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Sales Representative I Salary in the United States

How much does a Sales Representative I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sales Representative I in the United States is $60,285 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Sales Representative I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,742
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,844 to $68,899
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,248
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Sales Representative I Salaries

A Sales Representative I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Sales Representative I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Sales Representative I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Sales Representative I (0-2 years): $60,285
  • Sales Representative II (2-4 years): $76,659
  • Sales Representative III (4-7 years): $98,184
  • Sales Representative IV (7+ years): $129,531
  • Sales Representative V (7-10 years): $145,356
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Sales Representative I0-2 years$60,285
Sales Representative II2-4 years$76,659
Sales Representative III4-7 years$98,184
Sales Representative IV7+ years$129,531
Sales Representative V7-10 years$145,356
View as Graph

How Do Sales Representative Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Sales Representative Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $66,748.
  • California: $66,494.
  • Massachusetts: $65,608.

Top Paying Cities for Sales Representative I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,037
  • San Francisco: $75,205
  • Oakland: $73,620

What Skills Can Increase a Sales Representative I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.23% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Inside Sales (Mentioned in 1.74% Job Postings): Selling products or services remotely via phone, email, and other digital channels.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.23%
Inside Sales 1.74%
Work Ethic 1.48%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Sales Representative I's salary.

  • Sales Development: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Prioritization: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Sales and Marketing: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Sales Development $68,725
14%
Prioritization $67,519
12%
Sales and Marketing $66,916
11%
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Sales Representative I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Sales Representative I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,486. While startup companies pay approximate $57,091.

Sales Representative I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,091
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,381
Established 501~5000 $65,169
Enterprise 5000+ $67,486

Sales Representative I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Sales Representative I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Sales Representative positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sales Representative I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Sales Representative I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$78,370$38.030%
Aerospace & Defense$72,342$35.020%
Biotechnology$66,314$32.010%

How Education impacts an Sales Representative I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sales Representative I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Sales Representative I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,148 and $65,630.

Sales Representative I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Sales Representative I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 17.0%
Associates 9.7%
Bachelors 63.4%
Masters 8.8%
Doctorate 0.3%
View as Graph

Sales Representative I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Sales Representative I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$50,844
Average $60,285/year
$68,899
$4,237
Average $5,024/month
$5,742
$978
Average $1,159/week
$1,325
$24
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,899 $5,742 $1,325 $33
Average $60,285 $5,024 $1,159 $29
25th Percentile $50,844 $4,237 $978 $24

Sales Representative I Salary Growth & Career Path

Sales Representative I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Sales Representative I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Sales Rep. (Bio-Medical Equip. & Supplies) $81,127 35%
International Sales Manager $127,962 112%
Sales Supervisor - Outside $96,856 61%
Used Equipment Manager $134,692 123%

Most common benefits for Sales Representative I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Sales Representative I

Here are companies hiring for Sales Representative I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Sales Representative I

1. Where can a Sales Representative I earn the most?

A Sales Representative I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Sales Representative I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Sales Representative I is $76,037.

2. What is the highest pay for Sales Representative I?

The highest pay for Sales Representative I is $76,742.

3. What is the lowest pay for Sales Representative I?

The lowest pay for Sales Representative I is $42,248.

4. What are the responsibilities of Sales Representative I?

Interacts with new or existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products or services. Researches and profiles potential sales targets to evaluate leads and develop sales pipelines. Utilizes proven sales techniques to initiate contact, assess customer needs, and present relevant solutions that generate revenue for the organization. Prepares and delivers presentations or demonstrations that educate and expose the customer to offerings and drive the sales process. Troubleshoots and resolves issues in the sales process, ensuring a smooth transaction and positive experience for customers. Maintains a thorough understanding of company products and services, competitor positioning, and industry standards. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Sales Representative I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Sales Representative I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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