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Sales Representative (Wholesale, Nontechnical): Occupations in Alberta - alis
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Occupations in Alberta

Sales Representative (Wholesale, Nontechnical)

Wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives sell their organizations’ nontechnical goods and services to retail, commercial, industrial, and professional clients.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Account Manager, Broker, Manufacturer’s Sales Representative, Sales Broker, Salesperson

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6411: Sales Representatives, Wholesale Trade (Non-Technical)

2006 NOC-S

  • G111: Sales Representatives Wholesale Trade (NonTechnical)

2011 NOC

  • 6411: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2016 NOC

  • 6411: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2021 NOC

  • 64101: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2023 OaSIS

  • 64101.00: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

The duties of wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives, or more simply sales reps, vary depending on the types of goods and services they sell. Sales reps may work for:

  • Food and beverage producers, selling foods to grocery stores and restaurants, and negotiating with retail merchants to improve product exposure such as by improving shelf position or increasing advertising
  • Book and magazine publishers, promoting textbook sales to schools, trade paperback sales to retail bookstores, or magazines to newsstands, hotels, bookstores, and libraries
  • Transportation companies, selling freight and shipping services to manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors
  • Manufacturers, selling locally manufactured or assembled products

In general, sales reps:

  • Learn what client organizations need and stress how the product lines they sell can help
  • Identify possible new clients using resources such as business directories or social networking websites, following up leads from existing clients, meeting people through volunteer organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences
  • Approach potential new clients and present the benefits and uses of their product lines
  • Telephone or personally visit client organizations on a regular or periodic basis
  • Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, warranties, and delivery dates, and prepare sales proposals
  • Prepare sales contracts and reports, process orders, and make delivery arrangements
  • Consult with clients after a sale to resolve any problems and provide ongoing support
  • Keep up with information about product innovations, competitors, and market conditions, and adjust sales strategies accordingly
  • Keep track of customer information and contacts on a tracking system
  • Prepare sales projection figures for the coming year
  • Work with external and internal customers (departments within the company)
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives often work long or irregular hours. They may spend portions of each day travelling. They may be away from home for days at a time. They may have to carry bulky samples or heavy bundles of product catalogues. Sales reps may set up home offices and work remotely.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
S
Social
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2023 OaSIS: 64101.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2023 OaSIS: 64101.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives need:

  • Self-confidence and self-motivation
  • Listening and presentation skills
  • Perseverance and resilience
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • An even temperament
  • Stress-management skills
  • Time-management, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • The ability to serve both company and client needs
  • Computer literacy

They should enjoy meeting new people and selling goods or services. They should like identifying and approaching potential customers and building relationships. They should enjoy building agreement and overseeing the preparation of sales contracts.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2016 NOC: 6411

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 17, 2024 and Nov 19, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Client focus
Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients
Excellent oral communication
Organized
Effective interpersonal skills
Team player
Attention to detail
Tasks: Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts
Flexibility
Excellent written communication
Construction Specialization: Client focus 73
Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients 73
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 71
Construction Specialization: Organized 65
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 64
Construction Specialization: Team player 58
Attention to detail 57
Tasks: Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts 56
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 54
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication 53
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

The minimum education requirement for wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives (sales reps) is a high school diploma. However, many employers prefer to hire people with related experience or a business-related post-secondary diploma or degree. Basic computer skills and a valid driver’s license are definite assets.

Many large organizations have some form of training program for newly hired sales reps. They may train new employees by:

  • Rotating them through various positions to give them an understanding of the business and its products
  • Offering in-house classroom training followed by on-the-job training supervised by a sales manager
  • Having them accompany experienced sales reps until they are familiar with the company’s products and clients
  • Sending them to sales courses offered by industry or professional associations

Sales reps must keep up with new products, services, and sales methods. They must stay current with technological and other changes affecting their customers’ companies.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives (sales reps) work for companies such as:

  • Food and beverage producers
  • Manufacturers
  • Hotels
  • Petroleum companies
  • Business services firms
  • Transportation companies
  • Media and advertising companies
  • Agricultural or chemical companies
  • Automotive or tool companies

Advancement for experienced sales reps may involve transfers to better sales territories. This may mean territories that are larger, have greater sales opportunities, or have larger annual expenditures.

Successful sales reps may stay in sales or advance to sales management positions. They may also move into marketing or become independent manufacturers’ agents (sell the products of more than one manufacturer).

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2016 NOC: 6411

79.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2021 NOC: 64101
Hot
Job Market
30,700
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2016 NOC: 6411
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
577
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Earnings for wholesale, nontechnical sales representatives vary greatly. They are often directly related to job performance. Most employers offer a combination of salary plus commission or bonus. As a result, many individuals in this profession earn a commission-based income.

A commission is a percentage of the price of each article or service sold. Bonuses may be tied to individual performance, the performance of all sales reps in a group, or the company’s performance overall.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2021 NOC: 64101
Average Wage
$35.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$73,118.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 64101 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.83 $43.59 $27.11 $25.00
Overall $21.52 $72.12 $35.55 $31.13
Top $25.00 $108.17 $49.75 $40.96

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Accommodation & Food Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $73,118
Construction $67,434
Manufacturing $77,561
Wholesale Trade $75,647
Retail Trade $72,909
Transportation and Warehousing $85,507
Information, Culture, Recreation $61,138
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $69,877
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $65,015
Business, Building and Other Support Services $68,918
Accommodation & Food Services $60,101
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $69,018
Public Administration $61,240

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
43%
43%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
39%
39%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
6%
6%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Management and Marketing
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Canadian Professional Sales Association website: www.cpsa.com

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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