How to become a technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
Official title: Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
Also called: Sales engineer, Sales broker - wholesale, Technical sales executive, Grain sales representative, Technical sales consultant, Technical sales specialist, Technical sales supervisor, Aircraft sales representative, Software sales representative, Chemicals sales representative, Technical sales representative, Medical instruments sales agent
Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade, sell a range of technical goods and services, such as scientific, agricultural and industrial products, electricity, telecommunications services and computer services, to governments and to commercial and industrial establishments in domestic and international localities. They are employed by establishments that produce or provide technical goods and services, such as pharmaceutical companies, industrial equipment manufacturing companies, grain elevators, computer services firms, engineering firms and hydroelectric companies, or they may be self-employed technical sales specialists/agents who contract their services to other companies. Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Maintain and grow sales relationships with existing clients
- Identify and solicit potential clients
- Assess clients' needs, recommend or assist in the selection of appropriate goods or services, and negotiate prices or other sales terms
- Provide input into product design where goods or services must be tailored to suit clients' needs
- Develop sales presentations, proposals, or other materials to illustrate benefits from use of good or service
- Estimate costs of installing and maintaining equipment or service
- Prepare and administer sales contracts and maintain customer records
- Consult with clients after sale to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support
How to become one
A university degree or college diploma in a program related to the product or service is usually required. Experience in sales or in a technical occupation related to the product or service may be required. Fluency in a specific foreign language, and/or foreign work or travel experience may be required for technical sales specialists seeking employment with companies that import or export technical goods or services. Technical sales supervisors require experience as a technical sales specialist. A driver's licence and a good driving record may be required.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 26% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Business/commerce, general; Business administration, management and operations; Marketing.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $72,287 a year The middle half earn $54,600 to $94,614.
- About 133,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 145,500 are projected by 2033. (+9.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a technical sales specialists - wholesale trade?
A university degree or college diploma in a program related to the product or service is usually required. Experience in sales or in a technical occupation related to the product or service may be required. Fluency in a specific foreign language, and/or foreign work or travel experience may be required for technical sales specialists seeking employment with companies that import or export technical goods or services. Technical sales supervisors require experience as a technical sales specialist. A driver's licence and a good driving record may be required.
How much does a technical sales specialists - wholesale trade earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $72,287 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $54,600 to $94,614.
Is a technical sales specialists - wholesale trade a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 133,000 to about 145,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a technical sales specialists - wholesale trade?
Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03