What Industries Work Off Of Sales Commissions?

Are you looking to increase your income potential as a salesperson? One way to do this is to identify which industries offer higher commission rates. From marketing to finance and everything in between, there are a wide range of business industries that provide attractive commissions for salespeople. In this article, we’ll go over a comprehensive list of industries with attractive commissions to help you make the most informed decision for your career.


This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you an idea of the diversity of industries that may use sales commissions as a form of compensation for their salespeople. Commission-based compensation can be a highly motivating and effective way for companies to reward their salespeople for their efforts in generating revenue.

Many industries pay sales commissions to their salespeople as a way to compensate them for their efforts in generating revenue for the company. Some examples of industries that often work off of sales commissions include:

  • Real estate: Real estate agents and brokers earn a commission on the sale of a property.
  • Automotive sales: Car salespeople often earn a commission on the sale of vehicles.
  • Financial services: Financial advisors, insurance agents, and stockbrokers may earn a commission on the products they sell.
  • Technology: Technology salespeople, such as those selling software or hardware, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Retail: Some retail salespeople, particularly those selling big-ticket items such as furniture or electronics, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Telecommunications: Salespeople in the telecommunications industry, such as those selling phone or internet services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Travel: Travel agents may earn a commission on the travel packages they sell.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical sales representatives may earn a commission on the drugs they sell to doctors and hospitals.
  • Direct sales: Companies that use a direct sales model, such as those in the beauty, wellness, or home goods industries, often compensate their salespeople with commissions on their sales.
  • Energy: Salespeople in the energy industry, such as those selling electricity or natural gas, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Business-to-business (B2B): Many B2B salespeople, such as those selling office equipment or industrial products, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Marketing and advertising: Salespeople in the marketing and advertising industry, such as those selling advertising space or digital marketing services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Consumer goods: Salespeople in the consumer goods industry, such as those selling household products or personal care items, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Medical equipment: Salespeople in the medical equipment industry, such as those selling diagnostic equipment or medical devices, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Fitness and wellness: Salespeople in the fitness and wellness industry, such as those selling gym memberships or personal training packages, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Education: Salespeople in the education industry, such as those selling college courses or educational programs, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Recruitment and staffing: Recruitment and staffing agencies may compensate their salespeople with a commission on the placement fees they generate.
  • Art and collectibles: Salespeople in the art and collectibles industry, such as those selling fine art or antique pieces, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Luxury goods: Salespeople in the luxury goods industry, such as those selling high-end jewelry or designer fashion items, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Consumer services: Salespeople in the consumer services industry, such as those selling home improvement services or personal concierge services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Gaming: Salespeople in the gaming industry, such as those selling video game hardware or software, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Home automation: Salespeople in the home automation industry, such as those selling smart home devices or security systems, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Transportation: Salespeople in the transportation industry, such as those selling shipping or logistics services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Agricultural products: Salespeople in the agricultural industry, such as those selling seed, fertilizer, or farm equipment, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Industrial products: Salespeople in the industrial products industry, such as those selling factory equipment or industrial supplies, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good idea of the wide range of industries that may use sales commissions as a way to compensate their salespeople. It’s also worth noting that some sales positions, such as those in the freelance or self-employed sectors, may also earn a commission on their sales.
  • Environmental products and services: Salespeople in the environmental industry, such as those selling renewable energy systems or eco-friendly products, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Sports and recreation: Salespeople in the sports and recreation industry, such as those selling sporting equipment or recreational vehicles, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Food and beverage: Salespeople in the food and beverage industry, such as those selling specialty foods or beverages, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Publishing: Salespeople in the publishing industry, such as those selling book or magazine subscriptions, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Consumer electronics: Salespeople in the consumer electronics industry, such as those selling smartphones, laptops, or other electronic devices, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Construction and building products: Salespeople in the construction and building products industry, such as those selling building materials or construction equipment, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Personal care and beauty products: Salespeople in the personal care and beauty industry, such as those selling skincare or makeup products, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Outdoor and camping equipment: Salespeople in the outdoor and camping industry, such as those selling camping gear or outdoor clothing, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Office supplies and equipment: Salespeople in the office supplies and equipment industry, such as those selling printers or office furniture, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Gift and novelty items: Salespeople in the gift and novelty industry, such as those selling unique or personalized gifts, may earn a commission on their sales.
    Music and entertainment: Salespeople in the music and entertainment industry, such as those selling concert tickets or music merchandise, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Legal services: Salespeople in the legal services industry, such as those selling legal software or support services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Professional services: Salespeople in the professional services industry, such as those selling consulting or accounting services, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Health and wellness products: Salespeople in the health and wellness industry, such as those selling dietary supplements or fitness equipment, may earn a commission on their sales.
  • Online marketplaces: Salespeople in the online marketplace industry, such as those selling products or services on platforms like Amazon or eBay, may earn a commission on their sales.

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