A sales engineer helps bridge the product knowledge gap between the product development team and the client or sales team. It is their responsibility to understand the ins and outs of the very technical and complicated products and be able to explain them in a comprehensive and simple manner. They help the client understand the benefits of the product and why it is beneficial to purchase. If you are tech-savvy, a people person, and have a background in sales, then this position may be the perfect fit for you!
Sales engineers work in multiple different industries but are heavily concentrated in technology companies. There are also plenty of opportunities for sales engineers in the hardware industry, supply merchant wholesale companies, building material sales, heating and plumbing equipment, and other technical products.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a sales engineer is $90,900 per year in the United States. While only base salaries are reflected here, commissions and bonuses may greatly increase total compensation. Additionally, salaries will vary based on experience, company size, industry, and geographic market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $94,400 | $122,300 |
| Los Angeles, California | $102,000 | $138,000 |
| Denver, Colorado | $85,000 | $115,000 |
| Washington, DC | $103,550 | $140,100 |
| Miami, Florida | $84,600 | $114,450 |
| Orlando, Florida | $78,050 | $105,600 |
| Tampa, Florida | $78,800 | $106,600 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $82,650 | $111,850 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $95,000 | $128,600 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $102,750 | $139,050 |
| Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota | $81,900 | $110,800 |
| New York City, New York | $108,150 | $146,350 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $88,100 | $119,150 |
| Dallas, Texas | $85,750 | $116,050 |
| Houston, Texas | $85,400 | $115,500 |
| Seattle, Washington | $98,900 | $133,800 |
| National Average | $77,250 | $104,550 |
Sample interview questions
- What do you know about our products?
- How do you handle a situation where your client’s product isn’t working and they are clearly upset?
- Give me your 30-second elevator pitch.
- How would you explain [Your Company’s Product] in layman’s terms to someone who isn’t experienced with technology?
- Can you tell us about a time when you had a great experience with a customer?
- What is the most important part of the sales process?
- In your opinion, what is the best way to gain trust with a potential customer?
- What sales software have you used in the past?
- What is your favorite part about sales and why?
