Sales career paths: Qualifications, Salary, and more

    No education required

  • Retail Sales Workers

    Retail sales workers help customers find products they want and process customers payments. There are two types of retail sales workers: retail salespersons, who sell retail merchandise, such as clothing, furniture, and automobiles; and parts salespersons, who sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts.

  • Models

    Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances. Models also work as fit or fitting models, enabling the manufacturer or fashion designer to achieve the best fit for new styles.

  • Cashiers

    Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services.

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Travel Agents

    Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. They offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, and make travel arrangements for clients.

  • Advertising Sales Agents

    Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses and individuals. They contact potential clients, make sales presentations, and maintain client accounts.

  • Insurance Sales Agents

    Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Insurance sales agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose plans that suit them.

  • Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

    Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Although brokers and agents do similar work, brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Sales agents must work with a real estate broker.

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

    Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades.

  • Sales Engineers

    Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.