Employment of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment growth for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives will largely follow growth of the overall economy.
In addition to the total volume of sales, a wider range of products and technologies will lead to increased demand for sales representatives
Because this work requires a lot of face-to-face interaction with potential buyers, the work of wholesale goods sales representatives is not likely to be sent to other countries.
Employment growth is expected to be strongest for sales representatives working at independent sales agencies. Companies are increasingly giving their sales activities to independent companies as a way to cut costs and boost revenue. These independent companies do not buy and hold the products they are selling. Instead, they operate on a fee or commission basis in representing the product manufacturer. Employment of sales representatives in this industry—wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers—is expected to grow by 51 percent from 2010 to 2020.
Job candidates should see very good opportunities. Because workers frequently leave this occupation, there are usually a relatively large number of openings.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition