8:00am. Consider doing yoga after work to help relieve stress. Make it a point to set up regular Zoom lunch dates to connect with or get to know your new colleagues. With our laptop and work space set up at home it's easy to get into the habit of working much more than we normally would if we were commuting to and from the office. It's important to set boundaries related to when and how much we work. Employ a strong work ethic, but don't neglect important aspects of your well-being.
What will help Medical Sales Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ashley Strausser: Graduates need to do their research, know their worth and negotiate their job offer. It amazes me how many students accept the salary offered to them without considering negotiation. Graduates should do their due diligence using sites such as Glassdoor and Salary.com to compare their salary offer to similar roles in the same region. If you are going to negotiate, you must be able to make a strong case as to why you are deserving of more money. This cannot be based on what you feel you deserve, but rather the skills you possess, relevant experiences you've had and the tangible results you've achieved that will enable you to be successful in the role. Evaluate the job description to determine if you possess some, or perhaps many, of the desired qualifications beyond the minimum qualifications listed. If so, use those as part of your negotiation. If not, consider how you might be able to develop those desired qualifications to make you a stronger candidate.
Competitive candidates should have a strong, well-rounded skill set. Being able to articulate your skills and experiences (academic, co-curricular, internships, research, study abroad, etc.) both on your resume and in an interview is critical. Know the skills necessary to be effective in the roles you seek. If you are lacking skills essential to your desired roles or industries, consider completing online courses or certifications through LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. Take advantage of skill-building resources and programs available through your university. Finally, research and prepare well for your interviews. This includes conducting mock interviews with staff in your career center to practice and gain valuable feedback on ways to improve your interviewing skills.
Chad Newswander Ph.D.
Professor of Political ScienceBrigham Young University-Idaho
Department of Political Science
What technical skills for a Medical Sales Specialist stand out to employers?
Chad Newswander Ph.D.: It is a combination of soft and hard skills. Young professionals need to be reliable, conscientious, hardworking, and be able to work well with others. They also need to show early signs of leadership, allowing them to grow within the organization. Above all, they need to be trusted to get the work done and be likeable. They also need to have a concrete skillset that allows them to contribute. Each young professional needs to think how they can add value to their organization (not just what the organization will do for them). Those skills can range from data/statistical analysis, writing, speaking, research, etc. In order to show that they have these skills, students should do multiple internships while in school from credible organizations.
Jacqueline Babb
Assistant Professor of Digital Marketing, Director of Graduate StudiesAurora University
Marketing Department
What technical skills for a Medical Sales Specialist stand out to employers?
Jacqueline Babb: Technical skills paired with strong communication, flexibility in thought, diversity, and creative problem solving are a winning combination for job candidates. Candidates with a strong acumen in data analysis and storytelling are marketable right now.
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Hispanic StudiesWilliam & Mary
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
How have salaries changed over time for Medical Sales Specialists?
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.: I don't have data and I am sure it varies a lot depending on the institution, the position, the field, etcetera. There is a close relationship between "prestige" of a position (tenure-eligible or a renown postdoctoral fellowship vs. visiting, more teaching-oriented positions) and compensation. A prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with 1 or less courses per semester to teach and/or TE positions with a 2-2 or a 3-3 pay up to 100% more than the average NTE position, that typically dictates a 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5 teaching load. In general, however, the more secure your position is the easier it is to secure funding and other resources that complement the base salary.
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger
Assistant Professor of MarketingUniversity of Central Missouri
Division of Business Strategy, Marketing Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Sales Specialists?
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger: The pandemic will certainly have a lasting impact on graduates, both positively and negatively. To start with the positives, I think the transition to online learning the past two semesters has forced students to gain many valuable skills that will be necessary for success in the post-pandemic work environment. The work dynamic in many industries may remain radically different for the foreseeable future and I think graduates will be more resourceful, organized, more productive in remote settings, and work better in groups due to the recent circumstances. I also think students will learn to be more entrepreneurial and improve their ability to "sell themselves" due to fewer career opportunities and higher competition in the workforce. Time will tell, but I think the lack of job availability may stunt the career growth for many recent graduates, while those that learn to grow when faced with adversity will thrive.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Sales Specialists?
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger: This is a rather difficult question to answer because it entirely depends on a student's field of study and goals and aspirations. Any job that helps a student understand their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and disinterests is a good starting point. Changing careers and/or career paths is no longer looked upon negatively, so I believe any career out of college that allows the graduate to learn and grow (personally and professionally) is a good one, as they can always pivot until they find a career that's fulfilling and rewarding.
What will help Medical Sales Specialists increase their earning potential?
Stephen (Tyler) Hirlinger: I think creativity is a skill that's often overlooked, especially in the businessworld. If I were a student looking to differentiate myself and increase my earning potential, I'd diversify my skill set and develop my creativity as much as possible. In my opinion, creativity is the human ability that's most difficult (if not impossible) to automate with technology and will always be rewarded. Also, the ability to communicate and articulate one's ideas and thoughts effectively is a desirable skill regardless of the profession. The best communicators are often the highest earners!
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Medical Sales Specialists in the next 5 years?
Julie Dalessio: The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to project national job growth in speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology. SLP jobs are expected to increase by 25% from 2019 through 2029. Audiology jobs are expected to increase by 13% from 2019 through 2029.
In WA specifically, there are currently shortages of SLPs in the public schools, with more openings than qualified clinical professionals. U.S. Census indicates the number of special education services is disproportionate to the number of SLPs currently available.
Demand for speech and hearing professionals is rising across the U.S. for several reasons:
-Due to medical technology and early intervention efforts, we are identifying and treating children with communication disorders earlier and more accurately. More children are entering schools with communication assessment and treatment services.
-Due to advances in medicine, we see adults living longer and experiencing health conditions that result in communication disorders.
-Lastly, SLPs are retiring faster than they can be replaced, given the client/patient growth and a limited number of students graduating each year from accredited program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Sales Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Brent Wolfe Ph.D.: In my opinion, here are some of the biggest trends we are likely to see:
-Increased need for RTs because people are realizing their value and importance
-More opportunities in long-term care and behavioral health - COVID is making life difficult for many people and behavioral health opportunities are going to increase as a result
-Opportunities for telehealth
-Increased opportunities for jobs within the VA
-Increased community based programs for older adults