Show me the money...

What are typical medical device sales representative salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Salaries vary from 35k to 95k.

50k to 500k+

It varies depending on the specialty. In orthopedics, many reps are straight commission, 1099 independent contractors, and can make $150-400k when experienced and established. Trauma reps tend to have a base salary $50-75k plus commission, car, etc. make mid $100k. Cardiology related reps usually have higher bases $60-80k benefits car etc and make $150-400k. Some companies cap earnings, others don't. It varies widely.

LMG
my blog on medical device sales:
upsidepotential.blogspot.com

stone the crows this is a bit far fetched!!! i have been doing it for 3 years and never made cash like that even halving the amounts your taking about in the uk

One of my husband's peers was lured away for an oncology device sales position this week. He said that it was an offer that he couldn't refuse because they are going to pay him a higher base than what he was making (was making $95,000) they are guaranteeing comissions for the first year and he gets a car.He has no experience in Medical device sales. On the other hand a good friend's husband works in Orthopedic sales, comission only and has been doing it for 8+ years and makes $60,000 a year if he's lucky with no benefits.

I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

Percutaneous device guy in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

I am trying to leave the office equipment industry for medical devices, any suggestions. I have 20 yrs experience in sales.

How did you get into the field and where did you get medical device sales experience?

Thank you.

Percutaneous device guy in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

What sales dollars to you generate to produce that much in commission? Who pays your expenses?

Percutaneous device guy in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

Is your company hiring? I want to get back into Medical Sales. I have 3 years experience with Medical Surgical items. I am willing to relocate for the right offer.

How does one break into the medical device sales field? I have a general sales and marketing background, with a lot of energy and apptitude to quickly learn new things.

Thanks!

I am looking to get into medical device sales and have 2+ years of inside sales. I have been advised to get a B2B outside sales position for a while to gain experience before applying to a medical device position. I have interviewed with several places including companies that sell copiers and mailing systems. Would it be advisable to do this for a year or 2 then transition into medical devices?

If so, what would be best copiers or mailing systems? Are there any medical device companies that would be willing to interview a candidate like myself.

Percutaneous device guy in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

Hey brother, do you mind If I ask how you got into this gig? What did you go to school for? How long did it take you to break into the position? What specialty in med device sales would you recommend? Thanks ahead of time for your response... -Jeremy

Hi there.... I wasn't the one who asked the question, but I am intrigued by the response you gave. It sounded realistically doable. I guess the question would have to be, where the hell would you start if you were completely new to the industry??? I mean, would you expect some company training? Potential referals? How would you know who to try and contact? I have just recently interviewed with a dmd company, who offered me straite commission, but I am broke and do not have three months of living expenses, to invest into an unknown and uncharted field..... I would have to make some money first, which is why I was interviewing to begin with. I am good at breaking the ice with strangers though, and feel I would excel once I got the ball in motion. Have you worked in medical device sales? If so, how long? What was your experience? What niche market or specialty would you recommend?

Dear big wave carver, I Like the way you think, and suggest you write a book! lol. Seriously though, thank you for the advice. I would be interested to find out how you do with your new entrance into the Medical device sales field. My guess is that you will do quite well. The first rule of making the sale - make other people like you right? ;) Anyway, I recently finished reading an awsome book by a guy named timothy ferris, called "the four hour work week". If you haven't read it, you probably would really like it. Its right up your alley - as he seems to think very similiarly as yourself. Either way, I appreciate the advice, and hope you do well in your new adventure. Its people like yourself that I like to see succeed, because of your willingness to help out the next guy - the one who used to be stuck where you were.... Your post left me wondering about a couple of things, so I hope you don't mind if I ask you a couple of follow up questions to your last post. First, you talked about "your old college buddy" Do you have a bachelors degree? If so, what is it in? Do you need a bachelors to get on as a rep with all companies, or just some? (I completed 63 credits back in 1999, but never finished my degree - math kicked my ass) Second, You mentioned going to a search, and listed "Director of sales, and product marketing" and stated a 40.00 commission fee. What was that that you paid 40.00 dollars for? Was that some kind of research company, or staffing agency that you used? By the way, my name's Jeremy. Thanks ahead of time for your usefull and insitefull advice.

Jer - so i find myself sucked back into the vortex of hell online fullcircle to myself and postings degree yes from college of idaho and soccer paid for iit all, second, you don't need no stinkin degree! if you are good enough in sales you will work your way up either position of financial fortune 500 have a 4x4 up their you know what and expect degrees to keep the sheep coming through. i miss typed it was 40K in fees to find these two guys I get paid on avg 20% of first yr base salaries on positions. get connected with me on linkedin and get involved with groups affiliated with industries you want to work in - brett Harwood g4recruiters.com thanks for the heads up on 4 hr work week You have to build your book of business first. 4 hrs why even call is work? that's a nap for me.

Hey big wave, thanks for the liberal use of your good advice. Its tough comming into something that everyone touts as damn near impossible to get into without a degree. I started back into school part time (nights) to try and knock out some of the obsticals in my way. I will continue to work full time while I go to school though, and try and gain some much needed experience. The problem I have been running into as of late is that I need to make ends meet, and everyone is throwing up straite commission jobs at me. I really have to have a base, even if its only ten bucks an hour.... its just the financial position I'm in right now. I am greatful for the guidence, and will look you up on linked in. Have a fantastic weekend brother. -Jeremy

Hey Big Wave,
I have a degree and 9 years of Consultative Sales in the Mortgage industry. Getting into Medical Device Sales is unbelievable tough. I like your idea of calling on the top 50 companies. Any other ideas? THX

Hi everyone,
It seems all I have heard about getting into the medical sales is so hard... Do you guys recommmend course/class or anything. Or do people typically get into pharm sales first and then make the jump? I've been getting told its very hard, I have seen some companies actually required an MD to do sales! Crazy. Should I just forget about breaking into this field? Thanks!

Try this- get a job working for a Xerox Agency, after 6 months enroll in a surgical tech program at a local Ccollege. My course is 14 months after 12 months I will extern and have 1 1/2 yrs of sucessful B2B sales experience and be a CST. During this time contact all these companies and get the name of the person that is going to hire you. Tell them your plan and every 3 months inform him/her of your progress, build a relationship and walk into your new career

Jake Okley in Mc Lean, Virginia said: I am looking to get into medical device sales and have 2+ years of inside sales . I have been advised to get a B2B outside sales position for a while to gain experience before applying to a medical device position. I have interviewed with several places including companies that sell copiers and mailing systems. Would it be advisable to do this for a year or 2 then transition into medical devices?

If so, what would be best copiers or mailing systems? Are there any medical device companies that would be willing to interview a candidate like myself.[/QUOTE

Staples Business Advantage is a great b2v gateway job into the Industry, really teaches you the basics of selling and structuring your day/sale from start to end.

Hello all-- I have been selling cars for the past two and a half years and have loved it for the most part, now I am looking to take my sales career and income to the next level! I started researching sales careers that could get me into the 6 figure bracket payroll, pharm, and medical sales. Like all the rest of you I have been hearing the same stuff need a degree, tough to get into, or hope you know someone. In my research I found a school called AIMS American institute of medical sales. I am enrolled in there ortho/extremity class right now and so far its been very helpful. Its a eight week course and the unique thing about this school is one, you have to be accepted and two, they not only get paid from you, but they get paid from the company that picks you up. There fore they are very motivated to get you a job. They are affiliated with Zimmer, Stryker and lots of other well known companies. So far its been great but I just started. Is there anyone out there that has been to the school? They say that 74% of their students have jobs with in 90 says of graduation and 94% have interviews! I am hoping for the best but you can never tell. One more thing I was told by AIMS that it is very realistic to make 60k my first year, 50k or so in a base salary and 10k or so in commissions because I will be an associate rep does that sound realistic? Also I have read that after you have been in the business three years the average rep makes 150k and a good number of the guys make 200k/300k is that true or just BS??? Thank you all for your time and advise!

I would love to work with you and am willing to put in the time are you still into teaching how to become a success.

Thanks
Alan

Big Wave Carver from G4recruiters.com in Vancouver, Washington said: First of all if you know how to carry on a conversation with substance and know how to use the English language to articulate and get your point across and understood in a timely fashion thats half the battle, get face to face with as many customers as possible and build a business relationship. I've been a headhunter since 1993 and the first thing a VP of Sales is going to look at is what accounts are you calling on and have good relationships with and how much business are you shipping? your resume is secondary. Want to get into the medical device industry I would make a list of the top 50 companies in this industry then go meet with the bottom 10 and tell them you would like to open up a new territory or call on ROW accounts and you will work commission only for the first 90 days probationary period to prove yourself and show the company bottom line results that you are hungry, a hustler, a go getter and you will probably impress the heck out of the CEO if you are working harder than the rest of his sales team you just created a position for yourself. If this idea does not float your boat I'll teach you how to make six figures working part time from home in your pajamas if you are not afraid to make 100 phone calls a day.
I just came off a three year sabatical and in less than one week I have six searches on my desk to work the equals 140K in commision fees. Where else can you make this kind of money working your as off for two weeks? ...unless you are well connected with the mexican cartel living close to the boarder. brett@g4recruiters.com

I have been doing Medical Device sales for a year now. I was a teacher four years ago and wanted to make a change. I, like you all, sought advice of other reps and found someone out of the yellow pages who spent a lot of time trying to help me find a rep job in the medical field. He knew of someone hiring and got me an interview. I worked there for three years and set company records. However, I knew that it was just a stepping stone to get into the medical device arena. I would go up to device reps in hospitals and talk with them and give them my card. A year and a half later, my now manager remembered me and called me. You do need a college degree and pharma sales isn't really going to help you. It is definitely more about your presence and ability to communicate and connect with people without being creepy or annoying. Set yourself apart from others and be visible. We have one rep that made 1.4 million dollars last year. It's a great business!! Good luck!!

Thanks for the help I will keep on trying. I love the way you were persistent at getting into the field. Take care.

www.newlinemedical.com in Des Plaines, Illinois said: 1.While researching for medical supplies and dental supplies, I found New Line Medical. They have no user reviews section for their products, so I’m unsure how to rate their products. Can anyone help?
2.Does anyone know where I can find a good dental supplies company?
3.Does anyone know where I can find a good medical supplies company?

www.newlinemedical.com/
www.newlinemedical.com/ph/dental-supplies-specials.html
www.newlinemedical.com/ph/medical-supplies-specials.html

i've been in the business for 3 years. made 350k this year working about 25 hours a week. i hate the job

been in the business for 3 years, i made 350k this year. i work about 25 hours a week. despite all the above i hate the job.

you will not get into a good medical device job without a college degree unless youre the very lucky 2-3 percent. you will not get in without a ton of experience, at least not a high paying job.

your job will be under constant threat from market influence, you could easily be let go at any minute, despite what all the happy go lucky people say.

you'd be happier making 80 grand doing something you actually enjoy.

Its really simple people. I work for a top spinal implant company and used to be a device recruiter. Get a job selling copiers or payroll (notoriously hard sales jobs selling to business owners)> Device companies like these folks because they usually work mainly off commission and surgeons are business owners in their own right so you can draw simularities in your interview. Do it for 2 years, meet people in device sales, network and research online @ Medzilla and cafepharma and if you are likeable and can hold a conversation and adjust to body language you can get in.

If you can afford it, go to PrepMD up in Boston. 25Grand for 6 months and they will get you hired in CRM. CRM is pretty much the top of the food chain in Device sales. If you can finance the tuition and take 6 months of work, the reward will be worth it.

Nuff said, In this industry if you don't want it bad enough you will never get in, I promise you that.

Anonymous in Nashville, Tennessee said: Its really simple people. I work for a top spinal implant company and used to be a device recruiter. Get a job selling copiers or payroll (notoriously hard sales jobs selling to business owners)> Device companies like these folks because they usually work mainly off commission and surgeons are business owners in their own right so you can draw simularities in your interview. Do it for 2 years, meet people in device sales, network and research online @ Medzilla and cafepharma and if you are likeable and can hold a conversation and adjust to body language you can get in.

Researching at CafePharma is the dumbest advice i've ever heard. The negativity there is ungodly

Hello everyone,
I currently have a Masters in Health Administration and was working for a big home care company, before i was laid off. Well, I was always interested in Medical Device sales, but never pursued it because of work. Now that I have much more time, I am considering pursuing it. I enrolled into AIMS college...and would like to know your thoughts. Also, is spinal sales a successful field...i would like to hear from an experience spinal sales rep if possible? Lastly, what is the life like for a medical device sales rep? This board mainly talks about income, which is a big factor, but what is the typical day? I read some books on the subject, but would like to hear your thought.

PS: All the thoughts on this blog have been really helpful

from 75k to 100k

Percutaneous device guy in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I've been in devices for 3 years now. Most people are making between 150k-400k. I was hired at a base salary of 50K, but commissions are where you make your money.

My first year I made 130K, my 2nd year i made 160K, and this is my 3rd year...i've done 145K year to date...so i will probably make 160K again....i'm in the middle 5o% of the sales force.

We also get a company car, expense account, and pretty much the quality of life i've ever experienced.

I've gotten offeres to jump ship for 250K gauranteed for 1 year.

What is commission rate you are at for sales 4-6%?- figure ask for $75k base plus the usually bene's - quota is $1.2 for the territory

Hello,

I would like to pursue a career in medical device sales. I have a BS in Biology/Neuroscience and a masters in Medical Science. I do not have any sales experience, but my personality fits the competitive, go-getter type that most of the entry level job descriptions are asking for. How do I break into this field? What should I do in preparation/before I start to apply? Who are the best companies to apply to? Or, should I use a recruiter service?

I would appreciate any advice!

Thanks!

I am not a sales rep. but do work alongside with them on a daily basis in the O.R. It's a "cut-throat" job and you have to kiss the surgeon's ass. They sometimes ask you questions about the implant and you better know the answer (Trust me on that one). I know one rep. who makes a ton of money and I know or knew a rep. that didn't make a dime. You really need to team-up with busy surgeons, who use your stuff on a daily basis. Again, you need to kiss a lot of ass.

rk in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: 50k to 500k+

A medical Rep today earning 300-400,000 is unheard of.... Most Cardiology Reps make between $90,000-140,000/year with car allowance of $600.00/month and expenses. There is also a push to hire new College Graduates for less as there is a huge segment of experienced Medical Reps. currently being discriminated against due to their success, experience and biological age.

Most medical recruiters are playing several candidates against one another... leveraging their chance to land more commission dollars. One particular firm in fellow in Dallas markets himself as being in the Industry for years paying people to post great things about him to market to the big companies looking for the big job placements. JW ( initials ) is not to be trusted and uses people to network for him... disregarding your time and search criteria.... out for himself.... Beware... and meet physically with these people first if possible and ask questions about how they are paid... I would suggest applying directly to Companies you would be interested in working for ...and following up every month...

rk in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: 50k to 500k+

A medical Rep today earning 300-400,000 is unheard of.... Most Cardiology Reps make between $90,000-140,000/year with car allowance of $600.00/month and expenses. There is also a push to hire new College Graduates for less as there is a huge segment of experienced Medical Reps. currently being discriminated against due to their success, experience and biological age.

Most medical recruiters are playing several candidates against one another... leveraging their chance to land more commission dollars. One particular firm in fellow in Dallas markets himself as being in the Industry for years paying people to post great things about him to market to the big companies looking for the big job placements. JW ( initials ) is not to be trusted and uses people to network for him... disregarding your time and search criteria.... out for himself.... Beware... and meet physically with these people first if possible and ask questions about how they are paid... I would suggest applying directly to Companies you would be interested in working for ...and following up every month...

Question, I am a Jr Orthopedic Rep. In the near future I will discuss comphensation with my Sr. Rep. Any advise would be appreciated. Question I have are; what is the industry norm and what are some consideration I should take into account that are not apparent to me now?

Thanks

I am a college student going to St. Catherine University in MN for medical sales. Pfizer created our curriculum and it has a good reputation. My question is: once I graduate, will employers even look at me with no medical sales background except for a bachelors degree in medical sales? The only previous sales experience I have had is retail. People say I will be just fine because they are always looking for young, outgoing, attractive girls to sell; in your experience is that true? I would say I am pretty smart and have a huge interest in anatomy and physiology as well as understand sales and marketing. I am extremely motivated as well because I am a young mother.
Any input would be appreciated :)

I am 18 years old and a freshman at Florida State University. I am looking into going into medical device sales and wondering what I should major in and how to get an internship or a foot in the door. Any advice would be of great appreciation!! Thank you all so much!!

I would want to see w2's I own a DME and
none of my sales reps mare more than 120k.

Pacemaker Rep in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: I have been doing Medical Device sales for a year now. I was a teacher four years ago and wanted to make a change. I, like you all, sought advice of other reps and found someone out of the yellow pages who spent a lot of time trying to help me find a rep job in the medical field. He knew of someone hiring and got me an interview. I worked there for three years and set company records. However, I knew that it was just a stepping stone to get into the medical device arena. I would go up to device reps in hospitals and talk with them and give them my card. A year and a half later, my now manager remembered me and called me. You do need a college degree and pharma sales isn't really going to help you. It is definitely more about your presence and ability to communicate and connect with people without being creepy or annoying. Set yourself apart from others and be visible. We have one rep that made 1.4 million dollars last year. It's a great business!! Good luck!!

Wow - what field was this rep in? Spine? How large was his/her territory?

1.4 million a Medical Rep. Give me a break. I have been in the business for 30 years. The only people making that kind of money are CEO's or they are stealing from the Company. Twenty years ago... maybe a Rep made $400-600,000 and that was a year or two at most until Management could scale down the commission program so Reps did not make more than Top Management. 1.4 million...who you kidding here... We are trying to help people, trying to give a realistic view of the Industry... You sound like a Network Marketer...

I am majoring in business administration and hope to get in any sales field where making 6 figures is an obtainable goal. Any advice? And also what i would need to do after I receive my bachelors to be a sales rep. Thanks

Find a distributorship such as Zimmer or Smith&Nephew and make contact, try and get an Internship. Once they know who you are if you dont get the job after graduation work in business to business sales like Xerox ect. maybe go to surgical tech school at night. Whatever you do keep in contact with someone at the place you want to work.

What type of income should I expect out of college? And also I'm interested in making any kind of sales a career. Financial securities, oil, medical and insurance (state farm)

30-36K

And that's for entry level? Is that a base salary or is it how much you make? And I'm sure after a couple years that number increases a good bit?

Irishman, thats a Jr. Reps salary and you should easily get overtime each week and mileage reimb. After many years in the business and you territory increases to around 2-6 Mil. you can expect to make $170K-$500K.