What is a Sales Engineer?
Job Description & Duties Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
Sales Engineer Responsibilities
- Diagnose problems with installed equipment.
- Research and identify potential customers for products or services.
- Report to supervisors about prospective firms’ credit ratings.
- Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
- Write technical documentation for products.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers.
Featured schools near , edit
Sales Engineer Required Skills
These are the skills Sales Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Agricultural Equipment Sales Engineer
- Product Support Engineer
- Ceramic Products Sales Engineer
- Product Sales Engineer
- HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Job Demand for Sales Engineers
In the United States, there were 74,900 jobs for Sales Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,200 new jobs for Sales Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Sales Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or New Mexico. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Sales Engineers Salary
The average yearly salary of a Sales Engineer ranges between $58,430 and $165,350.

Sales Engineers who work in Delaware, Colorado, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Sales Engineers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $87,350 |
Arizona | $110,190 |
Arkansas | $99,820 |
California | $117,170 |
Colorado | $129,560 |
Connecticut | $90,690 |
Delaware | $142,360 |
District of Columbia | $118,600 |
Florida | $112,600 |
Georgia | $100,510 |
Hawaii | $73,050 |
Idaho | $124,300 |
Illinois | $92,100 |
Indiana | $102,320 |
Iowa | $108,600 |
Kansas | $90,410 |
Kentucky | $91,660 |
Louisiana | $90,470 |
Maine | $88,680 |
Maryland | $127,340 |
Massachusetts | $107,590 |
Michigan | $98,550 |
Minnesota | $96,280 |
Mississippi | $90,370 |
Missouri | $91,830 |
Montana | $96,530 |
Nebraska | $84,600 |
Nevada | $126,460 |
New Hampshire | $113,050 |
New Jersey | $104,590 |
New Mexico | $92,130 |
New York | $111,620 |
North Carolina | $95,650 |
North Dakota | $92,590 |
Ohio | $93,940 |
Oklahoma | $101,720 |
Oregon | $106,990 |
Pennsylvania | $97,680 |
Rhode Island | $85,670 |
South Carolina | $110,310 |
South Dakota | $112,570 |
Tennessee | $97,160 |
Texas | $111,910 |
Utah | $124,860 |
Virginia | $139,620 |
Washington | $120,940 |
West Virginia | $86,360 |
Wisconsin | $99,630 |
What Tools do Sales Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sales Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Linux
- Extensible markup language XML
- Microsoft SQL Server
- UNIX
- PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
- Oracle PeopleSoft
How do I Become a Sales Engineer?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Sales Engineer?

What work experience do I need to become a Sales Engineer?

Where Sales Engineers Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Sales Engineers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Sales Engineer may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |