Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Real estate agents may specialize in commercial or residential real estate and in working with buyers or sellers. When working with sellers, real estate agents handle all aspects of listing the property, recommend repairs and upgrades and a listing price, advertise through direct mail campaigns and magazine and newspaper ads, hold open houses, and assist the seller in negotiating and closing a deal. When working with buyers, real estate agents identify suitable properties, accompany buyers on property visits, and assist in putting together an offer, negotiating a final contract, and closing the sale. Most agents are self-employed, although many are affiliated with (though not employed by) a real estate brokerage firm (e.g., Long and Foster).

2021 Median Salary
$48,770

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 30, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm.

Sales representatives sell their employers’ products directly to customers, often through in-person visits, sales calls, webinars, or appearances at conventions or other industry events. Sales representatives specialize in a particular industry and gain expertise in a particular product line; sales tactics are very industry-specific. For example, pharmaceutical sales representatives market prescription medications directly to doctor’s offices, often providing free samples during in-person visits. However, a sales representative in the software industry may focus more on product demos, whether live or via webinar, for target customer segments.

Frequent travel is often required, and much of the sales representative’s pay may be commission-based (i.e., the sales representative receives a relatively low base salary plus some percentage of every sale).

2021 Median Salary
$62,890

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average

Typical Entry-Level Education
Vary with the type of product sold.

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 30, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm.

Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. Work is typically done by phone.

2021 Median Salary
$36,920

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Little or no change

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 30, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit https://bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm.