Can you make a lot of money in pharmaceutical sales?
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In 2019, the average rep salary was $151,217, which includes an average base salary of $109,250 and an average bonus of $41,967. That’s a 6% increase, or almost $8,000, over the average salary for pharma sales reps from MedReps’ 2018 survey.
What is the best degree for pharmaceutical sales?

A college degree is standard for this job, with many employers looking favorably on graduate work. Useful courses include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, organic chemistry, English, public speaking, finance, and negotiation techniques.
Why do pharmaceutical sales reps make so much money?
Years of Experience Experience is a major factor in determining the salary of a pharmaceutical sales rep. That’s because the job is largely commission-based, so you earn more money the more sales you close.
Is being a pharmaceutical sales rep worth it?
The job of a pharmaceutical sales representative is a highly desired one. With a high salary, excellent benefits and perks, and the potential for growth, it’s easy to see why. In fact, on average, pharmaceutical sales reps earn $103,300 each year, not including commissions.

How stressful is pharmaceutical sales?
Stress. Medical sales jobs also come with considerable stress. Some respondents specifically cited stress caused by the pressure to make quotas, while others mentioned stress caused by the increasing difficulty of gaining vendor clearances.
How much do top pharmaceutical reps make?
$127,000
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Salary
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $127,000 | $10,583 |
75th Percentile | $113,500 | $9,458 |
Average | $91,977 | $7,664 |
25th Percentile | $73,000 | $6,083 |
Do medical sales reps travel a lot?
She also notes that a recent study found medical sales reps spend an average of 20 percent of their time traveling overnight. Increased travel often results in additional income: The average total compensation for a representative who travels 50 percent of the time is $160,200.
What sales jobs pay the most?
11 highest paid sales jobs
- Pharmaceutical sales representative.
- Direct sales representative.
- Business development representative.
- Sales engineer.
- Sales professional.
- Sales manager.
- Real estate agent. National average salary: $107,989 per year.
- Vice president of sales. National average salary: $110,945 per year.
How do I break into pharmaceutical sales?
Here are the steps you can follow to begin a successful career as a pharmaceutical sales rep:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED.
- Get a bachelor’s degree.
- Consider earning a graduate degree.
- Get certified.
- Network.
- Work on your skillset.
- Prepare your resume and cover letter.
Is pharmaceutical sales easy?
It’s a reality for pharmaceutical company representatives. But the work isn’t pure glamour. It’s also intense, highly competitive and sometimes frustrating. Insiders say it’s difficult to get your foot in the door with a drug company, and that it’s challenging to excel once you’ve landed that first sales job.
What do female pharmaceutical reps wear?
Their clothes should be fresh, neat, clean and pressed. The reps should be well-groomed, paying attention to hair, face and nails. Do the pharmaceutical reps need to dress in formal business attire such as suit and tie for men and skirted suits or matching pants suits for women?
Is getting into pharmaceutical sales hard?