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Job outlook for senior professional sales representatives in the United States
Senior professional sales representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior professional sales representative job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 63,300 new jobs for senior professional sales representatives are projected over the next decade.
Senior professional sales representative salaries have increased 10% for senior professional sales representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 45,926 senior professional sales representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 144,774 active senior professional sales representative job openings in the US.
The average senior professional sales representative salary is $112,236.
Are senior professional sales representative jobs in demand?
Senior professional sales representative job and salary trends over time
Senior professional sales representative jobs over time
Senior professional sales representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 45,926 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 49,721 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 52,970 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 54,005 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 56,457 | 0.02% |
Average senior professional sales representative salary over time
Senior professional sales representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $112,236 | $53.96 | +6.9% |
| 2025 | $104,943 | $50.45 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $103,207 | $49.62 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $102,106 | $49.09 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $102,301 | $49.18 | +3.7% |
Senior professional sales representative jobs by state
Most common states for senior professional sales representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 297 | 43% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,738 | 40% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,112 | 38% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 353 | 37% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 3,074 | 34% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 365 | 34% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 351 | 33% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,000 | 32% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 201 | 32% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,959 | 31% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 228 | 30% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 387 | 29% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,614 | 28% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 540 | 28% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 369 | 28% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 971 | 27% |
| 17 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,065 | 26% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,710 | 26% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,062 | 26% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 799 | 26% |
Most common cities for senior professional sales representatives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentonville | 1 | 2% | $65,592 |
| 2 | Rogers | 1 | 2% | $65,573 |
| 3 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $65,465 |
Senior Professional Sales Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior professional sales representative experts
North Dakota State University
Florida International University
Montclair State University
Denison University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Aurora University
Thomas More University
University of North Alabama
William & Mary
University of Central Missouri
University of Washington
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Eric Gjerdevig
Lecturer in Marketing, Director for the Center for Professional Selling and Sales TechnologyNorth Dakota State University
Marketing
What general advice would you give to a Senior Professional Sales Representative?
Eric Gjerdevig: First, remember that what you get out of your first job is so much more than compensation. A great manager mentoring you is priceless: it will pay you back dividends for the rest of your career. That said, in sales our compensation is typically tied to our performance. That means we need to put yourself out there, pay attention to the actions of the most successful salesperson in the company, learn everything you can, and manage your time well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Professional Sales Representatives?
John Tobon: Yes, the enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates will be how and where they will work. The pandemic forced employers to overlook their reluctance to telework arrangements in order to survive. The biggest change will come in government employment where all but the most sensitive positions will enjoy greater flexibility. This will also mean less travel for in-person meetings, as more people become more comfortable with video conferencing and as the technology becomes more secure and intuitive to the users, business travel will be reserved for only the most necessary activities.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Professional Sales Representative?
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.
What soft skills should all Senior Professional Sales Representatives possess?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: Students need to be able to write well; they need to listen well; they need to learn audiences quickly; they need to acknowledge that they're entering into conversations with grace, rather than running in full speed; they need to understand cultural and identity differences; they need to understand the digital environment has a contrary balance of speed (content production; viral reactions) and permanence (your data trail).
What will help Senior Professional Sales Representatives 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.
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Professional Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Daryl Green: Today's students need to embrace emerging market trends. For marketing students, the marketing concept means intimately understanding your customers and satisfying their immediate needs. The lingering pandemic from 2020 will make the job hunt more difficult this year. From my research, here are 2021 employment trends to consider:
Marketing strategy still matters. Today's businesses are using ineffective marketing strategies despite using digital tactics like social media platforms. According to HubSpot, only 61% of marketers believe their marketing strategy is effective. Yet, they are still pouring massive amounts of dollars into digital advertising. Understanding the basic marketing strategies will equip college grads for the challenges ahead.
Artificial intelligence and automation rise in 2021. Marketing professionals will need to be more tech-savvy. AI will make analyzing and implementing decisions more efficient. According to a McKinsey study, Netflix saved $1 billion in lost revenue in 2017 by using machine learning to make personalized recommendations. Other businesses, like Amazon, are doing the same.
Data analytics continue to emerge as a critical ingredient for market decision making. About 82% of marketers plan to increase their usage of first-party data (Source: Signal). Taking a marketing analytics course will be helpful to graduates.
Digital platforms will continue to dominate the economy. Thus, an online presence is essential. According to a Bright Edge study, digital ad spending will reach $389 billion in 2021. Thus, students need good digital literacy to succeed.
Mobile platforms like smartphones are the future. As for May of 2020, Google was responsible for 67% of all smartphone search traffic.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Professional Sales Representatives?
Dr. Daryl Green: Based on my research, I predict that the current salaries for marketing majors will be unchanged from 2020. There are 'riches in niches.' Certain areas, like marketing analytics, may see a surge. For example, market research analysts are projected to grow 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to US BLS. However, Covid-19 is the X-factor for the economy.
Jacqueline Babb
Assistant Professor of Digital Marketing, Director of Graduate StudiesAurora University
Marketing Department
What technical skills for a Senior Professional Sales Representative 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. John D. (Jack) Rudnick
ProfessorThomas More University
Department of Business Administration and Accountancy
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Professional Sales Representatives?
Dr. John D. (Jack) Rudnick: Proficiency in informatics, finance, entrepreneurship strategy, and quality improvement with an intentional strategy to drive these processes can have a large positive effect on revenue generation and expense reduction. CPA certification, process improvement certifications (Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, AGILE), IT certifications and long-term care licensure are beneficial credentials to consider. Leaders with a clinical background bring credibility to positions where flexibility and depth of knowledge offers prospective employers an attractive combination of credentials.
John Cicala Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Digital MarketingUniversity of North Alabama
Management & Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Senior Professional Sales Representatives possess?
John Cicala Ph.D.: The ability to write for reading and not to write as if they are simply transcribing an internal conversation with the paper or whatever media is being used to communicate. They should also possess the ability to interact and to converse with others in person and to actively listen.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Professional Sales Representative?
John Cicala Ph.D.: It will not be as structured or segmented as previous generations' workdays have been, but it will involve more tasks and responsibilities. It will involve more research and inquiry. It will involve a significant amount of time working online and less time interacting in person. That said, the times that do require/involve interpersonal engagement will be more important than ever before due to the increased value that people will place on their time. Hence, the need for individuals to be skilled at both distanced and face-to-face interactions.
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Hispanic StudiesWilliam & Mary
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Professional Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.: In regard to the academic job market, I can talk about Hispanic/Latin American studies and, broadly speaking, literary and cultural studies. In the past year or two, trans- and interdisciplinarity are a must have to be successful. Research topics that are related to race and gender are also extremely important. More than trends, I would talk about urgency when it comes to higher education. The job market outside of higher education seems to be liking business and computer sciences. In the United States, in particular, any intersection between these two fields (e.g., digital security, cryptocurrency) has been extremely popular.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Professional Sales Representatives?
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
What's a good job out of college for Senior Professional Sales Representatives?
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 Senior Professional Sales Representatives 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!
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Professional Sales Representatives in the next 3-5 years?
Julie Dalessio: Telepractice is becoming more important and prevalent, given the pandemic, and is expected to become more critical as a service delivery mechanism. Zoom has a HIPAA compliant platform used by many in our field to provide services, and we are seeing assessment and treatment materials being adapted for remote delivery via Zoom.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Senior Professional Sales Representatives 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 type of skills will young Senior Professional Sales Representatives need?
Dawn Hogue: The skills needed of a massage therapist entering the field are a combination of technical, relational, and business skills. They will need a well-grounded technical training and mastery of various types of massage techniques, but equally important are the relational/people skills needed to work closely with another person. The interpersonal skills to understand boundaries and ethical behavior and how to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients. A massage therapist will also need good business skills and an understanding of marketing, promotion, and business plan strategies.