Home page

Route Salespeople


At a Glance

  • May deliver products, such as milk, beer, and baked goods
  • May pick up and clean items, such as linens and diapers
  • Regularly try to find new customers
  • May work shifts that begin early or end late at night
  • Have a good driving record
  • Most train on the job
  • May be required to lift 50 pounds or more

Career summary

Route salespeople drive trucks to sell and deliver products or services to customers.

Route salespeople may also be called route drivers, route sales representatives, delivery drivers, or driver/sales workers.

Route salespeople have both delivery and sales responsibilities. When they deliver to stores, salespeople often stock the shelves with their goods.

Route salespeople follow a route when making deliveries. They pick up and drop off items at set places along the route. Depending on what they deliver, route salespeople may travel a route several times a week or several times a month.

Route salespeople read a list of customers and their orders, and use this information when planning their route. They load their truck according to the order of their deliveries.

Some route salespeople deliver food or other products for vending machines. They:

They may also repair, adjust, and clean these machines.

Other route salespeople sell food from their trucks. They may travel to different job sites where they sell food to workers. These route salespeople collect money from customers and make change.

Route salespeople work for companies that pick up, clean, and deliver:

Once they have made their deliveries, route salespeople visit businesses they think might want to buy their products or use their service. They explain their company's goods or services to people at these businesses.

Route salespeople talk to their current customers about new products or services and price changes. They also discuss customers' complaints and resolve problems.

Route salespeople also have administrative and maintenance duties. They keep a log of how many items they picked up or delivered so that customers can be billed. In addition, route salespeople do basic maintenance on their trucks, such as adding gas and checking the oil.

Related careers

This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to route salespeople.

Common work activities

Route salespeople perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, route salespeople:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Route salespeople frequently:

It is important for route salespeople to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for route salespeople to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Route salespeople need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a route salesperson, you typically need to:

Education after high school

Most route salespeople drive large trucks. While not required, courses from a truck-driving program can be helpful. Many professional-technical schools offer driver-training programs. These programs typically award a certificate or diploma in about a month. Completing such a program may help you get a job as a trainee. However, you should check the school's reputation with area employers before enrolling.

Route salespeople must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) if they transport hazardous materials or operate a truck that can carry 26,000 pounds or more. To qualify for a CDL you must pass both a written and a driving exam. You also must have a good driving record. In many states, a regular driver's license is all you need for driving light trucks and vans.

Route salespeople who drive across state borders must pass a physical examination once every two years. To pass the examination you must have good hearing and vision. You must also pass a drug test and have no criminal record.

Work experience

Sales and driving experience can help you get a trainee position.

On-the-job training

Many route salespeople learn on the job as a driver's helper. As a helper you accompany experienced drivers on their routes. You help load the products, drive the route, and set up product displays. You also learn to plan and schedule deliveries, take sales orders, and make sales calls. You may spend up to one month in training.

Some salespeople receive classroom training. Classroom instruction may include training on general duties and company policies. You may also learn how to load a truck and prepare delivery forms and company records.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require applicants to be at least 22 years of age and have a commercial driver's license. Employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They also prefer applicants who have sales experience and a good driving record. Some employers prefer applicants who have three to five years of experience driving trucks.

Many jobs require physical strength and stamina. Some employers may require applicants to show they can lift 50 pounds. Employers may also require applicants to pass a drug test.

Route salespeople often must be bonded (insured against financial loss). Bonding requirements vary but generally require that applicants be of good character.

Employers look for applicants who have initiative and are dependable, healthy, and neat in appearance. They also look for applicants who have good communication skills.

Tips

Mechanical ability is helpful if you need to do minor repair work on your truck or vending equipment.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Some workers may have to supply their own vehicle.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for driver/sales workers is $10.47 per hour ($1,814 per month).

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Driver/sales workers (SOC 53-3031)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.68 $11.93 $12.70 $15.96 $23.00
Monthly $2,024 $2,067 $2,201 $2,766 $3,986
Yearly $24,300 $24,820 $26,410 $33,200 $47,830
    Bellingham Hourly $12.11 $12.38 $13.49 $17.96 $23.92
Monthly $2,099 $2,145 $2,338 $3,112 $4,145
Yearly $25,199 $25,760 $28,058 $37,355 $49,752
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $12.24 $12.68 $18.92 $24.09 $37.38
Monthly $2,121 $2,197 $3,279 $4,175 $6,478
Yearly $25,450 $26,387 $39,359 $50,099 $77,749
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $8.08 $8.63 $9.52 $15.79 $31.52
Monthly $1,400 $1,496 $1,650 $2,736 $5,462
Yearly $16,809 $17,940 $19,800 $32,840 $65,570
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $12.04 $12.20 $12.48 $12.89 $16.22
Monthly $2,087 $2,114 $2,163 $2,234 $2,811
Yearly $25,049 $25,385 $25,970 $26,807 $33,725
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $12.69 $13.76 $16.74 $21.18 $24.42
Monthly $2,199 $2,385 $2,901 $3,670 $4,232
Yearly $26,399 $28,615 $34,813 $44,057 $50,785
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $12.13 $12.42 $13.43 $17.65 $26.91
Monthly $2,102 $2,152 $2,327 $3,059 $4,664
Yearly $25,244 $25,833 $27,928 $36,710 $55,974
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $12.06 $12.27 $12.64 $16.50 $19.72
Monthly $2,090 $2,126 $2,191 $2,859 $3,417
Yearly $25,085 $25,520 $26,284 $34,307 $41,026
    Vancouver Hourly $11.45 $12.70 $15.55 $21.93 $28.87
Monthly $1,984 $2,201 $2,695 $3,800 $5,003
Yearly $23,822 $26,432 $32,349 $45,617 $60,056
    Wenatchee Hourly $12.09 $12.31 $12.68 $13.11 $14.77
Monthly $2,095 $2,133 $2,197 $2,272 $2,560
Yearly $25,138 $25,608 $26,388 $27,255 $30,707
    Yakima Hourly $12.04 $12.18 $12.50 $15.74 $21.56
Monthly $2,087 $2,111 $2,166 $2,728 $3,736
Yearly $25,036 $25,353 $25,999 $32,738 $44,849
United States Hourly $8.56 $9.40 $11.88 $17.68 $23.50
Monthly $1,483 $1,629 $2,059 $3,064 $4,073
Yearly $17,810 $19,540 $24,700 $36,770 $48,880

Wages vary by employer, route, and product sold. The salesperson's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Not all salespeople are paid by the hour. Some receive a portion of the dollar amount they sell, which is called a commission. Some salespeople earn only a commission, and others receive a commission plus a low hourly wage.

Commission sales may allow route salespeople to increase their hourly wages. However, commissions depend heavily on the salesperson's powers of persuasion and the ups and downs of the economy.

Route salespeople who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers may also provide a company car.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that for driver/sales workers there will be 144 openings annually due to new positions and 178 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Driver/Sales Workers (SOC 53-3031)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 9,711 12.6% 16.1% 1,339
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 212 12.7% 13.4% 29
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 48 0.0% 8.6% 5
    Benton and Franklin Counties 389 17.0% 15.0% 57
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 45 6.7% 11.9% 5
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 984 16.9% 15.2% 147
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 461 14.5% 14.1% 66
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 450 14.7% 14.6% 65
    King County 3,520 12.7% 19.6% 487
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 291 13.7% 13.8% 41
    Pierce County 1,870 15.2% 15.2% 271
    Snohomish County 725 11.7% 12.4% 98
    Spokane County 703 17.1% 13.9% 105
United States 447,800 -3.1% 5.2% 48,800

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Demand for route salespeople is expected to decline. Some firms are shifting sales, orders, and customer service duties to office staff. Delivery drivers who do not have sales duties are replacing some route salespeople.

There is strong competition for jobs in this occupation. People with good driving records and sales experience are most likely to be hired.

Other resources

Direct Selling Association (external link)
1667 K Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
202.452.8866
National Automatic Merchandising Association (external link)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60606
312.346.0370

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem