Breaking into sales doesn’t always require a college degree. In 2025, many high-paying sales jobs, including real estate agents, insurance agents, sales managers, and wholesale representatives, are open to candidates with only a high school diploma or equivalent. These roles often combine a steady base salary with earned commission, giving motivated professionals without a degree the chance to earn a significant wage that is well above the national average. This guide explains what sales jobs typically pay, which roles are growing, and how you can start a sales career without going to college.
What Is a Sales Job?
A sales job involves promoting and selling a product or service to customers or businesses. While many people think of retail when they hear “sales,” the field is actually a lot broader than this. Sales professionals also work in industries like real estate, insurance, advertising, software, and wholesale trade.
In practice, sales means that you are building relationships, identifying customer needs, and recommending practical solutions. Core activities include prospecting for leads, managing client accounts, negotiating prices, and closing deals. For companies, effective sales directly drives revenue. For workers, it’s a career path with roles that range from entry-level sales associate positions to six-figure sales manager jobs, and many of them don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
What Do Sales Jobs Pay?
Salaries in sales vary widely depending on the role, industry, and whether earnings are commission-based. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national data:
- Sales managers earn a median annual wage of $138,060.1
- Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives earn a median wage of $74,100.2
- Real estate sales agents earned $54,300.3
- Insurance sales agents earn a median annual wage of $59,080.4
- Advertising sales agents earn a median annual wage of $61,270.5
What Skills Do You Need to Land a Sales Job?
Successful sales professionals combine people skills with business awareness. While specific requirements may vary by role, these core abilities are essential in almost every sales job you will have.
Communication
Sales is built on clear, persuasive communication. Whether you are pitching to a client, presenting to a team, or writing follow-up emails, you need to explain your proposed value in a way that connects with your audience. Strong listening skills are equally important, since you can’t solve a customer’s problem without first understanding it.
Customer Service
Sales and customer service go hand in hand. Employers look for people who can make clients feel valued, adapt to different personalities, and deliver personalized solutions. In practice, this means being empathetic, responsive, and consistent, which are skills that help build long-term relationships as much as they help close individual deals.
Commercial Awareness
Sales reps don’t just sell; they compete. Understanding your market, your competitors, and industry trends helps you position your product or service effectively. In 2025, that also means being comfortable with digital sales platforms, AI-driven tools, and data analytics that shape consumer’s buying decisions.
Teamwork
Sales rarely happens in isolation. You’ll work with marketing teams to refine messaging, operations departments to manage orders, and your managers to set targets. Collaboration ensures customers have a positive experience from first contact through after-sales support.
Coachability
Especially at the entry level, employers value people who can take feedback and apply it quickly. Sales strategies, scripts, and technologies evolve fast. Showing openness to coaching demonstrates that you can grow with the role and adapt to new challenges.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Sales Job?
Educational requirements for sales careers depend on the role and industry. Many entry-level positions are open to candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. For example:
- Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives (non-technical products): Often accept applicants with only a high school diploma.2
- Real estate agents and brokers: Require a high school diploma plus completion of state-approved pre-licensing courses and a licensing exam.3
- Insurance sales agents: Typically need only a high school diploma, though state licensing is required.4
Advanced sales roles, such as sales managers or technical product representatives, usually require a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field, along with several years of experience.
Relevant coursework in finance, psychology, statistics, and communication can strengthen your qualifications, even if you don’t pursue a full degree.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
A bachelor’s degree can help expand your options, but it isn’t the only route to success in sales. Sales offers an alternative to evading the typical college debt situation that many Americans are facing right now. It allows you to earn industry certifications (such as real estate or insurance licenses) and build experience so you can qualify for well-paying jobs without a degree. In fact, many top earners in real estate and wholesale sales began with only a high school education plus licensing.
How to Get a Sales Job With a GED
Starting a sales career with only a GED or high school diploma is possible. Many employers value skills, personality, and persistence as much as formal education. Here’s how to get started:
1. Pick Your Industry
Decide which sector interests you most. Sales jobs exist in real estate, insurance, advertising, retail, wholesale, and tech. Each industry has different earning potential, certification needs, and day-to-day responsibilities.
2. Apply for Entry-Level Roles
Look for sales associate, customer service, or junior representative positions. These jobs help you practice essential skills like communication, negotiation, and customer care while learning how sales teams operate.
3. Take Advantage of On-the-Job Training
Most sales employers offer structured training, especially for entry-level hires. Programs may include learning sales software, practicing scripts, or shadowing experienced reps. Training gives you the foundation you need to succeed, even if you don’t have any prior experiences.
4. Earn Certifications or Licenses (if required)
Some sales careers require credentials. For example, real estate agents need a state license, and insurance sales agents must pass a licensing exam. These programs are affordable, can be completed in a few months, and make you more competitive.
5. Build Experience, Then Advance
After a few years in entry-level roles, you can move into account executive, territory manager, or sales manager positions. Advancing may also involve pursuing certifications or, if desired, a college degree in business or marketing.
6. Target High-Paying Jobs
With experience and a track record of meeting quotas, you can pursue high-paying roles. Search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, and explore company career pages for opportunities. Many employers promote from within, so your first sales role can be a stepping stone to six-figure earnings.
High-Paying Sales Jobs Without a College Degree (2025)
| Job Title | Median Annual Pay (May 2024) | Projected Job Outlook, 2023–33 |
| Real Estate Sales Agent | $58,9603 | +2% |
| Wholesale & Manufacturing Sales Rep | $74,1002 | +1% |
| Sales Manager | $138,0601 | +6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,7306 | 0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $42,8307 | –5% |
| Travel Agent | $48,4508 | +3% |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $60,3704 | +6% |
Best Sales Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
You can launch a sales career with just a high school diploma or GED, and in many cases with only short licensing or certification programs. Below are some of the most common sales roles that don’t require a four-year degree, along with their median pay and job outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Real Estate Agent
- Median pay: $58,960
- Job outlook: +2% (BLS)
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or lease property. They handle pricing negotiations, list homes, and guide clients through contracts. Agents need only a high school diploma plus state licensure. Commission structures mean high performers can earn well above the median.
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative
- Median pay: $74,100
- Job outlook: +1%
These reps sell products to businesses, organizations, or government agencies. Responsibilities include contacting potential clients, demonstrating product features, negotiating prices, and managing accounts. Many non-technical positions require only a high school diploma, making this one of the most accessible B2B sales careers.
Sales Manager
- Median pay: $57,750
- Job outlook: +6%
Sales managers might sell ad space in print, digital, and broadcast media. They may work with businesses to identify needs, pitch campaigns, and manage accounts. While demand is declining overall, strong performers in digital sales can still earn well.
Retail Salesperson
- Median pay: $34,730
- Job outlook: 0%
Store managers oversee day-to-day retail operations. They hire and train staff, manage inventory, and ensure stores meet sales and compliance standards. Many start as sales associates and work up through experience.
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Customer Service Representative
- Median pay (May 2024): $42,830
- Job outlook: –5%
Customer service reps answer questions, process orders, and resolve complaints. These jobs develop communication and problem-solving skills that can lead to more specialized sales roles.
Travel Agent
- Median pay: $48,450
- Job outlook: +3%
Travel agents plan and book trips, including flights, hotels, and vacation packages. They provide advice on destinations and handle client issues like cancellations or refunds. While online booking platforms compete with this role, niche and luxury travel agents remain in demand.
Insurance Sales Agent
- Median pay: $60,370
- Job outlook: +6%
Insurance agents sell policies and advise clients on coverage options. They often earn commissions in addition to base pay. A high school diploma plus state licensing is usually required.
Companies That Offer Entry-Level Sales Jobs
If you’re looking to break into sales, several large employers are known for hiring and training candidates without requiring the traditional four-year degree. Many offer structured onboarding, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement.
Platinum Supplemental Insurance
Platinum hires entry-level sales representatives across the U.S. The company is known for structured training programs and offers roles that include a mix of base pay and commissions.
Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar recruits door-to-door and inside sales representatives to promote residential solar energy systems. These roles emphasize customer education and provide industry-specific training.
Power Home Remodeling
Power Home Remodeling regularly hires entry-level sales consultants. The company invests heavily in training and mentorship, making it a frequent entry point for candidates interested in home improvement sales.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL)
TQL employs new sales associates to connect shippers and carriers in the freight industry. Entry-level employees often begin as account representatives, with opportunities to grow into logistics account management.
ADP
ADP, a global payroll and HR software provider, hires sales development representatives and account associates. Many roles are remote-friendly, offering flexibility alongside career progression opportunities in tech-enabled sales.
Where to Find Sales Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Several online platforms make it easy to search for sales roles that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. These sites allow you to filter by pay, location, and education requirements so you can find jobs that match your goals.
Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest global job boards, hosting millions of listings across industries. You can filter searches for entry-level sales jobs, set salary expectations, and view company ratings from current and former employees. Indeed also provides salary insights and trend data, helping you benchmark offers.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs specializes in remote, hybrid, and flexible work. Its curated listings are screened for legitimacy, which reduces the risk of scams. The site frequently features remote sales representative and business development roles that don’t require a degree. FlexJobs also offers optional resources like career coaching and webinars.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor combines job postings with detailed company reviews and salary reports submitted by employees. This allows job seekers to compare compensation for roles such as insurance agent, sales associate, or account executive. Glassdoor also lets you set up custom job alerts, so you’re notified when sales roles meeting your pay and location preferences open up.
Consider a Sales Degree Later in Your Career
While it’s possible to build a successful sales career without a degree, earning one later can open doors to higher-level roles and increase your earning potential. For example, many sales managers and business development directors hold bachelor’s degrees in business, marketing, or communications, along with their years of experience in the workforce.
Flexible learning options make higher education more accessible in 2025. Online degree programs allow you to study while working full-time, and many offer accelerated tracks or credit for prior work experience. Even completing select coursework in finance, psychology, or data analytics can strengthen your profile for leadership positions.
A degree isn’t required to get started in sales, but it can be a smart investment once you’re ready to move into senior or specialized roles.
Sales Jobs Without a Degree: FAQ
Can I get into sales without a business degree?
Yes. Many sales roles only require a high school diploma or GED, especially in industries like real estate, insurance, and wholesale trade. Employers typically focus more on your communication, persistence, and ability to build relationships than on formal education.
What are the highest-paying sales jobs without a degree?
Some of the top-paying roles that don’t require a bachelor’s degree include:
Sales manager – median $57,750 (usually promoted from sales rep roles with experience)
Real estate agent – median $58,960
Insurance sales agent – median $60,370 (plus commission)
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative – median $74,100
What entry-level sales jobs should I apply for?
Great starting points for entering sales include retail sales associate roles, customer service representative roles, inside sales representative roles, or leasing agents. These roles typically don’t require a degree and will provide you with training that prepares you for advancement.
Is sales a tough career?
Sales can be challenging because it involves the pressure and stress of both meeting quotas and handling rejection. However, it is also one of the most accessible career paths, opening its doors to many entry-level workers. People who are resilient, adaptable, and open to coaching often find success in sales roles and move on to higher-paying positions and continued success.
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes413011.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
