Vendors, machines, building materials

What does a salesperson within machinery and construction materials do? – Tasks and work environment

A salesperson within machinery and construction materials handles sales of products aimed at the construction industry, manufacturing, and private customers in need of machinery, tools, and building materials. Tasks include advising on products and material choices, order management, inventory logistics, and customer service. The role often involves building long-term relationships with both corporate clients and private customers, as well as staying updated on new products and technical solutions on the market. The work environment is primarily retail or warehouse, but may also include visits to construction sites and suppliers.

Salary development over time

The profession of salespeople within machinery and construction materials shows a clear positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 31 900 SEK, representing an increase of about 3.2%. For 2024, the average salary is 33 800 SEK, a further rise of nearly 6% compared to the previous year. This development can be linked to increased demand for skilled salespeople in the industry, as well as some influence from inflation and general salary adjustments in retail and specialty trade. The salary growth also reflects a need for specialized knowledge of technical products and machinery.

Salespeople, machinery, construction materials salary – full overview

• Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male, regional sector, secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 203 SEK
• Women: 33 200 SEK/month (96 % of men's salary)
• Men: 34 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Highest reported salaries within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

Salespeople within machinery and construction materials often have a high school education, preferably with a focus on trade, technology, or industry. Many employers also value experience in sales or knowledge of machinery and building materials. Additional qualifications such as product training, certifications, and internal courses are advantageous. Practical experience from the industry and technical understanding of product applications are highly valued.

• High school diploma: Trade, technology, or industry (3 years)
• Certification courses: Product training and sales courses
• Internship: Work-based learning during education
• Industry experience: Meritorious for employment
• Technical interest: Valuable for providing correct advice to customers

Common benefits and compensations

Salespeople within machinery and construction materials are often offered benefits such as employee discounts on products, bonus and commission systems, wellness allowances, and sometimes pension schemes and training opportunities. Many workplaces also provide work clothing and safety equipment, especially if tasks involve warehouse or construction site work. Flexitime and opportunities for skills development are also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where many players operate in sales of machinery and building materials. Challenges include staying updated on new products, technical solutions, and changing customer needs. Digitalization and e-commerce have created new conditions, meaning traditional store sales staff need to develop skills in digital sales and customer service. Additionally, the work environment can be physically demanding, especially during heavy lifts and warehouse work.

Tips for those who want to become salespeople within machinery and construction materials

To succeed as a salesperson within machinery and construction materials, it is good to be communicative and attentive, as customer relationships and advice are central to the work. A strong service mindset combined with the ability to understand customer needs makes it easier to create long-term business. Technical interest is a big advantage as it facilitates understanding of products and lends credibility in customer dialogues. Initiative and independence are appreciated by employers, especially when it comes to driving sales and taking responsibility for results. Being solution-oriented helps handle challenges and quickly find the right product for the customer. Finally, flexibility and openness to new tasks are important, as the profession often involves a wide variety of daily activities.

Key facts about salespeople within machinery and construction materials

• Education level: High school diploma, preferably in trade or technology
• Work environment: Retail, warehouse, and sometimes on construction sites
• Typical work form: Full-time, but part-time work occurs
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: Technical interest and industry experience

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a salesperson within machinery and construction materials, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as store manager, sales manager, or product specialist. It is also common for experienced salespeople to move into more specialized roles in technical sales, purchasing, or training new employees. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, the job opportunities remain large, with an expected unchanged demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of experienced personnel, especially since many work part-time in the profession. Currently, there are approximately 550 job openings in the field, indicating a stable job market.

Frequently asked questions about salespeople within machinery and construction materials

• What does a salesperson within machinery and building materials earn?
  - The average salary is 33 800 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
• What education is required to become a salesperson in this industry?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on trade, technology, or industry is most common. Practical experience is advantageous.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 33 200 SEK while men earn 34 700 SEK, which means women have 96 % of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK and the lowest is 31,200 SEK, depending on the employer and education level.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Customer service skills, technical interest, flexibility, and the ability to build customer relationships are essential.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include employee discounts, bonuses, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development.