Technical Sales Specialists in Wholesale Trade
(NOC 6221)
in All Sales and ServiceTechnical sales specialists in wholesale trade sell a range of technical goods and services like scientific, agricultural, and industrial products, electricity, telecommunications services, and computer services, to governments and to commercial and industrial businesses in domestic and international localities. They work for companies that produce or provide technical goods and services like 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 who are supervisors are included in this group. Technical sales specialists usually specialize in a line of goods or services.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
Due to the common requirement of technical knowledge about a specific product or service, vacancies in this occupation are often filled through internal promotions. Even so, openings are sometimes posted publicly, such as with telecommunications companies. Positions tend to be based in Halifax, but may target a specific area of the province for sales or be remote in nature, which creates some opportunities for those living in rural areas.
Hourly Pay
$14.25
Minimum$24.32
Median$37.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$18,617
Minimum$59,119
Median$133,282
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade sell a range of technical goods and services like scientific, agricultural, and industrial products, electricity, telecommunications services, and computer services, to governments and to commercial and industrial businesses in domestic and international localities. They work for companies that produce or provide technical goods and services like 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 who are supervisors are included in this group. Technical sales specialists usually specialize in a line of goods or services.
Job duties
Technical sales specialists:
- Promote sales to existing clients.
- Identify and solicit potential clients.
- Assess clients' needs and resources and recommend the appropriate goods or services.
- Provide input into product design where goods or services must be tailored to suit clients' needs.
- Develop reports and proposals as part of sales presentation to illustrate benefits from use of good or service.
- Estimate costs of installing and maintaining equipment or service.
- Prepare and administer sales contracts.
- Consult with clients after sale to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- Troubleshoot technical problems related to equipment.
- May train customers' staff in the operation and maintenance of equipment.
- May conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce.
- May supervise the activities of other technical staff and sales specialists.
Sample job titles
- computer equipment sales specialist
- customer support representative
- heavy equipment salesperson
- medical equipment and supplies salesperson
- pharmaceutical sales representative
- sales broker
- technical sales consultant
- technical sales specialist
- technical support specialist
Skills
- This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You must be aware of the customer's needs and give careful attention to detail. You will be required to gain in-depth knowledge of the products you represent. 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.
Job requirements
- A university degree or college diploma in a program related to the product or service is usually required.
- Extensive company training programs for technical sales specialists may be provided by employers.
Other considerations
- Earnings will often depend upon the type of product being sold and the volume of sales made. People in these jobs will have to keep abreast of technological changes in the products they sell. Experience in sales or in a technical occupation related to the product or service may be required. Progression to sales management positions is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$64,403 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$55,659 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$57,660 median annual incomeSouthern
$38,767 median annual incomeCape Breton
$50,124 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Wholesale trade
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$73,817 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,968 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$61,546 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$55,661 median annual incomeLess than high school
$56,315 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Computer Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
Institutions providing this program
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. They include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Information Technology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. They include courses in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Various, NS
Selling Skills and Sales Operations
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to possess the skills associated with direct promotion of products and services to potential customers and to function as independent sales representatives and managers. They include courses in consumer psychology, image projection, public speaking and interpersonal communications, sales organization and operations, customer relations, professional standards and ethics, and applicable technical skills.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations - Other
College, Trades, or University ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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