Explore best-paying sales jobs that don’t demand a degree. Discover lucrative career paths in sales without formal education prerequisites.
While it’s true that many jobs require a degree before a potential candidate gets hired, it is also true that there are many sales jobs—and other career opportunities—that do not require their potential employees to finish any college course for them to get considered and hired. If you are one of those aspiring sales professionals who are looking to start their sales career but are worrying if their lack of degree will hinder them from pursuing their dreams, then this guide is for you.
In this article, we will talk about high-paying sales jobs that you can apply to even if you don’t have a college or university degree. Uncover actionable tips on actively applying to these sales jobs, enhancing your chances of securing a position. So if you’re ready to start and grow your career in sales—even without a degree—, continue reading our comprehensive guide.
Can You Have a Sales Job Without a Degree?
The short answer is yes, you can get into high-paying sales jobs without a degree. However, there is more to it than just blindly applying to different sales positions without considering the employer’s requirements.
Although non-degree holders can have a shot at landing high-paying sales jobs, they still have to prove that they are qualified for the position and ensure that they can stand out from the competition. To do this, you have to showcase your skills, experience, and personal qualities and traits that will make you well-suited for the job. Here are some factors that can help you secure a sales job without a degree:
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Sales Skills
Your ability to communicate, sell, negotiate, and build relationships can be more important than a degree. You may want to highlight these relevant skills that you have acquired through previous jobs or experiences on your resume and during the interview.
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Relevant Experience
Do you have any previous experience holding a sales job or any related tasks or projects? Having relevant sales experience, even if it’s in a different industry, can be highly valuable when applying to high-paying sales jobs without degree. Especially if you were able to meet or exceed sales targets from past jobs, this can give you a great chance of being considered for the positions.
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Strong Professional Network
Employers love candidates with a wide and strong professional network in the industry as this opens many doors to sales opportunities. If you are active in attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals online, make sure to emphasize this to your potential employer.
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Certifications and Training
Some employers are not very strict about requiring a degree from their sales candidates as long as they are trained and certified. Pursuing sales-related certifications or training programs can help you gain knowledge and skills that make you a more attractive candidate.
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Soft Skills
No degree? No sales experience? Sometimes, it still works out as long as you can demonstrate that you are trainable, adaptable, and willing to learn and grow in the industry. Sales roles often require strong soft skills like communication, persuasion, resilience, and adaptability. Highlight these qualities in your job application and interviews to make you a strong candidate for the best sales jobs without a degree.
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Demonstrated Results
If you can provide concrete examples of past successes in sales, such as exceeding quotas, winning sales competitions, or generating revenue, it can make a strong case for your candidacy. In your resume, highlight these accomplishments using quantitative data for a clearer and more impressive understanding, such as the number of percentage increase you achieved within a certain number of months or years.
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Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn
Often, if a candidate shows a strong willingness to learn, they can outperform those who have a degree or experience in the industry but are stubborn or close-minded in their ways. Sales can be a demanding field, and employers often look for candidates who are motivated, persistent, and enthusiastic about their products or services.
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Sales Position You Are Applying To
If you don’t have a college degree but want to start a career in sales, consider applying to an entry-level sales role, such as a sales associate or brand representative, to gain experience and prove your capabilities. After gaining enough experience, that’s when you start looking for the best paying sales jobs without degree. By working your way up persistently, you can land your dream sales job at a high-paying company in no time.
While a degree can be beneficial and open doors in some cases, it’s not always a strict requirement for a successful career in sales. Focus on building your skills, gaining relevant experience, and demonstrating your value to potential employers. By highlighting your personal qualities and impressive qualifications, you can strongly be considered in high-paying sales jobs without a degree.
15 Best Paying Sales Jobs Without a Degree—And Tips on Applying to These Jobs
Sales jobs offer a great opportunity for aspiring and seasoned sales professionals to potentially earn a great amount of money. And with many high-paying sales positions that do not necessarily require a college degree, candidates who did not graduate from college are still highly eligible to start a career in sales.
Here are 15 high paying sales jobs without degree that you can pursue, in no particular order:
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B2B Sales
One of the highest-paying jobs without a degree is B2B (or business-to-business) sales, with an annual potential earning of $62,016 per year for a B2B sales representative, according to ZipRecruiter.com. B2B sales involve the selling of products or services from one business to another. It encompasses a broad scope because anything that a company sells to another business or company can be regarded as B2B sales, including office equipment, business software, industrial machinery, business consulting, commercial real estate, and wholesale retail products among many others.
A B2B sales representative or sales account executive is responsible for managing and facilitating the sales process between their company and other businesses. Part of their duties and responsibilities include prospecting, building client relationships, product or service presentation, negotiation, handling sales objections, closing deals, and after-sale support. Even without a degree, potential candidates for this job can be considered as long as they have the necessary skills, relevant experience, and technical know-how for software and IT products or services.
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Real Estate Agent
Being a real estate agent is also a promising sales job that doesn’t require a degree. Data from Indeed.com shows that the average real estate agent in the United States makes about $95,204 per year.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who serves as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Their primary role is to facilitate the buying or selling of properties, such as homes, commercial buildings, or land. Real estate agents help clients navigate the complex and often legal aspects of real estate transactions, providing valuable expertise throughout the process.
If you wish to try your luck in the real estate industry and become a sales agent even without a college degree, you need to showcase your communication and people skills, knowledge in the industry, and some financial know-how. You also need to take and pass real estate courses to get a real estate license.
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Advertising Sales Agent
According to CareerExplorer.com, advertising sales agents make an average of $52,340 yearly, making it an excellent sales job that doesn’t require a college degree. An advertising sales agent is a sales professional who offers advertising space and time to businesses, companies, and organizations on behalf of media companies, including newspapers, magazines, websites, television stations, radio stations, and digital marketing firms. Their primary objective is to generate revenue for advertising companies by persuading prospective clients to purchase advertising opportunities that reach their target audience.
Without a degree, you can become an advertising sales agent if you have a thorough understanding of the advertising space, a great professional network, strong communication skills, and a solid portfolio of successful sales or previous marketing projects. With dedication, relevant experience, and a good strategy for navigating the advertising industry, you can build a successful career as an advertising sales agent.
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Store Manager
In the United States, a store manager has an average salary of $54,885 per year, and many of them didn’t even finish college. As a store manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a store, ensuring that it runs efficiently and effectively. Depending on the industry, it could be a retail store, fast food store, restaurant, hardware shop, or others. Part of the duties and functions of a manager are inventory management, team management, customer service, visual merchandising, and sales and revenue.
To become a store manager without a degree, you have to gain sales experience, learn and develop transferable skills, apply for promotions, and attend leadership training. While a degree can be beneficial in some cases, many store managers have risen through the ranks based on their experience, skills, and performance. It’s essential to continuously improve your leadership and management abilities to succeed in this role.
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Customer Service Representative
With an average salary of $17.48 per hour (according to Indeed.com), a customer service representative may make $36,358 annually.
A customer service representative (CSR) holds a sales position and often involves assisting customers with their inquiries, concerns, and issues related to products or services offered by the company they work for. Because their responsibilities include answering customer inquiries providing information about products or services, and resolving complaints, CSRs are required to have excellent communication skills, empathy, patience, and problem-solving abilities to offer a positive experience to customers. They often work as part of a team and may use customer service software and tools to manage inquiries efficiently.
If you are eyeing to become a customer service representative but don’t have a degree, what you should focus on is developing strong communication skills and building a customer-focused mindset. Look for entry-level customer service positions in call centers, BPO companies, or even private corporations. Once you’re hired, it is essential to gain hands-on experience and seek opportunities for professional development, including customer service training or certifications, so you can grow your career as a sales professional even if you didn’t get a chance to finish college.
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Retail Sales Associate
Among our list of best-paying sales jobs without a degree is retail sales, where a retail sales associate makes an average of $14.90 per hour or $30,992 annually. In retail sales, the sales associate serves as the frontline employee in the store and is responsible for assisting customers, promoting products or services, and completing sales transactions. Some of their main functions are actively promoting products to customers, explaining the key features of particular items, restocking shelves, processing sales transactions, and assisting customers in various ways among many others.
Retail sales is actually one of the easiest industries a candidate without a degree can apply to. By simply demonstrating your excellent communication skills, product or service knowledge, and ability to build strong relationships with customers, you can have a good chance of being successful as a retail sales associate.
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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
The pharmaceutical sales industry also welcomes sales candidates and professionals who don’t have a degree. With an average annual salary of $75,953, pharma sales is a high-paying job that many sales professionals aspire to—even those without a degree.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the pharma sales rep is expected to promote and sell prescription drugs and medical products to healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists. If you don’t have a degree but want to become one, focus on gaining sales experience, preferably in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry, and develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Network with professionals in the field, too, and gain industry knowledge. Consider attending and completing pharmaceutical sales training programs or certifications, and emphasize your ability to understand and convey complex medical information when applying for pharmaceutical sales jobs.
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Medical Device Sales Representative
One of the highest-paying sales jobs in the US—even without a degree—is medical device sales representative, where the average annual salary is $121,946, according to Salary.com.
A medical device sales representative is responsible for selling medical devices and equipment to healthcare professionals, such as x-ray machines, MRI machines, blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, defibrillators, pacemakers, insulin pumps, and many more. Their role involves building relationships with healthcare providers, demonstrating the features and benefits of medical devices, providing technical support, and educating customers on how to use the equipment effectively.
If this role interests you but you don’t have a college degree and feel that you may not be qualified for the position, here are some ways you can become a successful medical device sales representative:
- Start by gaining sales experience, preferably in a related field such as medical equipment or pharmaceutical sales.
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as building relationships and effectively communicating the value of medical devices are essential in this role.
- Network with professionals in the healthcare industry by attending industry events and joining relevant associations.
- Consider pursuing relevant certifications or training programs in medical device sales.
- Emphasize your sales achievements and demonstrate your ability to understand and convey technical information during the job application and interview process.
If you would like to pursue this role, check out out comprehensive list of 25 best medical device sales companies to work for in 2024.
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SaaS Sales Associate
According to ZipRecuriter.com, the average annual pay for a Saas Sales Associate in the United States is $78,668. SaaS or Software as a Service sales is also one of the high paying sales jobs without degree that sales professionals can consider and apply to if they were not able to obtain a college degree.
As a SaaS sales representative or associate, you will be responsible for selling SaaS products and solutions to businesses. Part of your role and functions is to identify potential customers, understand their needs, and demonstrate how the SaaS offering can address those needs effectively.
If you don’t have a degree but want to apply for this position, make sure that you develop your skills in prospecting, customer engagement, needs assessment, product presentation, negotiation, and closing deals. By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you will surely gain a competitive edge and get hired as a SaaS Sales Associate.
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Travel Agent
Being a travel agent is among our list of high-paying sales jobs without degree, where the average salary in the US is $54,548 per year. If you are fond of traveling and you have a passion for promoting travel destinations to other people, but you don’t have a college degree, then this sales position may be ideal for you.
A travel agent is a professional who assists individuals and organizations in planning and booking travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. If you wish to become a travel agent without a degree, focus on gaining relevant experience in the travel and tourism industry, such as working for a travel agency or in customer service roles within the hospitality sector. It is also crucial that you develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of various travel destinations, travel regulations, and booking platforms. Additionally, consider obtaining industry certifications, like those offered by organizations such as the Travel Institute, to demonstrate your expertise to potential clients and employers. Building a reputation for excellent customer service and attention to detail can help you succeed in this career.
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Insurance Agent
On average, an insurance agent makes about $63,150 per year in the US, even those who didn’t finish college. Working as an insurance agent involves selling insurance products by helping individuals and businesses assess their needs and recommending appropriate policies and products for them. They are expected to be knowledgeable about the industry and the specific products they are selling. It is important to note that before you can begin selling insurance products and services, you must first obtain the necessary license.
Other things you need to develop if you wish to become an insurance agent without a degree is in-depth knowledge about the insurance industry and various types of insurance products. Many insurance agencies offer training programs for entry-level agents, which can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Having strong interpersonal and communication skills also helps, as insurance sales often rely on building relationships.
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Leasing Agent
A leasing agent or a sales professional who is responsible for renting out residential or commercial properties on behalf of property owners and management companies has an average salary of $40,704 per year in the US. With the right knowledge, qualifications, and dedication, anyone can become a leasing agent, even those without a college degree.
If you want to try your luck as a leasing agent but you don’t have a degree to showcase, you need to focus on gaining relevant experience in the real estate or property management industry. While formal education is not always required, consider obtaining relevant certifications, such as the Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) designation, which can enhance your credibility and marketability as a leasing agent. Moreover, develop strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to help you succeed in this role.
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Automobile Salesperson
If you are knowledgeable in the automotive industry and believe that you can sell cars and car accessories to the right prospects, then the automobile sales industry is another high-paying sales niche you may want to consider if you don’t have a college degree. As a car salesperson, the estimated annual pay you can receive is $78,152 per year.
While a degree in automotive technology, automotive engineering, or sales can help you land a career in automotive sales faster, it’s not strictly required to succeed in this role. If you don’t have a degree, what you can do is apply for entry-level positions at car dealerships, such as a sales trainee or lot attendant, to get your foot in the door. Showcase your knowledge in the automotive industry and prove that you are more than qualified to handle the position by studying the different car makes and models you will be selling and staying informed about industry trends. When the time comes, you may apply for a sales associate or sales managerial position.
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Financial Advisor
The average annual salary of a financial advisor in the US is $81,510, making it one of the best paying sales jobs without degree. As a financial advisor, you will provide financial guidance and investment advice to individuals to help them manage their money, plan for their future, and achieve their financial goals.
While a degree may not be required to land this sales job, you have to be adept when it comes to financial topics and industry-related trends. Previous work experience in a bank, financial institution, or advisory firm may help you be considered for the position. Continue to build your knowledge of financial products, investment strategies, and financial planning by watching online videos, reading books, and attending related training. Moreover, sign up for industry-recognized certification courses like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
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Recruitment Consultant
Finally, to cap off our list of high-paying jobs without degree, we have the recruitment consultant position that earns an average salary of $66,249 per year. A recruitment consultant is a hiring professional with a sales background who helps organizations find suitable candidates for job vacancies by sourcing, screening, and presenting potential candidates to clients. Their job is to “sell” qualified candidates to business clients looking for talents for their organization.
To become a recruitment consultant without a degree, you have to showcase your experience working in the HR or admin department of a company. If you have none, consider applying to entry-level roles in recruitment agencies or human resources departments, such as a recruiting coordinator or talent acquisition assistant, to start building your expertise. An excellent recruitment consultant possesses strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, so make sure that you have these and demonstrate them during your application and interview sessions. By proving your qualifications and showcasing what you’re capable of, you can be a strong candidate for this role even without a college degree.
Wrapping It Up
Aside from these 15 high paying sales jobs with a degree, there are other numerous sales career opportunities available that you can consider applying to. While formal education can be valuable and helpful in landing a decent job, it’s not always a strict requirement. By developing the necessary skills, having product or service mastery, attending related training and courses, and gaining relevant work experience, you can have a good chance of landing one of the best sales jobs that don’t require a college degree.
Whether you want to get promoted to a sales managerial role or you are just starting your sales career, don’t feel discouraged by your lack of college degree. We can help you land your dream sales job. Sales Recruiters Chicago is a sales recruitment specialist that connects employers with top sales talents—with or without an educational degree. Start your sales journey with us by submitting your resume here or browsing through our many open sales jobs. With the right platform and guidance from Sales Recruiters Chicago, you can land a high paying sales job that fits your qualifications.
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