Traveling Salesman

What does a traveling sales representative do? – Tasks and work environment

A traveling sales representative's main task is to establish and maintain business relationships with customers through personal visits, often within a specific geographic area. The work involves presenting and selling the company's products or services, identifying new business opportunities, and following up on sales targets. The role requires frequent travel, both domestically and sometimes abroad, resulting in a varied work environment where meetings occur on-site with clients, at offices, or during industry fairs and events. Flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work independently are crucial for success in the profession.

Salary development over time

The profession of traveling sales representative has shown stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 49 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 51 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9.9% during this period. This salary increase can partly be explained by increased competition for experienced salespeople, higher demands on business skills, and a growing demand for specialized sales in certain industries. At the same time, salary levels are influenced by economic conditions and companies’ investments in sales organizations.

Traveling sales representative salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 51 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 61,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 309 SEK
• Men's average salary: 53 000 SEK
• Women's average salary: 47 200 SEK
• Women's salary as percentage of men's: 89%

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a traveling sales representative varies, but a basic high school education in commerce, economics, or technology is often a good starting point. Post-secondary education, such as in sales, marketing, or business development, provides additional competitive advantages. Many employers value practical experience and documented sales ability highly, and it is common to start in a junior position before advancing to a traveling sales role.

• High school education: Business or economics program (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH or university programs in sales/marketing (1–3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Sales techniques, negotiation, customer care
• Internship/trainee: Common in larger companies
• Prerequisites: Often B driving license and good knowledge of Swedish and English

Common benefits and compensations

Traveling sales representatives are often offered company cars, per diems, performance-based bonuses, and occupational pensions. Other common benefits may include mobile phones, laptops, and wellness allowances. In some cases, flexible working hours and extra vacation days are also available.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of traveling sales representatives is moderate, with a national labor market characterized by a balance between supply and demand. The Employment Service assesses that opportunities for employment are medium-sized and that demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming five years. Challenges mainly involve continually adapting sales strategies to new market conditions, digitalization, and changing customer behaviors. Additionally, the profession requires high stress tolerance and the ability to handle a varied schedule with many travel days. To succeed, candidates need to demonstrate strong results focus and good social skills.

Tips for those wanting to become traveling sales representatives

To succeed as a traveling sales representative, it is beneficial to have a strong drive and the ability to work independently, as much of the work is carried out alone with clients. Being communicative and attentive helps during customer meetings and in understanding different clients’ needs. Flexibility and adaptability to changing travel plans and new situations are also valuable, as the work often involves quick shifts. Developing the ability to build and nurture relationships often leads to long-term business collaborations. Good planning skills and structure facilitate coordinating many meetings and trips. Finally, resilience and patience are important, as sales cycles can be long and results may take time.

Key facts about traveling sales representatives

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in sales recommended
• Work environment: Traveling, field-based, and independent
• Typical employment form: Full-time with performance-based salary
• Job openings (2024): Approximately 550 in the profession of corporate sales
• Demand: Medium-sized and expected to remain unchanged, according to the Employment Service

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a traveling sales representative, it is common to advance to roles such as key account manager, sales manager, or business developer. Those with experience and strong results can also move into specialist roles in strategic sales or training new salespeople. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for corporate salespeople is expected to be unchanged in the next five years, and the job market is considered balanced. The profession offers good opportunities for further development within sales, both nationally and internationally.

Frequently asked questions about traveling sales representatives

• What is the average salary of a traveling sales representative?
  - A traveling sales representative has an average salary of 51 300 SEK per month.
• How does the salary difference between men and women look?
  - Men earn an average of 53 000 SEK, while women have an average salary of 47 200 SEK. Women earn 89% of men's salaries.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a traveling sales representative?
  - The highest salary is 61,500 SEK and the lowest is 38,200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a traveling sales representative?
  - High school education in commerce or economics is recommended, but post-secondary education is advantageous.
• What does the job market look like for traveling sales representatives?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include company car, bonus, per diem, and occupational pension.
• What does a typical workweek look like for a traveling sales representative?
  - The workweek often consists of client visits, travel, and follow-up on sales targets, with significant variation between days.