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Job outlook for solution sales representatives in the United States
Solution sales representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected solution sales representative job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 63,300 new jobs for solution sales representatives are projected over the next decade.
Solution sales representative salaries have increased 9% for solution sales representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 47,289 solution sales representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 198,547 active solution sales representative job openings in the US.
The average solution sales representative salary is $78,463.
Are solution sales representative jobs in demand?
Solution sales representative job and salary trends over time
Solution sales representative jobs over time
Solution sales representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 47,289 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 50,132 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 53,171 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 53,880 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 56,024 | 0.02% |
Average solution sales representative salary over time
Solution sales representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,463 | $37.72 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $75,758 | $36.42 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $73,963 | $35.56 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $72,016 | $34.62 | --0.3% |
| 2021 | $72,231 | $34.73 | +2.5% |
Solution sales representative jobs by state
Most common states for solution sales representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 407 | 59% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,701 | 39% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 370 | 35% |
| 4 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 3,048 | 34% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 363 | 34% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 212 | 34% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,725 | 31% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 411 | 31% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,743 | 29% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,200 | 29% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 901 | 29% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 897 | 29% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 557 | 29% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 268 | 28% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,505 | 27% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 465 | 27% |
| 17 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,027 | 26% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 940 | 26% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 761 | 26% |
| 20 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,513 | 25% |
Most common cities for solution sales representatives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benicia | 1 | 4% | $101,298 |
| 2 | Norristown | 1 | 3% | $77,904 |
| 3 | Albany | 1 | 2% | $101,096 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $61,302 |
| 5 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $86,722 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $104,366 |
| 7 | Coral Springs | 1 | 1% | $49,549 |
| 8 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $82,821 |
| 9 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $72,076 |
| 10 | Naperville | 1 | 1% | $78,874 |
| 11 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $62,362 |
| 12 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $83,459 |
| 13 | Fremont | 1 | 0% | $100,824 |
| 14 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $62,138 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $84,526 |
| 16 | New York | 1 | 0% | $100,786 |
Solution Sales Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of solution sales representative experts
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Southern Mississippi
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Maryland - College Park
North Dakota State University
University of Akron
Texas Christian University
University of Akron
Baylor University
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
University of Vermont
SUNY New Paltz
Emsi
Montclair State University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Aurora University
The University of West Florida
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Penn State Behrend
What Solution Sales Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kathleen Kelly: Maximizing your salary potential requires research, flexibility, and being your best advocate.
What Solution Sales Representative 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.
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.
ChairSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Communication And Media Studies
What Solution Sales Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: All things social media are important, and so writing skills still matter.
What will help Solution Sales Representatives increase their earning potential?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: With this major, probably the best salaries are from sales jobs, which many people shy away from because they think only of hustling used cars, but sales can be very good work.
What Solution Sales Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hank Boyd: With the looming prospects of AI, soft skills will reign supreme in sales. While at
first blush it might seem counterintuitive in that product knowledge used to be cardinal
skill, today's salesforce relies heavily on networking. Numerous academic papers lend
credence to this idea. Great people skills often trump wonkish knowledge about the
product line.
As we wade further into the 21st Century, environmental scanning (or better yet
the innate ability to read prospects) will remain pivotal. Exceptional salespeople
instinctively scan a prospective client's office noticing all the trappings. They are trying to find something they can comment upon, by doing so they can establish common
ground. Once a connection is forged, salespeople move out of the box of being pesky
interlopers into becoming valued associates.
Lastly, if you decide to embark on a career in sales never forget the tried-and-
true axiom of ABC - always be closing. This phrase means having the gumption to ask
for the business. While sales recruits might have congenial and bubbly personalities, if
they cannot look the prospect in the eye and ask for the business, they ought to find
another profession.
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 Solution 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.
Director Dave Payne M.S.
Associate Professor of Practice / SalesUniversity of Akron
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What will help Solution Sales Representatives increase their earning potential?
Director Dave Payne M.S.: As Director of the Fisher Institute, sales education professor and sales coach for the UA sales competition team, I look for three basic characteristics in our sales students. I look for "likability", "coachability" and "hunger for success". Here at U Akron, we are on the cutting edge of pioneering sales research and next level sales education utilizing AI, infrared technology, and biometrics/ physiological responses to sales stress. Skills are king... creating a new system for sales practice, AI feedback and repetition will be the game changer. Advancing skills to make a 21-year-old sales graduate to exhibit the skills and talent to appear ten years more experienced will be very attractive to hiring companies. This is happening at Akron next semester.
Ken Corbit Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in MarketingTexas Christian University
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Solution Sales Representative?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.: Strategic
Company Selection:
Focus on joining companies with robust sales training programs, emphasizing consultative selling. Look for organizations that invest in your development, providing live calling experiences, quota-driven sales processes, and exposure to tools like Salesforce.
Tech
Proficiency and Sales Tools Mastery:
Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge sales technologies, including CRM tools like Salesforce. Your proficiency in these tools will not only streamline your sales processes but also position you as a tech-savvy professional in the competitive sales landscape.
Hands-On
Experience:
Actively engage in live calling, take ownership of sales funnels, and work with senior hiring authorities during your training. This hands-on experience will not only build your confidence but also prepare you for the challenges of consultative selling.
Research
and Decision-Making Skills:
Develop strong research skills to evaluate companies based on fit, growth opportunities, compensation structures, and overall potential. This informed decision-making approach will set you apart and empower you to navigate the sales landscape strategically.
Mentorship
and Networking:
Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights. Additionally, actively participate in online forums to connect with practical sales
knowledge and best practices.
Frederik Beuk
Associate Professor of MarketingUniversity of Akron
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What Solution Sales Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.
Executive Director, Center for Professional Selling, Frank and Floy Smith Holloway Endowed Professorship in Marketing, President, University Sales Center Alliance 2019-2021Baylor University
Hankamer School of Business
What skills will help Solution Sales Representatives earn the most?
Andrea Dixon Ph.D.: People who can recognize patterns (in data, in people), build connections with and across others, create a focus on high-performance behaviors, and lead with a confident humility are those who will win today and in the future business environment.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Miguel Olivas-Luján Ph.D.: As the economy "reopens" (thanks to appeased fears of contagion driven by vaccination, herd immunity, people worn out by the lockdowns, warmer weather, etc.), we should see workforce adjustments across industries and occupations. Already in March, unemployment was returning to 6% (from a high of 14.8% in April 2020, but after a low of 3.5 in February 2020; https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000). Barring unexpected resistance in the virus variants or other influences, the summer and fall months should give us better job market numbers, but this recovery seems to be benefitting some population segments more than others. The unemployed rate for teenagers was at 13%, followed by Blacks (9.6%), Hispanics (7.9%), Asians (6%), adult men (5.8%), and adult women (5.7%; more detail is available at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Solution Sales Representatives?
Madison Berry: The bachelor's degree is still the gold standard for employment out of college, but a specific degree isn't as necessary as we might think. We have UVM alumni come visit us to talk about their storied careers in Finance, and they graduated with Political Science, Engineering, and Sociology degrees. Some industries are more rigid than others - having a Masters of Accountancy and passing your CPA is key for working in many accounting areas, for example - but when it comes to wanting to work in business, being able to show transferrable and useful skills is most important. Critical thinking, problem solving, willingness to learn, and communication skills are key.
Felicia Hodges
InstructorSUNY New Paltz
Deptment of Digital Media and Journalism
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Solution Sales Representatives?
Felicia Hodges: I think there will definitely be fallout from the pandemic for soon-to-be graduates simply because it has been such a difficult year - and it ain't over yet. Maybe the hard, fast, "deadlines are sacrosanct!" imprints that were par for the non-COVID course haven't been so much lately, as a bulk of pandemic life has been about accounting for what students might have been/are dealing with due necessary COVID-induced work or lifestyle changes. And because many of the "real world" training/trial outlets weren't available (i.e. school print publications had to shift schedules or halt publishing altogether as staffs weren't able to meet in person; internships were non-existent or done almost entirely virtually, etc.), there weren't concrete ways to help students put the theories of what they learned in the classroom to practical use. It may be a steep learning curve for the newly-degreed journalism (as well as other media) practitioners.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Rob Sentz: Ultimately the pandemic is a blip that is accelerating some changes that were already in the market. More people and companies are opting for remote work and tech skills remain vitally important. What I think people really need to understand is that what we saw in 2020 was an accelerate to a broad set of trends that were already in place, but likely not being noted amongst many people in the labor market:
- Yes, we have experienced the loss of millions of jobs, but we have also seen the labor force participation rate decline at an even faster rate. This means that there are fewer working age adults interested in work than we have ever seen
- As huge numbers of baby boomers retire, they are going to leave millions of open positions that will be hard-to-fill
- Many sectors today (logistics, healthcare, tech, core business functions (like sales, marketing, CS, finance, HR, and operations), education, skilled trades, and public safety are desperate for talent.
- The replacement rate for workers isn't as great as the need for labor
For more: www.economicmodeling.com
And www.economicmodeling.com
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: I have to stress that I'm not an economist but an English professor who does a little work helping English majors think about their career options. That said, the American economy seems to continue down a bifurcated path--white collar labor that provides a modicum of security and blue- or pink-collar labor or gig work that isn't secure or well-paid. I would bet that we'll see a great deal of jobs in both sectors emerge as more people are vaccinated and as the summer months mean more people interacting outside, and I'm also optimistic about the stimulus packages' effect on the economy.
The trends will, if you ask me, mean more hiring. But for the students I work with, it'll likely be more of the same: underemployment for Humanities majors upon first graduating college, followed by slow & steady growth in wages and benefits through a period of switching jobs and careers. They'll start in jobs that involve reading, writing, researching, and analysis, or they'll support individuals engaged in these processes, before they start designing or directing projects of their own. Workers who learn fast, who have great language skills, who are adaptable to different circumstances--these people have the best chance of achieving careers.
Where will we see growth? In areas that cater to the very wealthy; in app development; in health care/public health (of course); in finance; in entertainment production though housed in a handful of places.
Will we see growth in academic hiring? Not for the field I work in--the teaching & research side. We will continue to see growth in the administrative aspects of the university, which has been the trend for decades, while tenure-line hiring has declined considerably. It's not a good job to pursue.
What soft skills should all Solution 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).
How have salaries changed over time for Solution Sales Representatives?
Jeffrey Gonzalez: My field is academia, and salaries have stayed fairly consistent if you get a tenure-line job. I'm part of a collective bargaining unit, which means I have a much better chance at a decent wage and decent benefits. Adjuncts do the bulk of teaching at American universities, and they don't have nearly the benefits or pay that professors get. English primary and secondary school teachers's pay has also remained consistent or declined, and teachers, like most public-college professors, have to rely on negotiations with the state for raises. We train a lot of teachers, and luckily, none of them is in it for the money.
For the students we have who go into the information or knowledge sector, they start underemployed and move up, as I said. The most recent research I've seen (and again, I'm not an economist) said that Humanities majors eventually make as much as business or more career-specific majors (public relations, etc.).
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution 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.
What technical skills for a Solution Sales Representative stand out to employers?
Dr. Daryl Green: According to a 2013 Gallup poll, more than one-third of business leaders doubt that higher education institutions in the U.S. are graduating students who meet their particular businesses' needs. In fact, the study showed that there is a disconnection between what business leaders need and what higher education is producing. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight competencies associated with career readiness. These skills include career management, communication, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, digital literacy, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork. Sadly, most students are not aware of employers' expectations of career readiness competencies.
Chad Newswander Ph.D.
Professor of Political ScienceBrigham Young University-Idaho
Department of Political Science
What technical skills for a Solution Sales Representative 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Jacqueline Babb: The pandemic has been a tipping point for innovation in technology. I anticipate that we may see a more of an emphasis on technology in business that will bring teams together virtually, but also automate tasks that are simple and repetitive.
What technical skills for a Solution 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.
Eric Bostwick Ph.D.
Professor of AccountingThe University of West Florida
Department of Accounting and Finance
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Solution Sales Representatives?
Eric Bostwick Ph.D.: In a word, yes. The adjustments that both individuals and businesses have made during this time have shifted our expectations for life and work. For a generation of students who were already tech-natives, the shift to more technology-enabled interactions has reinforced the "click-to-do" mentality. And for non-tech-natives, the roll-out of intuitive, easy-to-use apps has overcome much of their resistance to these types of interactions. These shifts have affected everything from business meetings to family reunions and from buying lunch to meeting with your doctor. However, graduates will need to grow beyond being technology consumers. They must be able to effectively use technology to deliver a company's value proposition, especially in service-oriented fields such as accounting, finance, law, medicine, and consulting.
What Solution Sales Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Celeste Spier Ph.D.: If a student opts to take a gap year, recommended skills to gain include the Naceweb sought by employers according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which are critical thinking, communication, teamwork, digital technology, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, and global/intercultural fluency. Technical skills are especially powerful in catching the eye of a recruiter in today's job market. Many free resources like EdX and Coursera exist to boost technical skills at no cost. For students who are taking a gap year because they are uncertain of their future career goals, their gap year should focus on exploration and reflection to ensure they end the year with a better sense of direction and next steps.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Solution Sales Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Mark Owens Ph.D.: It is hard to know for sure, but it seems like there will be a trend toward doing more job related tasks remotely. The pandemic forced many employers to adjust to life without in-person contact and many of these changes are going to persist in some form.