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The differences between pharmaceutical sales representatives and associate sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a pharmaceutical sales representative, becoming an associate sales representative takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a pharmaceutical sales representative has an average salary of $68,571, which is higher than the $51,007 average annual salary of an associate sales representative.
The top three skills for a pharmaceutical sales representative include patients, pharmaceutical products and develop strong relationships. The most important skills for an associate sales representative are work ethic, patients, and product knowledge.
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $68,571 | $51,007 |
| Hourly rate | $32.97 | $24.52 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 102,935 | 333,049 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
The job of pharmaceutical sales representatives is to inform and educate doctors about a company's medical and pharmaceutical products. They serve as the link between a company and healthcare professionals to hit sales targets. They have varied responsibilities, including assessing clients' needs and presenting suitable products, delivering product samples, and working sales teams to develop and implement brand strategies. This role's qualifications include relevant work experience, excellent communication, sales, negotiation skills, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
The duties of an associate sales representative depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around reaching out to clients through calls or door-to-door visits, offering products and services, collecting payments, addressing issues and concerns, and performing corrective measures when necessary. An associate sales representative often has a quota and deadline to reach; therefore, it is essential to be sales driven and goal-oriented. Furthermore, one must adhere to the policies and regulations of the company.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives and associate sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Average salary | $68,571 | $51,007 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $110,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Verint |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a pharmaceutical sales representative and an associate sales representative in terms of educational background:
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between pharmaceutical sales representatives' and associate sales representatives' demographics:
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.0% Female, 59.0% | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |