FAQ
Sales Engineer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a sales engineer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a sales engineer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about sales engineers
Do sales engineers need an engineering degree?
Usually a technical degree.
Do sales engineers have quotas?
Often team-based goals or bonuses.
Is travel required?
Many roles include travel.
How much does a sales engineer make?
The median annual wage for sales engineers was $124,900 ($60.05 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $73,870 and the highest 10% earned more than $195,270.
How long does it take to become a sales engineer?
Most people need about 4 years plus experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or a technical field is typical. Product and sales training happen on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a sales engineer?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, often in engineering. Some sales engineers move in from technical support or field roles with deep product expertise.
Is sales engineer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.8% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 3,800 openings each year. Upsides include high pay; a common challenge is that travel.
What skills does a sales engineer need?
Key technical skills include technical product expertise, solution design, demonstrations, and rfp writing. Employers also value communication, listening, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for sales engineers?
Common credentials include Vendor technical certifications, Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Presentation skills training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Sales Engineer fit quiz, compare with Technical Sales Representative, or explore Sales Engineer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-9031 (Sales engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Sales engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.