How the national numbers differ
1Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products has the edge on annual openings
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products is at 99,800 annual openings, compared with 7,800 annual openings for Real Estate Brokers.
2Real Estate Brokers has the edge on projected growth
Real Estate Brokers is at 0.8% projected growth, compared with -0.9% projected growth for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products.
3National pay benchmarks are very similar.
Compare actual offers, expected paid hours, schedule, and benefits before treating either career as the higher-paying option.
49.2/ 100Real Estate Brokers
vs
56.9/ 100Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Real Estate Brokers vs Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
| Dimension | Real Estate Brokers | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products |
| Median pay (2025) | $73,220 | $72,080 |
| Pay percentile | 62.9 percentile | 62 percentile |
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 0.8% | -0.9% |
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 7,800 | 99,800 |
| 2025 employment | 103,500 | 1,279,400 |
| How you qualify | High school diploma or equivalent; Prior related experience: less than 5 years | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 4 | Job Zone 4 |
| Related work experience | Prior related experience: less than 5 years. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.