Shigoto Zukan
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How to become sales engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Sales Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$124,900
25th–75th pct. $92,890–$161,230
Top pay (est.)
$253,900
Top 10% $195,270
Pay in 5 years
$141,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$160,200est.
$137,800–$186,000
Outlook score
53/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
64%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.8%
3,800 openings / yr

How to become sales engineers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Sales Engineers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.9
Speaking
4.2
Persuasion
4.2
Active Learning
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Judgment and Decision Making
4.0
Negotiation
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
5.5
Customer and Personal Service
5.5
Mathematics
5.1
Sales and Marketing
5.0
Administration and Management
4.9
English Language
4.6
Design
4.2
Computers and Electronics
4.2

What the work involves

Selling or Influencing OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProviding Consultation and Advice to Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityWritten ExpressionFluency of Ideas

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
57%
Associate's degree
12%
Some college
6%

Training before entry

1–3 months
14%
1–2 years
10%
2–4 years
8%
3–6 months
8%
6–12 months
7%
Over 10 years
2%

Related work experience

4–6 years
58%
1–2 years
18%
Over 10 years
16%
2–4 years
8%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as sales engineers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.