Tech Sales

Considering a career in Tech Sales? We’ve got all the information you need to decide if this career is right for you, including job description, requirements, bootcamp information, and salary/job outlook.
Header image for Tech Sales

Last updated August 22, 2024

What is Technical Sales?

Technical sales involves promoting, demonstrating, supporting, and (most importantly) selling software and tools. Technical sales is how software companies generate new customers, revenue, and gather feedback to improve their products. Tech sales is a booming, competitive field with thousands of new professionals added to the pool each month. As long as you’re willing to compete, tech sales might be the most accessible way to enter the tech field without learning how to code.

How to Learn Technical Sales

Sales bootcamps last between 3 and 13 weeks and cost anywhere from $0 to $10,000. Free bootcamps like SV Academy typically stay afloat with funding from companies who want to hire their graduates. Some bootcamps will even pay their students or graduates if they do a fellowship at a participating company. To increase your chances of being selected for a sales bootcamp, you’ll want to brush up on basic knowledge of computer programming and the industry you’ll be entering. Check out Course Report's list of the Best Tech Sales Bootcamps!

What Does a Sales Development Representative Do?

Those in tech sales positions often sell software as a service (SaaS) and promote and sell their company’s product by demonstrating how it works and why it is the best product to meet a potential customer’s needs. As a tech sales professional, you will most likely start working in sales development, acting as a liaison between sales managers and clients. Distinguishing between business development and sales development is important: sales is how revenue is generated within a chosen market segment, while business development is finding a fit between the product and a particular market segment. 

A Sales Development Representative (SDR) cold calls/emails potential clients. They collaborate with other teams within their company to learn about, promote, and improve the product and will use tools like SalesForce and other CRM software to manage their leads pipeline. An SDR will work with the sales manager to sell the product and to understand why the product is the most useful tool for their customers. An SDR will also research similar products in the field to determine how their product differs from rival companies. Some SDRs might gather information on potential product improvements and what new products should be offered. 

Common tech sales jobs include: 

  • Sales Development Representative (SDR)
  • Sales Engineer
  • Outbound SDR
  • Inbound SDR
  • Inside Sales Representative 
  • Outside Sales Representative
  • Enterprise SDR
  • Associate Customer Success Manager
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Account Executive

What Kind of Skills Do Technical Sales Professionals Need?

Tech sales representatives need to know some software and have a basic understanding of computer programming. More importantly, they need to have the appropriate soft skills to sell a product convincingly and convert as many clients as possible. 

Hard Skills Required for Technical Sales

Some tech sales qualifications include:

  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator 
  • Apollo 
  • Cold Calling
  • Cold Pitching via email 
  • SalesForce 
  • CRM Tools 
  • Technical Support 

Soft Skills Required for Technical Sales

Don’t overlook the need for soft skills in the Tech Sales industry, as they’re quite sought-after by employers. Some skills that companies look for in potential Sales Development Representatives are:

  • Communication 
  • Active listening
  • Time management 
  • Storytelling 
  • Organization

Job Market and Salary Insights

The job outlook for technical sales professionals is on the rise and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, as businesses upgrade their technology to improve their processes and increase profits. The 2023 median pay for a Sales Engineer is $116,950 with a 5 percent job growth rate, which is faster than average. This translates into approximately 5,900 new job openings per year over the next decade. The salary is largely dependent on things like education (those with specialized degrees may earn more), years of experience, and location, as companies in larger cities or tech hubs tend to offer higher salaries.

FAQ Section

What is the best way to get into sales for the tech industry?

Most technical sales positions expect you to have experience before applying. Experience can be gained through a tech sales bootcamp or an internship. Some companies offer training programs for entry-level sales representatives or a 1-year probationary contract that involves an onboarding training program and a ramp-up period. Consider a tech sales bootcamp, which teaches students the skills to become a sales development representative (SDR), customer success manager, or account executive, such as cold calling and pitching, maintaining CRM tools like Salesforce, and providing technical support.

Is tech sales a good career?

Yes. With a 5 percent job growth rate, good earning potential, and approximately 5,900 new job openings each year over the next decade, there is a demand for skilled tech sales professionals. There’s also a pretty clear career path, too, with many entry-level hires starting as a sales development representative, then moving up to account executive, account manager, sales manager, or sales director. Check out a tech sales bootcamp to learn more about the field and gain the skills you need to get started in this career.

Want help finding the best school for you?

Get Matched
Share this article
Explore More Bootcamp Resources
FEATURED SCHOOLS

Schools may compensate Course Report for featured placement.

Tech Sales Schools
Displaying schools 1-25 of 34 in total
  1. coursecareers-logo
    567 Reviews
    6 Courses
    4.9

    About This School

    CourseCareers is an online modern learning platform that offers affordable, self-paced courses in technology sales and information technology. Students start by going through a free introduction course to learn about which career to pursue, then enroll in their desired, paid course. Students complete the course in a few weeks to a few months depending on how much time they commit. CourseCareers teaches students exactly how to land an entry-level position or internship by giving them insider knowledge of how to apply to companies, what to look for in resumes/applications, how to prepare for interviews, and so much more. 


    Alexander Newsom
    Student • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Super helpful!”

    Not only do I feel more informed with accounting, but the CourseCareers accounting training has me feeling incredibly confident in applying for my first accounting roles. The training was so in-dep...

  2. the-tech-academy-logo
    415 Reviews
    39 Courses
    4.84

    About This School

    The Tech Academy is a trade school headquartered in Portland, Oregon that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps online and in-person at their Portland campus. The Tech Academy offers part-time and full-time bootcamps in computer programming, website development, cybersecurity, game development, mobile development, data science, front-end development, tech marketing, and tech sales. The immersive experience aims to create well-rounded technology professionals, and also gives students the option to take the course at their own pace. There are also no set starts dates or rigid scheduling. Students can enroll at any time, study from home, and choose whatever study schedule they would like. 


    Chris Vaughan
    Graduate • Course: Online C# and .NET Framework Boot Camp (full-time) • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Thorough, personal, invested”

    Like many of us looking to advance our careers and finding ourselves searching quick programs, I compared a few different companies looking at prices and reviews. I will always be grateful I chose ...

  3. sv-academy-logo
    225 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.8
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    SV Academy is an intensive tech sales training provider that offers a 4-week full-time and 8-week part-time online high-growth sales training program. The full-time schedule has a 40-hour-per-week time commitment for the first 4 weeks of training while the part-time schedule requires about 20 hours per week for the first 8 weeks. SV Academy combines hands-on, intensive training with a strong network, career transition support, and career coaching to help job seekers launch meaningful high-growth business careers. During the training phase, learners will attend live classes, complete weekly assignments, improve their interview readiness, and participate in a live employer project. SV Academy focuses on training job seekers in high-growth sales, an approach pioneered by tech companies and now in demand across all industries. This approach is less about schmoozing than traditional sales, and more focused on data, agile processes, user empathy, and strategic problem-solving.


    Renny A Stern
    Graduate • Course: Fellowship • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “SV Academy is a homerun”

    SV Academy is a boot camp that not only focuses on the skills of an SDR but the skills to be hirable in the tech field.  The mentors are supportive and the feedback given is constructive.  Make no ...

  4. elevate-logo
    154 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.8

    About This School

    Elevate is a 10-week, multi-tiered online Sales Development Representative (SDR)  bootcamp. The SDR bootcamp is part-time and meant to jump-start a student’s careers while they attend. One of the main goals of the bootcamp is to improve diversity and inclusiveness in the tech scene. Their membership base is over 70% POC and close to 50% women.


    Jerahmeel Israel
    Graduate • Course: Sales Development Representative - First Summit • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Great Experience”

    Elevate's training program was top-notch! I was blown away by how thorough and helpful it was. The support they provided made all the difference. I'd recommend Elevate to anyone interested in sales...

  5. uvaro-logo
    64 Reviews
    6 Courses
    4.88

    About This School

    Uvaro is a community-based educational program that offers online career success programming with a focus on tech sales. Uvaro offers part-time and full-time courses that range from 4 to 12 weeks, a large variety of workshops that are 1 to 2 hours in length, plus free on-demand video programming. Uvaro members learn common SaaS tools, Code, Cloud, and AI, SaaS sales terminology and metrics, prospecting and qualifying leads, the art of the pitch, negotiating and closing contracts, salesforce and CRM 101, social selling and relationships, and theories of sales. Members will learn through online video and text-based discussions with instructors and classmates in a cohort system. For those enrolled in either the full-time or part-time programs, live instruction is supplemented with interesting offline assignments and practice sessions that can be completed on a member's own time. 


    Robert Barrett
    Applicant • Course: Tech Sales: 12 Weeks • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Informative , Relevant!!”

    The course was exactly what I was looking for !! I wanted to pursue a career in Tech sales , but didn’t even have a basic understanding of what that entails , this course provided me a solid founda...

  6. aspireship-logo
    52 Reviews
    6 Courses
    4.69

    About This School

    Aspireship is an industry-recognized reskilling and job placement platform that offers online, self-paced bootcamps in SaaS Sales Foundations, Customer Success Foundations, Revenue Operations and Software Engineering. Aspireship's programs are self-paced with video lectures and instructional support. The school was founded by Corey Kossack after he noticed that quickly growing SaaS companies face issues with hiring and retaining staff during a growth transition.


    Riley Blaisdell
    Graduate • Course: SaaS Sales Foundations • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Building Block of SaaS”

    I was laid off with a sales background and wanted to get into tech.  But companies told me I didn't have a background. So I found a building block to help me with that communication and understandi...

  7. vendition-sales-bootcamp-logo
    35 Reviews
    2 Courses
    4.77
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Vendition is an online sales training provider that offers a self-paced Sales Bootcamp and a 12-week Apprenticeship. In the Sales Bootcamp, students receive sales training accompanied by sales assignments and assessments to help them learn exactly what they will need to land their first job as a Sales Development Representative (SDR). Program participants of the Apprenticeship program receive training on everything from ICP and buyer personas to cold calling, social selling, time management, and tech stack. Apprenticeship students also have a sales coach there every step of the way.


    Olivia N

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Client Engagement”

    Steve really takes the time to make sure you are getting what you need out of the class. The whole staff is on your side. Steve is very intelligent and savvy when it comes to sales. He will find a ...

  8. victory-lap-logo
    30 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.77

    About This School

    Victory Lap is a self-paced, immersive, and virtual tech sales bootcamp. The tech sales curriculum is delivered through a combination of self-paced lessons, moderated discussion by industry experts, peer to peer discussions, and 1:1 sales coaching or job placement support. In this course, Victory Lap bootcamp students will learn how to build a systematic sales process, optimize the sales funnel, set qualified sales meetings, and communicate persuasively. 


    Stephen Wicks
    Graduate • Course: Tech Sales Bootcamp • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “It's the real deal”

    I am so thoroughly impressed and pleased with the curriculum, instructor, and staff of Victory Lap.  Their program will prepare you for a successful career in technology sales without question.The ...

  9. presales-academy-logo
    27 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    PreSales Academy (PSA) is a 10-week, part-time online tech sales bootcamp that is broken up into three stages. Stage 1 (Ramp Up!) involves 3+ weeks of self-paced online learning. Stage 2 (Perform) consists of 4 weeks of live-sessions that happen three times a week from 4:00-5:30pm PST. Stage 3 (Land the Job!) involves 1+ weeks of live and online content. The mission of PreSales Academy is to make tech jobs accessible to people from all backgrounds for a more diverse and inclusive future.


    Ana Rodriguez
    Graduate • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Successfully transitioned into tech!”

    Before I discovered the PreSales Academy, I had been trying to transition into the tech industry for months with no luck. The PSA provided me with the structure and guidance that I needed to achiev...

  10. school16-logo
    26 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.92

    About This School

    School16 is a 16-week, live online, part-time Technology Career Acceleration Program that gets students job-ready for tech careers without needing to learn how to code. In the first 8 weeks, students learn foundational tech skills from experienced industry professionals as they rotate through Sales, Marketing, Project Management and Product Management – all while building critical career searching skills. Students then select an Advanced Learning Concentration (ALC) course for the final 8 weeks. In the ALC course, students focus solely on building skills and a portfolio for the most in-demand business-focused roles in tech: Sales and Customer Success, Digital Marketing, Project Management and Operations, or Product Management. School16’s courses were designed with the needs of modern students in mind; they are part-time and online meaning that most anyone can fit the program into their schedule.


    Vilma Quito
    Student • Course: Technology Career Acceleration Program • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Join a community! ”

    School16 came into my life at the most precise time. While I was very grateful for my previous experience in government I was curious about other career opportunities. When I decided to venture out...

  11. hyrise-academy-logo
    25 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.96
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Hyrise Academy is a recruiting and training program that offers a free, online tech sales program with a job guarantee. Selected candidates of Hyrise Academy’s program are given the opportunity to launch a rewarding tech sales career by placing them at top tech companies. 


    Noura K.

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Best basis for your future career”

    The rise academy gave me the best basis to optimally pursue my career in the tech sales industry. The complete training, the content, the personal feedback, and the practical exercises helped me kn...

  12. sales-platoon-logo
    20 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.95
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Sales Platoon is an immersive, online, 12-week Sales Academy bootcamp designed specifically for transitioning service members and military veterans. Sales Platoon instructors are military veterans with over 20 years of sales leadership experience. Sales Platoon is cohort-based , and students will learn VALUE selling; utilization of Challenger sales methodology; how to source, develop and close sales pipelines; manage a sales funnel; and negotiate and close a sale. After the first 6 weeks of the bootcamp, students will begin an apprenticeship program where they will receive practical sales experience through being onboarded and managed as sales executives on an active sales team with quota and full sales pipeline responsibility. Sales Platoon students will receive weekly 1:1 support from their coach throughout the bootcamp and apprenticeship program. 


    Camara Brown
    Graduate • Course: Sales Academy • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Amazing course!”

    Sales Platoon is an incredible resource for any military member leaving Active Duty service. The number of tools I received to help not only with a sales career, but any career AND ways to maximize...

  13. fuel-sales-academy-logo
    18 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.56

    About This School

    Fuel Sales Academy offers an “Earn While You Learn” Sales Development Accelerator bootcamp in Kansas City, MO. This bootcamp is offered live online and takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. Students graduate when they consistently hit sales metrics over a 4-week period. Students will learn technologies such as Outreach.io, SalesLoft, Salesforce, Hubspot, Pipedrive, and Zoho. 


    Oksana Zaskalna
    Student • Course: Sales Development Accelerator • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Best start in Ed tech sales”

    Can absolutely recommend this program if you are interested in getting into Ed Tech sales and see yourself working with schools and school districts (bringing them up-to-date technology). First wee...

  14. ginger-school-logo
    15 Reviews
    2 Courses
    4.93

    About This School

    Ginger School is a training provider offering short, online, self-paced technical courses, such as Tech Sales. Ginger School courses are based on a learning-by-doing approach led by industry experts. Ginger School supports their students every step of the way and provides a comfortable environment with self-paced learning. Students may also recieve personalized coaching. 


    Ganiyat Afolabi
    Ganiyat Afolabi
    Graduate • Course: Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “I have found a lot of useful tips”

     Even though I have been using Excel for many years, I have found a lot of useful tips in this course that in the long run will help me be more efficient. The lessons are the perfect length to go t...


  15. About This School

    Northwestern Kellogg School of Management offers a 24-week, online Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing bootcamp. Digital Marketing students will learn SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and display ads. The curriculum covers how to optimize using metrics, SMART goals, A/B testing, attribution, and content creation. Students will create a capstone project to add to their professional portfolio. 


    Luis Morales
    Graduate • Course: Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Best Digital Marketing course”

    I've got to say it took me a few weeks to make my decision to enroll to this course -not only because the admission fee seems a bit high, but because my job leaves little time for anything else dur...

  16. leveld-logo
    10 Reviews
    3 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    Leveld is a tech training provider offering online, self-paced bootcamps in cybersecurity and tech sales. The Cybersecurity bootcamp covers topics like firewalls, VPNs, Java, Python, HTML, PHP, SQL, and networking. The Tech Sales bootcamp covers topics like communication, negotiation, relationship building, lead generation, and sales strategies.  Leveld offers ongoing coaching after students complete a bootcamp to provide extra support while they build careers in tech.


    Gazal F.
    Gazal F.
    Student • Course: Cybersecurity • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Leveld Catapulted My Cybersecurity Career”

    Leveld Careers provided me with a comprehensive, hands-on, and up-to-date curriculum that perfectly aligns with the dynamic world of cybersecurity. The courses are expertly designed, covering a wid...

  17. earlywork-academy-logo
    8 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.5
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Earlywork Academy is an Australian-based training provider offering a tech sales bootcamp covering topics like research, outreach, personal branding, cold calls, and discovery calls. Earlywork Academy also offers a free community for people looking to shift into tech sales roles.


    Daniel Younes
    Graduate • Course: Tech Sales • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “I could not recommend Earlywork enough”

    I could not recommend Earlywork enough. Earlywork has given me the opportunity to build my own career by assisting me in getting a position at a Fintech company. Which is exactly where I wanna be. ...

  18. palette-skills-logo
    3 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    Palette Skills is a Canadian-based training provider offering online bootcamps in B2B tech sales. Students attend the bootcamp full-time for 1 week and part-time for 5 weeks while they cover essential skills for tech sales. 


    Arsalan Karimi
    Graduate • Course: SalesCamp • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Amazing”

    Joining Palette Sales Camp was one of the best decisions that I made. They help you understanding the market, the skills that are required and how to present yourself in the job search process. 

  19. always-hired-logo
    2 Reviews
    1 Course
    3.5
    Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Always Hired is a Technology Sales bootcamp that can be completed in person or online. Students receive training in Salesforce and all major SDR tools, sales cadence, KPIs, and tools such as Outreach.io, LeadIQ, Vidyard, and Zoom. Students will learn sales methodologies and tactics for cold-calling and cold-emailing. Students will also learn about the tech industry so they can feel confident speaking to tech executives. Finally, students are taught interview tactics, including how to position previous life experience. 


    Ken
    Student • Course: Tech Sales Bootcamp (Online) • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Tech Sales Boot camp”

    I paid $2000 for this early on in the pandemic.  Everything was a bit chaotic, as they were moving all their programs fully online.  The teachers were fine, the material was solid as well.  It seem...

  20. bluebird-logo
    1 Review
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    Bluebird is a 6-week part-time, live online tech sales bootcamp based in Canada. The Tech Sales bootcamp covers topics like tech sales fundamentals, filling the funnel, customer research, taking sales calls, and closing deals. Instructors are experienced professionals from some of Canada’s leading tech companies.


    Carlos S.
    Student • Course: Tech Sales • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Excellent program - Would highly recommend!”

    I decided to enroll in this program, not knowing what to expect. The application process was super easy and straightforward. I applied back in February 2022, by filling out a quick form, and shortl...

  21. sales-school-logo
    1 Review
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    Sales School is a Singapore-based training provider offering 4-week, part-time, live online, tech sales bootcamps. The Tech Sales bootcamp covers topics like tech business models, sales techniques, cold calls, email prospecting, sales technology, ChatGPT, customer profiles, and qualification techniques. Students will complete a final project to showcase the skills they learn throughout the course.

  22. austin-sales-academy-logo
    1 Review
    2 Courses

    About This School

    Austin Sales Academy is an 8-week online bootcamp based in Austin, Texas. Students will choose between Sales Development, Recruiter, and Customer Success and receive training, assignments, assessments, and learn via a combination of online training, live webinars, and personalized one-on-one live coaching. The curriculum includes role-playing exercises and job interview preparation. Students will also learn technical training in the use of CRM software and sales engagement software along with databases and social media. Austin Sales Academy was founded to give students the foundation and skills needed to find, earn, and outperform in tech sales roles. 

  23. Guarantees Job

    About This School

    Texas A&M University Skills Bootcamp offers remote, immersive 12-week bootcamps in Sales Professional, Customer Success, Ecommerce Specialist, Product Management, Project Management, Digital Marketing, and UX/UI Design. Students will learn through expert-led live sessions that focus on real-world learning. Texas A&M University Skills Bootcamp students receive career coaching. If bootcamp students do not find a job within six months of graduation, they will receive a full tuition refund. All bootcamp students will receive a Certificate of Achievement upon completion. 

  24. praxis-logo
    0 Reviews
    1 Course

    About This School

    Praxis offers an online, 24-week business skills bootcamp. Praxis acts as a personal and career accelerator for young people, with or without college degrees, who want to build their own career path. Students will learn a broad set of foundational skills such as thinking entrepreneurially, how to succeed as a start-up employee, working independently, how to navigate the job market, and creative problem solving. Students will learn professional writing skills and how to build their own personal brand. Students will create content and projects, build professional portfolios, and attend one-on-one advising sessions. Business skills bootcamp students will participate in live bi-weekly Praxis workshops and group discussions. The Praxis program is designed to be completed part-time in 10-15 hours per week, and many students complete the bootcamp while also holding jobs. 

  25. greenfig-logo
    0 Reviews
    2 Courses

    About This School

    GreenFig offers 10-week, live online digital skills bootcamps, including Digital Marketing and Sales Operations. GreenFig’s mission is to fill in the gap between universities and businesses to equip students with job-ready skills and technical training that do not require coding. All GreenFig bootcamps are designed to help students meet four learning outcomes: students will be able to think like a strategist and apply a customer focused approach to every business challenge; successfully craft and deploy modern data-driven business strategies and techniques; master in-demand technologies that underpin business science; and analyze outcomes and deliver insight-driven recommendations to modern business challenges. Bootcamp students should expect to spend 4-8 hours per week on course materials. 

Get Free Bootcamp Advice

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our free guide to paying for a bootcamp.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from Course Report.

Get Matched in Minutes

Just tell us who you are and what you’re searching for, we’ll handle the rest.

Match Me