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Account Manager, Broker, Manufacturer’s Sales Representative, Manufacturing / Product Technical Representative, Manufacturing / Product / Service Representative, Sales Broker, Salesperson
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Technical sales representatives are sometimes called account executives, sales engineers, or account managers. In general, they:
Technical sales reps must know:
They spend much of their time visiting potential buyers and prospecting sales. They may sell the service first and follow up by selling the product months later, or even longer. This is often true in industries such as agriculture and oil and gas.
Most technical companies designate specific territories for their sales reps. Sales territories may be defined by:
The technical sales field is highly competitive. Companies may set goals or quotas and offer incentives to those who make the most sales. Because their incomes may depend on commissions, sales reps feel constant pressure to maintain and expand their client base. Many work long hours. They may need to entertain customers in the evening.
Some sales reps have large geographic territories and travel often. They may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in troubleshooting technical problems related to equipment; may train customers' staff in the operation and maintenance of equipment
Interest in persuading to promote sales to existing clients; may supervise the activities of other technical sales specialists
Interest in analyzing information to identify and solicit potential clients, and to consult with clients after sale to resolve problems and provide ongoing support
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Technical sales reps need:
Technical sales reps are not involved in product service. Their role is strictly sales. For this, they need excellent communication, negotiation, and people skills. They should enjoy analyzing information to identify and solicit clients. They should like finding solutions to clients’ problems. They should feel at ease with public speaking.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 108 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 09, 2023 and Apr 25, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Promote sales to existing clients | 92 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Assess client's needs and resources and recommend the appropriate goods or services | 88 |
| Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients | 77 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients after sale to provide ongoing support | 75 |
| Attention to detail | 65 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs of installing and maintaining equipment or service | 63 |
| Tasks: Prepare and administer sales contracts | 61 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 60 |
| Tasks: Resolve product and service related problems | 59 |
| Tasks: Deliver sales presentations | 58 |
Most employers prefer to hire technical sales reps with technical qualifications. They also prefer reps with many years of experience working with the type of product they sell. Depending on the industry, employers may seek applicants with a background in equipment operation, trades, business administration, marketing, engineering, computer science, pharmacy, or agriculture. Computer skills are often required.
Universities, colleges, and technical institutes throughout Alberta offer suitable programs. Entrance requirements vary depending on the program and the school.
Employers often offer product-specific, in-house training programs for sales reps. These may range in length from a few weeks to several months. They may be offered at head office or other locations.
Sales reps must keep up with technological changes affecting their customers’ companies.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Technical sales reps work for:
They may work full time or as self-employed contractors.
Advancement opportunities depend on the size and nature of the company and the individual’s sales skills. Many companies require front-line sales experience for advancement to senior positions.
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.
In the 6221: Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade occupational group, 79.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6221: Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 291 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Most technical sales reps work on commission. Some, such as those working in the oil and gas or agricultural industries, have salaried positions. Some companies offer a base salary plus commission or an incentive system of payment. Company cars (or car allowances) and expense accounts are common.
Total earnings vary widely depending on the type of product being sold and the industry.
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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $55.00 | $31.66 | $28.85 |
| Overall | $23.08 | $69.22 | $40.68 | $36.93 |
| Top | $25.96 | $88.94 | $51.04 | $48.08 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $83,359 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $116,033 |
| Construction | $68,752 |
| Manufacturing | $82,129 |
| Wholesale Trade | $84,457 |
| Retail Trade | $76,812 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $101,892 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $76,980 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $88,838 |
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.
