Post job

Technical sales representative vs technical sales manager

The differences between technical sales representatives and technical sales managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a technical sales representative, becoming a technical sales manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a technical sales manager has an average salary of $129,770, which is higher than the $71,310 average annual salary of a technical sales representative.

The top three skills for a technical sales representative include sales process, business development and sales support. The most important skills for a technical sales manager are customer satisfaction, sales management, and CRM.

Technical sales representative vs technical sales manager overview

Technical Sales RepresentativeTechnical Sales Manager
Yearly salary$71,310$129,770
Hourly rate$34.28$62.39
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs237,456193,981
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4746
Years of experience28

What does a technical sales representative do?

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.

What does a technical sales manager do?

A technical sales manager is responsible for monitoring the sales techniques and performance of the sales team in selling technical services and systems to the customers. Technical sales managers coordinate with clients to discuss and negotiate offers of new products and services. They also identify business opportunities by analyzing current technology trends from public demands to generate more revenue resources and increase the company's profits. A technical sales manager facilitates and plans sales training and programs to maximize staff's efficiency and productivity.

Technical sales representative vs technical sales manager salary

Technical sales representatives and technical sales managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Sales RepresentativeTechnical Sales Manager
Average salary$71,310$129,770
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $129,000Between $90,000 And $186,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAColumbia, MD
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Hampshire
Best paying companyGooglePalo Alto Networks
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between technical sales representative and technical sales manager education

There are a few differences between a technical sales representative and a technical sales manager in terms of educational background:

Technical Sales RepresentativeTechnical Sales Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Southern California

Technical sales representative vs technical sales manager demographics

Here are the differences between technical sales representatives' and technical sales managers' demographics:

Technical Sales RepresentativeTechnical Sales Manager
Average age4746
Gender ratioMale, 73.3% Female, 26.7%Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%7%

Differences between technical sales representative and technical sales manager duties and responsibilities

Technical sales representative example responsibilities.

  • Administer product and system design engineering support, prepare RFP responses, deliver presentations, and manage field support calls.
  • Manage and assist a vast customer base in the market for new roofing needs after a large hail storm in Lubbock.
  • Conduct sales, build orders, maintain cleanliness and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Direct overall account customer relations and assist in OEM product development.
  • Maintain cleanliness provide exceptional customer satisfaction by assisting them in the selection of update fashion to complement their selection.
  • Document key sales activities in the company's customer relationship management (CRM) system.
  • Show more

Technical sales manager example responsibilities.

  • Achieve annual sales and profit objectives for fast-pace company by securing contracts to sell automation components to MRO & OEM clients.
  • Manage sales pipeline in CRM system for predictable revenue generation, prioritization and forecasting.
  • Develop new customers in the region assign through independent travel, managing distributor relationships and OEM relationships.
  • Determine product pricing base on multiple ROI factors.
  • Recognize as trusted subject matter expert all in SaaS, virtual lab and eLearning services.
  • Own & drive client strategy from a technology perspective including leading proof of concept and ROI initiatives.
  • Show more

Technical sales representative vs technical sales manager skills

Common technical sales representative skills
  • Sales Process, 23%
  • Business Development, 17%
  • Sales Support, 15%
  • Post Sales, 12%
  • Java, 5%
  • OEM, 3%
Common technical sales manager skills
  • Customer Satisfaction, 11%
  • Sales Management, 9%
  • CRM, 6%
  • Product Line, 5%
  • Business Development, 5%
  • Sales Strategies, 4%