Sales Engineers vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Sales Engineerss out-earn Retail Salespersonss by $89K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sales Engineerss land at $124,900 and Retail Salespersonss at $35,410. The education gap is real: sales engineer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Sales Engineerss is Delaware ($167,200); for Retail Salespersonss it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Sales Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Sales Engineerss or Retail Salespersonss?
Sales Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $124,900 for Sales Engineerss versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersonss, a difference of $89K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sales Engineers or Retail Salespersons?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Sales Engineers or Retail Salespersons?
Sales Engineers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Sales Engineerss get paid the most?
Delaware is the top-paying state for Sales Engineerss at $167,200/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Sales Engineers vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Maryland, Sales Engineerss earn $153,410 vs. $35,510 for Retail Salespersonss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.