SOC 41-9031
Sales Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ36/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ56,690
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$122K
$71K โ $203K
Projected Growth
๐+5.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค81/100
High exposure
๐ก Sales Engineers face a risk score of 36/100 โ 8 points below the national average of 44. With 81/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $122K ($75K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 36/100, Sales Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-powered product recommendation engines are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 56,690 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in resolving novel customer complaints with empathy and building long-term client relationships and trust to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Sales Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-powered product recommendation engines
Chatbot and virtual assistant sales displacement
Generative AI producing marketing and creative copy
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Resolving novel customer complaints with empathy
Building long-term client relationships and trust
In-person product demonstrations and hands-on experience
Consultative selling for complex or high-value products
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions.
Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support.
Create sales or service contracts for products or services.
Visit prospective buyers at commercial, industrial, or other establishments to show samples or catalogs, and to inform them about product pricing, availability, and advantages.
Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments.
๐ป Technology Skills
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Data base user interface and query software
Expert system software
Data base management system software
Web platform development software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Sales and Marketing
Engineering and Technology
English Language
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 65% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 23 | $168K | 51% |
| Fundraising Managers | 24 | $123K | 69% |