Sales Jobs in Australia: Opportunities, Salaries and How to Land One

The Australian Sales Market — Demand, Roles and Pay

Australia’s sales sector spans multiple industries: technology and SaaS, financial services, healthcare, industrial B2B, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods. Employers often hire across levels — business development representatives (BDRs), inside sales, field or territory reps, account managers, and sales leaders. Demand is highest in tech and professional services in major hubs like Melbourne and Brisbane, while retail and hospitality sales roles remain widespread across regional centres. Salary ranges vary: entry-level sales roles typically start around AU$55,000–70,000 base, mid-level account managers and B2B reps often earn AU$80,000–120,000 total package including commission, and senior enterprise or leadership roles can exceed AU$150,000 plus incentives. Commission structures mean top performers frequently out-earn base salary benchmarks, making performance-based roles lucrative for motivated sellers.

How to Get Hired — Skills, CVs and Where to Apply

Employers look for a mix of soft skills and demonstrable results. Key skills include relationship building, objection handling, negotiation, CRM literacy (Salesforce, HubSpot), and consistent activity metrics (calls, meetings, proposals). Tailor your CV to sales roles: lead with measurable achievements (revenue closed, quota attainment, pipeline size), use numbers, and highlight tools and methodologies (consultative selling, MEDDIC, SPIN). Leverage Australian job platforms such as SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialised sales recruiters. Apply to roles with a concise cover note that shows understanding of the product and market. Networking is powerful — attend local meetups, industry events, and use LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers. For tech sales, consider short certifications (HubSpot Academy, LinkedIn Learning) and role-specific training programs to stand out.

Career Progression, Negotiation and Flexible Opportunities

Sales offers clear progression: start as an SDR/BDR, move to an outside or account executive role, then senior account manager or sales manager, and ultimately commercial leadership (Head of Sales, CRO). To accelerate growth, track activity and outcome metrics, ask for regular feedback, and request stretch targets tied to promotion. When negotiating offers in Australia, research market salaries for your city, articulate recent achievements, and seek clarity on commission accelerators, OTE (on-target earnings), and clawback policies. The region also offers flexible and remote sales opportunities, especially for SaaS companies — this expands hiring beyond capital cities. If you’re open to relocation, regional roles can offer quicker progression and broader responsibility. Finally, continual upskilling in product knowledge, data-driven selling and leadership will maximise long-term earnings and stability.