Business salesman

What does a business salesperson do? – Tasks and work environment

A business salesperson works to create and develop business relationships between companies, focusing on selling goods or services to other businesses. Tasks include identifying new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, following up on customer relationships, and analyzing market needs. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with other departments such as marketing, finance, and logistics to ensure customer requirements are met and transactions are executed efficiently. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, clear results targets, and a combination of office work, digital meetings, and physical customer visits.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, business salespeople have experienced a clear positive salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 46,700 SEK per month, increasing to 49 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 51 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 10% during the period, with the largest growth between 2022 and 2023. This development reflects a continued strong demand for qualified salespeople in the corporate segment, where digitalization and increased global competition have heightened the need for strategic selling. Salaries are also influenced by education level, experience, and ability to handle complex deals, with the most experienced often reaching the highest salary levels. Despite the positive trend, clear gender pay gaps still exist.

Business salesperson salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 51 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,200 SEK
• Highest salary: 61,500 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 309 SEK
• Women: 47 200 SEK
• Men: 53 000 SEK
• Women earn: 89% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary between urban and rural areas, but statistics show that the highest salaries are often found in metropolitan regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a business salesperson, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on sales, economics, or commerce. Many employers view post-secondary studies in relevant fields positively, and it is common to supplement with certification courses or internal training programs. Practical experience and good references often weigh heavily during recruitment, especially for more qualified sales roles involving complex deals and customer relationships.

• High school diploma: Business and administration program, 3 years
• Post-secondary studies: Economics, sales, or marketing, 1–3 years
• Certification courses: Sales techniques, negotiation, or B2B sales
• Internship/trainee: Common in larger companies and provides valuable experience
• Prerequisites: Good communication skills and interest in business
• Online courses: Available in sales psychology, CRM systems, and business development

Common benefits and compensations

Business salespeople are often offered performance-based bonuses in addition to base salary, as well as benefits such as company cars, wellness allowances, mobile phones, computers, and pension contributions. Further, it is common to have ongoing training, internal sales competitions, and opportunities for advanced commission systems, especially in larger companies or corporations. Flexible working hours and remote work options are also available in some organizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for the most attractive roles as a business salesperson is often intense, especially in metropolitan regions and growth industries. Increasing digitalization and changing buying behaviors require continuous skills development and adaptation to new sales channels. Many employers now seek experience with CRM systems, digital marketing, and complex business solutions. At the same time, there are challenges related to result demands and stress, where the ability to handle setbacks and build long-term relationships is crucial for success and job satisfaction.

Tips for those wanting to become a business salesperson

To succeed as a business salesperson, it is beneficial to combine social skills with strong self-motivation and analytical ability. Building networks and daring to contact new people are essential, as is listening to customer needs and tailoring offers accordingly. Staying updated on industry developments and investing time in sales techniques and negotiations is recommended. Being persistent and stress-resistant makes it easier, especially when work involves tough targets and varying workloads. Good work organization and prioritization skills make a difference in the long run, and a positive, solution-oriented attitude often leads to more successful deals.

Key facts about Business Salespersons

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary courses
• Work form: Permanent employment is most common, but consultancy assignments also occur
• Work environment: Office, customer visits, and digital meetings
• Demand: Moderate, with 550 available jobs nationally
• Salary range: 38,200–61,500 SEK/month depending on experience and sector

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a business salesperson, opportunities often open to advance to roles such as key account manager, sales manager, or business developer. Many choose to specialize within a particular industry or product category to become experts and increase their attractiveness on the job market. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the job market for business salespeople is expected to be balanced nationally, with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Further education in leadership or business development can also lead to more strategic positions or consulting roles. There are good opportunities to influence salary and career growth through strong performance and networking.

Frequently asked questions about Business Salespersons

• What does a Business Salesperson earn?
  - A business salesperson has an average salary of 51 300 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, sector, and region.
• What education is required to become a business salesperson?
  - The most common is a high school diploma, preferably supplemented with post-secondary courses in sales, economics, or marketing.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 47 200 SEK, while men earn 53 000 SEK per month, which means women earn 89% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for business salespeople?
  - The job market is expected to be balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Social skills, drive, stress resilience, and analytical ability are particularly important for success as a business salesperson.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Bonuses, company car, wellness allowance, mobile phone, and opportunities for further training are common benefits.
• How much does the highest-paid business salesperson earn?
  - The highest salary for a business salesperson is 61,500 SEK per month, applicable to a man with post-secondary education in the private sector.