Here are the top 10 highest-paying sales jobs, according to research

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Could you have a future in sales? According to Xactly, a software provider that recently used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify the highest-paying sales jobs, careers in retail, advertising and real estate are currently thriving. And a good portion of those sales positions carry a six-figure salary.

“From sales associates who actively seek out potential customers to sales executives who lead teams and shape an organization’s sales strategy, the broad scope of sales as a profession attracts workers with a wide range of skills and interests,” noted a post from data journalism website Stacker.com, which compiled Xactly’s stats.

Here’s a look at the 10 sales roles that carry the highest salaries, according to Xactly’s research.

10. Real estate brokers and sales agents

– Annual median wage: $56,620 ($27.22 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 249,080

Real estate brokers and sales agents play a crucial role in selling homes and other forms of property. They advise both purchasers and sellers of properties on optimal pricing, help clients find a suitable fit, prepare contracts, and promote sale properties through various means, including open houses.

Generally, becoming a licensed real estate agent requires a high school diploma and a state-specific licensing exam. Brokers typically need additional experience and education.

9. Insurance sales agents

– Annual median wage: $59,080 ($28.40 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 457,510

Insurance agents link clients with appropriate coverage. They promote new insurance products and tailor existing plans to client needs. Through networking, cold calling and referrals, they build relationships with potential customers, assess their risk profiles and recommend suitable insurance options.

A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for most insurance agent positions. However, employers often favor candidates with a bachelor’s degree, and licensure in the relevant state is mandatory.

8. Advertising sales agents

– Annual median wage: $61,270 ($29.46 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 108,100

Advertising sales agents sell advertising services and spaces to clients. This B2B sales role involves researching client needs, competitor offerings and market trends to develop targeted business advertising proposals. Entry-level advertising sales roles are usually open to those with a high school diploma, but a bachelor’s degree makes applicants more attractive.

7. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services and travel

– Annual median wage: $64,600 ($31.06 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 1.1 million

Service sales representatives answer customer inquiries about services, pricing and availability. They cultivate relationships with prospective clients and demonstrate how specific services can address their unique needs.

A high school diploma is a requirement for a service sales representative. Familiarity with office software and customer relationship management tools like Salesforce, along with previous experiences, can strengthen one’s candidature for the position.

6. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

– Annual median wage: $65,630 ($31.56 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 1.3 million

This role entails working with customers to sell products tailored to their requirements, giving estimates of prices, communicating contract terms, and informing clients of warranties and delivery dates. It also includes keeping in touch with clients after the sale is finalized to provide support.

Most employers require a four-year bachelor’s degree or vocational training. Sales reps must also be knowledgeable about the products they sell.

5. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents

– Annual median wage: $76,900 ($36.97 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 479,630

Financial sales agents play a key role in financial markets, connecting buyers and sellers of financial instruments. They generally work over 40 hours per week. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for aspiring financial sales agents, but an MBA can unlock opportunities for advancement in this field.

4. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

– Annual median wage: $84,570 ($40.66 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 227,150

First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers oversee and coordinate the activities of non-retail sales personnel. Their responsibilities may encompass budgeting, accounting, human resource functions and core supervisory duties. Typical requirements for this job include a high school diploma and experience in a related profession.

3. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

– Annual median wage: $99,710 ($47.94 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 311,780

Salespeople in this profession must have substantial technical or scientific knowledge about the products they sell to clients on behalf of wholesalers or manufacturers. At least two years of education in a vocational school or a bachelor’s degree is necessary to develop the technical knowledge for the job.

2. Sales engineers

– Annual median wage: $116,950 ($56.23 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 59,340

Sales engineers combine technical knowledge with the skills necessary for selling products. They collaborate with sales teams and the client’s engineers to help them understand a complex product or service. Sales engineers typically enter the job with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or another related STEM major. They also need to have strong interpersonal communication skills.

1. Sales managers

– Annual median wage: $135,160 ($64.98 per hour) – Nationwide employment: 575,880

A sales manager implements strategic sales plans to increase a company’s customer base and achieve growth targets. They recruit, train and supervise sales representatives and provide upper management with sales reports, revenue forecasts and competitor analysis. The job often requires regular travel. Sales managers typically possess a bachelor’s degree and have worked in junior sales roles.