In the world of medicine, medical sales representatives or medical representatives can have one of the most difficult and challenging jobs. These workers are required to deal with nearly all levels of people in the medical industry: patients, physicians, and product manufacturers.
In addition to dealing with people, their job also requires them to be on the road, and they travel a lot. They also need to maintain a strict and often tight schedule in order to make efficient use of time. Most important of all, medical representatives must possess a certain level of determination, persistence, and persuasiveness.
Having said all this, it is hard to imagine how these medical workers last for years in the profession. Of course, you can never undermine their love for their work, but it’s also important to note that these workers receive a significant amount of compensation that helps motivate them to work better.
What exactly do medical sales representatives do?
Med Reps are, as the title suggests, representatives of medical companies in selling their products. The items traded by these workers come in a full range of products. These medical items are:
- pharmaceutical products
- Dental
- home health
- vet
- Disposables/ Supplies
- Diagnostic laboratory items
- Medical devices
- Biotechnology
According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, a skill level equivalent to a bachelor’s degree is a requirement for the position. In some cases, at least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the above requirement.
How much do they earn?
Medical sales reps in Australia typically earn an average of AU$60,000 per year, with a starting salary of around $40,000, while senior medical reps could pocket upwards of $100,000. But that’s not all, these medical workers also receive a number of bonuses that can total between $1,000 and $24,000.
In addition to base salary and other bonuses, these sales reps also receive a commission for each successful sale they make. According to Payscale.com, your commission could start at $2,000 but could go as high as $44,000. This brings his total annual earnings to $140,000.
Sydney and New South Wales also offer the highest salaries for medical representatives, averaging around $70,000. Notably, Brisbane and Queensland offer lower wages for these medical workers, with $36,000 to start.
These medical workers also receive a minimum of 4 weeks vacation, regardless of years in the profession.
How do you see the future for the profession?
According to Open Universities Australia, employment for the profession has grown at a rate of 49.8% over the past five years and is expected to grow further over the next half decade.
In particular, in recent years, employment in New South Wales has grown and now has one of the leading employment rates in the country at 35.7%. Victoria follows with 23.9% and then Queensland with 16.9%.
