Telecom and Cell Phone Salesmen Salaries

© 2012 by Aurelio Locsin.

Cell phones rather than landlines have become the voice communication medium of choice for many individuals and businesses. This advancement allows talk in almost any location and affords access to the Internet, photography, entertainment and agendas. Telecom and cell phone salesmen, more commonly known as sales people, distribute this technology to customers.

Retail salespeople in wireless telecommunications earned a mean $30,110 per year as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sales reps of wireless services received a mean $58,760 per year. Though both types sold cell phones, the former focuses on the devices themselves, while the latter concentrates on the services that can be used with the phones. They recommend products and explain their uses to customers; answer questions; detail different options and promotions; and tally customer purchases and accept payment. No formal education is needed because of on-the-job training. However, some employers may prefer those with a high school education.

Supervisors of retail sales workers received a mean $46,770 per year in 2011 according to the BLS. Those in charge of non-retail sales workers, such as for services, made a mean $80,440 per year. Cell phone salesmen with experience and with demonstrated organizational abilities can be promoted to sales supervisors who coordinate the activities of sales subordinates. They hire and train staff, define duties and schedules, monitor sales performance, and deal with customer issues brought to them by salespeople. They can also authorize refunds and cell phone returns. ONET OnLine reveals that in 2011, 40 percent of these supervisors had a high school diploma, 26 percent had some college but no degree and 15 percent had an associate degree.

Sales managers in telecommunications were paid $130,530 per year in 2011, states the BLS. Supervisors who had several years of experience and increased profits for the company could become sales managers. These top executives set sales goals by analyzing sales statistics and product reports. They prepare budgets and approve expenses, project sales to determine profitability, coordinate sales supervisors and their staffs, and develop sales training programs. Most have bachelor’s degrees though a few have master’s degree. Useful courses include accounting, finance, business law, economics, management and marketing.

The BLS predicts that jobs for all retail sales workers, including those who specialize in telecommunications and cell phones, will increase by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than the 14 percent predicted for all jobs in all industries. This is due to a growing population and a growing economy. Though consumers are increasingly shopping online, especially for cell phones, many still prefer to do most of their shopping in retail stores. Sales workers can answer questions and help buyers on making the best selections.