Do you fancy working in tech but have no technical background? Tech Sales is a great first step into the industry, making it another way to connect your work with the latest software and hardware products or services, and it just might bring you that much closer to a six-figure salary. A tech sales career combines challenges, opportunities to work for startups and big companies, and a genuine interest in the industry, and it can come with high pay.
Technical Sales Representative Salary in 2023
Tech sales involves selling technology products, whether they are hardware, software, or services, to various organizations ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations. Nearly all technology companies have a sales team that is responsible for reaching out to potential customers and persuading them to purchase their offerings. For instance, if your organization uses specific brands, such as Microsoft devices or Slack, there is a high probability that a tech sales agent was involved in selling that technology to your enterprise.
The job of a Tech Sales Representative extends beyond just demonstrating products and meeting sales targets, however, which makes tech sales jobs' salary one that can be highly rewarded. The process of tech sales typically involves several stages, including generating leads, understanding prospective customers' requirements, assessing an organization's internal structure, positioning technical products as solutions to existing issues, and providing ongoing support to clients. Simply put, tech sales professionals advocate for their company's software and the clients who utilize those products and services.
Average Technical Sales Representative Salary
In February 2023, Glassdoor released data that brings more light on what tech sales salaries are like worldwide. It's important to note that the salary can vary depending on many factors, but here are some approximate ranges for common tech sales positions in the US:
- Account Executive. Account Executives have an average base pay of around $88,856 annually, although these professionals might make anywhere between $55,000 to $147,000.
- Business Development Representative: The average base salary is $97,423 annually, ranging from $57,000 to $172,000.
- Sales Development Representative: The average base salary is $69,446 per year, with between $47,000 and $105,000 being the range they can make per year.
- Tech Sales Engineer: A Sales Engineer can expect an average base salary of $122,570 annually, although this can range from $76,000 to $202,000.
It’s important to note, however, that tech sales salaries can vary based on factors such as location, industry, experience level, and skill level.
Highest-Paying States for Technical Sales Representatives
According to recent data from both Indeed and Glassdoor for February 2023, the top three highest-paying states for Technical Sales Representatives are California, New York, and Texas.
Glassdoor reports that California offers the highest average base tech sales salary for Tech Sales Representatives at $155,429 per year. This is followed by New York at $137,824 per year and Texas at $117,753 per year.
Remember, though, that these figures are averages and may vary depending on factors such as industry, company size, and years of experience. Regardless, California, New York, and Texas are among the top states for kick-starting a technical sales career.
Highest-Paying Cities for Technology Sales Representative Jobs
Salary ranges depend on many factors in addition to years of experience, industry, company size, and individual negotiation skills. Additionally, the cost of living in San Francisco or New York is higher than the national average, which can impact the actual salary value in these cities. These specialists can be paid per hour or salaried, depending on the workload and job level.
In San Francisco, average tech sales salaries start from $62,000 to $165,000 per year for a junior-level tech sales position, from $66,000 to $181,000 per year for a mid-level position, and from $70,000 to $198,000 per year for a senior position, according to Glassdoor. For an entry-level position, the salary ranges from $57,000 to $148,000 per year.
In New York, the salary ranges from $59,000 to $151,000 per year for a junior position, from $64,000 to $169,000 per year for a mid-level position, and from $68,000 to $188,000 in total compensation per year for a senior level position, based on Glassdoor data. For an intern position, the salary ranges from $53,000 to $133,000 per year.
Technical Sales Representative Salary by Years of Experience
Career advancement typically requires a combination of experience, sales skills, industry knowledge, and leadership ability. While most companies may require three-to-five years of experience in a junior or mid-level position before promoting someone to a senior position, other factors can contribute to career advancement.
Individual performance is also critical, as a track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas can set you apart from your peers. In addition, many companies offer career development programs and mentorship opportunities that can accelerate career progression.
Suppose you're interested in advancing your career as a Technology Sales Representative. In that case, it's a good idea to discuss your career goals with your manager or HR representative to better understand the specific requirements and opportunities for growth within your organization. With a strategic approach to career development and a focus on continuous improvement, you can position yourself for success and unlock new opportunities in the tech sales industry.
Conclusion
The tech sales industry offers an excellent opportunity for those without a technical background to enter the technology field and earn a high salary. California, New York, and Texas are among the top states for Technical Sales Representatives looking to earn high salaries in the tech industry. A career in tech sales involves many responsibilities; the role of a tech sales representative extends beyond just demonstrating products and meeting sales targets. The average salary for a tech sales position varies based on location, industry, years of experience, and sales skill level. With the right approach to sales career development and continuous improvement, one can position themselves for success and unlock new opportunities in the tech sales industry.
If this article has sparked your interest, remember: there's no better time than now to take action. It's a competitive field, but with the right training, you can stand out and secure a rewarding role in Sales Engineering.
That's why we invite you to apply for our Sales Engineering training program. Our comprehensive training will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to launch a successful career in this dynamic field. So why wait? The next step of your professional journey could be just a click away.