What is a territory sales representative and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted Experts
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.,
John Cicala Ph.D.
introduction image

A territory sales representative sells products or services within a designated geographical area. They typically work to build relationships with clients, identify sales opportunities, and close deals. The role involves extensive travel, regular customer interactions, and the ability to communicate effectively. Territory sales representatives need an understanding about their products and services, as well as their competitors, to provide exceptional customer service and meet sales targets.

What general advice would you give to a Territory Sales Representative?

Kaustav Misra Ph.D.Kaustav Misra Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Dean, Central Connecticut State University

I have spent almost two decades in the higher education industry and about a decade in administration. I often advised students, and it is astonishing to see how many of these students do not plan for their future. A good plan is a starting point to lead a good and successful career and life. Hence, by all means, it is worth noting that developing a future-oriented focus is important, so taking time to streamline the plan should be an important exercise for every graduate before they begin to do anything.
ScoreTerritory Sales RepresentativeUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,431

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.1

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 5.15%

Black or African American 3.83%

Hispanic or Latino 14.22%

Unknown 3.71%

White 72.86%

Gender

female 30.90%

male 69.10%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress Level
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Territory Sales Representative?

Pros

  • Opportunity for high earnings through commission-based pay

  • Opportunity for career advancement within the company

  • Potential for flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or remotely

  • Ability to see the immediate impact of your work on sales

  • Exposure to a wide range of products and services

Cons

  • Can be stressful and demanding, with long hours and frequent travel

  • Can be competitive, with other sales representatives vying for the same customers

  • Can lead to burnout if not managed properly

  • Can involve significant time spent on administrative tasks, such as tracking sales data and managing expenses.

Territory Sales Representative career paths

Key steps to become a territory sales representative

  1. Explore territory sales representative education requirements

    Most common territory sales representative degrees

    Bachelor's

    79.4 %

    Associate

    10.6 %

    Master's

    4.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific territory sales representative skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service18.07%
    CRM6.81%
    Product Knowledge5.24%
    Excellent Time Management5.22%
    Sales Growth4.58%
  3. Complete relevant territory sales representative training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New territory sales representatives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a territory sales representative based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real territory sales representative resumes.
  4. Research territory sales representative duties and responsibilities

    • Track leads, log calls/activities, move sales cycle, and report/forecast using Salesforce.
    • Develop and manage a portfolio of customers seeking cost-effective, knowledgeable travel consultation and options.
    • Introduce CRM to corporate management to enhance customer relationships.
    • Provide training and direction to authorize distributors within western Washington.
  5. Prepare your territory sales representative resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your territory sales representative resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a territory sales representative resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Territory Sales Representative Resume templates

    Build a professional Territory Sales Representative resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Territory Sales Representative resume.
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    Territory Sales Representative Resume
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    Territory Sales Representative Resume
    Territory Sales Representative Resume
    Territory Sales Representative Resume
    Territory Sales Representative Resume
  6. Apply for territory sales representative jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a territory sales representative job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Territory Sales Representative Job

Zippi

Are you a Territory Sales Representative?

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Average territory sales representative salary

The average Territory Sales Representative salary in the United States is $34,431 per year or $17 per hour. Territory sales representative salaries range between $15,000 and $78,000 per year.

Average Territory Sales Representative Salary
$34,431 Yearly
$16.55 hourly

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How do territory sales representatives rate their job?

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Territory Sales Representative reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

Dealing with other professional engineers and managers that show higher levels of integrity when discussing requirements or a problem to solve.

Cons

The constant program delays and slow manufactures in support of opportunities that could be won with quicker responses.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Pay was consistent and you pick your own rate based on the commission you choose to bring in. Spending so much time together created a bond between the team where uplifting one another on bad days became part of the job. I guess it depends on your particular work environment but the bonds created kept us going.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Communicating and helping my clients.

Cons

The travel was extensive. Sometimes. It took more than month to close a deaĺ.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.