6 Entry-Level Sales Jobs + How to Get One

Key takeaways

Whether you're a recent college graduate or looking to make a career pivot, you can explore several different entry-level sales jobs. 

• The median annual total pay for an entry-level outside sales representative is $106,000 [1].

• To work in sales, you may only need a high school diploma, but a college degree can help you build transferable skills to leverage in an interview. 

• You can start an entry-level position with skills in customer relationship management (CRM software), an understanding of the customer journey, and great communication skills. 

Explore some entry-level sales positions, the requirements for the roles, and their average annual salaries. If you’re ready to start gaining in-demand sales skills, try the Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate to learn about selling methods, use sales tools, and build a portfolio in as little as three months. 

6 entry-level sales jobs to consider

We've pulled together six sales job titles for US roles typically requiring one to three years of experience, along with information about total median salaries, responsibilities, requirements, and career advancement.

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of May 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Outside sales representative 

An outdoor sales rep develops in-person (rather than virtual) relationships with potential customers. You'll travel to different customers to learn about their needs and do product demonstrates.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $106,000 [1]

Skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (when products require technical, medical, or specialized knowledge), presentation skills, communication skills, ability to travel

2. Inside sales representative 

As opposed to outside sales reps, inside sales reps work from inside a company and spend their day connecting with prospective customers remotely, such as via Zoom.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $89,000 [2]

Skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (when products require technical, medical, or specialized knowledge), some experience in commission sales, customer service skills, communication skills

Where to go from here: Senior inside sales representative, sales manager, account executive 

3. Sales associate 

Sales associates assist customers in a store or over the phone, present products and services to customers, help customers complete payments, and process orders.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $56,000 [3]

Skills and qualifications they need: High school diploma or equivalent, some customer service experience, communication skills, knowledge of payment systems, ability to explain products to customers 

Where to go from here: Store manager, sales manager, sales representative, sales development representative 

4. Junior account executive 

Junior account executives help maintain existing customer accounts and sales records, develop new accounts, and find new sales opportunities through networking. They may have a smaller number of accounts assigned to them than a full account executive.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $91,000 [4]

Skills and qualifications they need: Bachelor’s degree in business, business administration, marketing, or related field; knowledge of marketing and sales principles, knowledge of CRM tools

Where to go from here: Account executive, sales manager 

5. Customer success associate

A customer success associate doesn't work in sales directly, but rather supports sales efforts. As such, it can be a great way to gain experience as you advance toward a sales role. Customer success associates support existing customers after the sale, help onboard new users, answer product questions, ensure customers are getting value from the product, and identify opportunities for renewals or upsells.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $81,435 [5]

Skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or related field; strong communication and problem-solving skills; customer service experience; familiarity with CRM and customer success tools

Where to go from here: Customer success manager, account manager, account executive

6. Business development representative (BDR)

BDRs generate new business opportunities by prospecting potential customers, conducting outreach (calls, emails, LinkedIn), qualifying leads, and setting meetings for account executives.

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $121,000 [6]

Skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field (sometimes optional); strong communication and persuasion skills; resilience and ability to handle rejection; familiarity with CRM tools and sales engagement platforms

Where to go from here: Account executive, senior BDR/SDR, sales manager

Increasingly, employers are looking for candidates who know how to work with AI. For example, using an AI notetaker during sales calls and then using it to synthesize a potential client's needs, goals, and other factors can help you sell to them. Take time to research the AI tools being used in a specific industry.

How to get an entry-level sales job

Follow these steps to build the right skills and stand out to employers:

1. Set clear career goals.

Before applying, get specific about what you want. Clear goals help you target the right roles and communicate your direction to employers.

Ask yourself:

• What interests me about sales?

• What are my salary expectations?

• Which industries (e.g., tech, healthcare, finance) appeal to me most?

• What type of sales role fits me best (e.g., prospecting, relationship-building, closing)?

• What are my long-term career goals (e.g., account executive, sales manager)?

Having answers to these questions will make your job search more focused—and your interviews more convincing.

2. Build foundational sales skills.

Even entry-level sales roles require a mix of technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.

Technical sales skills can include:

• Sales tools: Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software helps you track leads and manage customer data efficiently

• Sales process knowledge: Understanding prospecting, presenting, handling objections, closing, and follow-up gives you a strong foundation

• Product knowledge: The ability to quickly learn and explain products or services builds credibility with customers

Workplace (soft) skills can include:

• Emotional intelligence: Helps you understand customer needs, build rapport, and respond with empathy

• Communication: Enables you to ask the right questions, actively listen, and clearly explain value

• Organization: Keeps your outreach, follow-ups, and pipeline on track

You can build these skills through online courses, internships, or customer-facing roles like retail or hospitality. Degree programs in business, marketing, or related fields can also provide a strong foundation.

3. Create a results-focused sales resume

As you develop your skills, build a resume that highlights your impact rather than your responsibilities alone.

• Include metrics when possible, such as “Exceeded sales targets by 15%”

• Tailor your resume to each role using relevant keywords

• Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many employers use to initially screen candidates

A strong resume should quickly show that you understand sales and can deliver results, even in non-sales roles.

4. Apply strategically.

Use general job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed, along with sales-specific job sites, to find opportunities.

As you apply:

• Set a weekly application goal, such as 10–15 targeted applications

• Customize your resume and cover letter for each role

• Track your applications and follow up when appropriate

5. Prepare for sales interviews

Sales interviews often go beyond traditional Q&A—they test how you think, communicate, and sell in real time. To prepare effectively:

• Practice your story: Be ready to clearly explain why you want to work in sales and what motivates you.

• Research the company and product: Understand what the company sells, who their customers are, and how they differentiate from competitors.

• Prepare examples: Use past experiences (even outside sales) to demonstrate communication, resilience, and problem-solving.

• Ask thoughtful questions: Show curiosity about the role, team, and success metrics.

Explore our free resources for an entry-level sales job

Follow our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for career tips, certificate recommendations, and networking guides to help you boost your career search. Then, explore our free resources for sales professionals: 

• Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Sales Representative

• Take the quiz: Product Management Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Develop new skills: How to Use Shopify Google Analytics | Coursera

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