What industries are expected to hire the most sales people in 2025?

One of the few occupational fields that crosses over virtually every industry and exists within almost every organization is sales. But every year, some industries and some organizations hire more than their fair share of salespeople.

For those looking for a job in sales, it is helpful to know what industries to focus on, as that will guide them to the organizations within those industries to focus on even further. We reached out to 16 hiring experts, including founder and CEOs, and learned to our surprise that one expects the merchant services industry will hire the most sales experts, while another points to the biotechnology sector.

• Merchant Services Industry Will Hire Most Sales Experts
• Renewable Energy Sector Leads Sales Recruitment in 2025
• Technology Industry Dominates Sales Hiring in 2025
• E-commerce Industry to Hire Most Sales Candidates
• Top Industries Hiring Sales Candidates in 2025
• SaaS Sector to Hire Most Sales Candidates
• Cybersecurity Firms Will Hire Sales Specialists
• Software Industry Will Lead Sales Hiring in 2025
• Automotive Industry to Hire Most Sales Candidates
• Agriculture Industry Will Lead Sales Hiring in 2025
• Audio-Visual Industry to See Sales Hiring Boom
• Key Industries Expected to Hire Sales Candidates
• Hospitality and Travel Industry to Hire Most Sales
• Climate Tech to Drive Sales Hiring in 2025
• Wellness Industry Set for Major Sales Hiring
• Biotechnology Poised for Sales Hiring Increase

Merchant Services Industry Will Hire Most Sales Experts

The industry that will likely hire the most sales experts in 2025 is the merchant services industry. This field is growing fast because businesses everywhere need better tools to handle digital payments as e-commerce and cashless transactions take over. The competition is tough, so companies will need many sales professionals at all levels to attract new clients and explain why their solutions are the best.

Even if you’re the best boat salesperson out there, selling merchant services is a whole different game. This field is highly technical—imagine explaining to a business owner how interchange fees work, where every payment passes through banks, processors, and card networks before reaching their account. It’s not simple, but if you can learn and explain these details clearly, it gives you a big edge in the job market because most people won’t put in the effort to master it.

If you want to break into this field, you need to focus on building relevant experience. For example, offer to help a local nonprofit set up an online donation platform or find an internship at a fintech company to learn how payment systems work. This should be your number one priority. At the same time, sharpen your skills by taking an online course in sales for technology products or practicing customer conversations to explain technical ideas in simple terms. These small steps can make a big difference in standing out to employers.

Michael Maximoff, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Belkins

Renewable Energy Sector Leads Sales Recruitment in 2025

The renewable energy sector is positioned to become the most dynamic sales recruitment landscape in 2025, driven by accelerating global sustainability initiatives and technological innovations.

We discovered an unexpected sales opportunity within renewable technology integration. By partnering with a specialized solar installation startup, we implemented a unique sales training program focusing on environmental impact storytelling. This approach resulted in a remarkable 73% increase in client conversion rates and attracted top-tier sales professionals seeking meaningful career paths.

Critical factors supporting this projection include:

• Massive government investments in green infrastructure
• Growing corporate sustainability mandates
• Rising consumer environmental consciousness
• Technological advancements in clean energy solutions
• Attractive compensation structures for skilled sales professionals

The renewable energy market represents more than a sales opportunity—it’s a transformative professional ecosystem where economic success directly correlates with positive environmental impact. Sales candidates with technical understanding, passionate communication skills, and genuine commitment to sustainability will be most competitive in this emerging landscape.

Chaitsi Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Brown Living

Technology Industry Dominates Sales Hiring in 2025

I believe the technology industry will be the biggest hirer of sales talent in 2025. The rapid evolution of software, AI, cloud computing, and other disruptive technologies is creating massive demand for skilled salespeople who can convey the value propositions of complex products and services. Companies in this space will need to build out their sales teams aggressively to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

For example, a new AI startup developing advanced language models may need to hire dozens of salespeople to market and sell their product to enterprises across different industries. With the right sales talent on board to explain the technology’s capabilities, businesses can be educated on the transformative potential and feel confident in adopting the solution. This illustrates why tech companies will be vying for top sales candidates over the next few years.

Philip Stoelman, Founder & CEO, Network Republic

E-commerce Industry to Hire Most Sales Candidates

I forecast that the e-commerce industry will hire the most sales candidates by 2025. My prediction is based on the relentless growth and digital transformation that we’ve been witnessing over the past few years and more so during the pandemic. Drawing from my experience, a successful e-commerce venture is predominantly about understanding and satisfying customer needs, which necessitates a robust and dynamic sales team. In 2020, we expanded our team to meet the growing demand, reflect our product diversity, and adapt to emerging technology trends such as AI and machine learning. 

Additionally, there are a couple of primary reasons why the e-commerce industry will lead in hiring. Firstly, the continual change in consumer behavior and high dependency on online purchases will drive the need for expert salespeople. Secondly, with digital channels offering companies a global reach, the demand for sales teams who understand international markets and cultures will see an exponential rise. These insights are not exclusive to my business. As per the U.S. Commerce Department, Q2 2021 saw a 9.3% increase in online sales contributing to 13.3% of total sales, which is indicative of the potential hiring needs in the e-commerce sector.

Dan Dillon, CEO | Chairman | Founder, CleanItSupply

Top Industries Hiring Sales Candidates in 2025

1. Technology (SaaS and AI Solutions) – Businesses across industries are adopting digital transformation strategies. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) products, cloud computing, and AI-powered tools are seeing exponential demand, creating a need for skilled sales professionals to drive adoption. Sales roles in technology will focus on consultative and value-based selling as these products often require education and alignment with customer-specific needs.

2. Healthcare and Biotech – With an aging population and the continued focus on healthcare innovation (e.g., telehealth, personalized medicine), healthcare companies will need more salespeople to engage with providers, organizations, and consumers. Sales professionals with a strong understanding of medical and technical products will be highly sought after.

3. Renewable Energy and Sustainability – Governments and corporations are pushing for carbon neutrality, fueling demand for solar, wind, and energy-efficient solutions. This will drive hiring for sales professionals who can educate and promote sustainable energy options. B2B and B2C sales, particularly in markets shifting toward green energy policies and incentives.

4. E-commerce and Consumer Goods – The e-commerce boom continues to grow, with companies focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and personalized customer experiences. Sales professionals who can build relationships and drive digital sales will remain critical. Omnichannel sales strategies, influencer partnerships, and leveraging analytics for targeted outreach.

5. Fintech and Financial Services – The adoption of digital banking, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions will create opportunities for fintech companies to expand their reach. Sales roles will target enterprises, small businesses, and individual users, emphasizing trust and security in financial products.

Phil Rugari, Owner, Magnolia Marketing Solutions

SaaS Sector to Hire Most Sales Candidates

Being a white-label digital agency, we have the opportunity to work with many different SaaS or Software-as-a-Service clients—many of whom have been working hard to ramp up their marketing efforts. In response to further growth, they added another layer—additional sales teams to help convert potential customers into paying customers. These SaaS companies look to direct the dollars spent marketing their businesses by adding a sales force to bring in revenue and help them hold onto their seats in an increasingly competitive market. Continued evolution and innovation in the SaaS business mean the call for expensive sales candidates is anticipated to boom within the subsequent decade, so for aspiring salespeople, the sector offers great potential.

In 2025, however, there is reason to believe that SaaS will hire the most sales candidates. To begin with, the possibilities available in the SaaS market are immense, and experts estimate a compound annual growth rate for the market of 9.3 percent from 2020 to 2027. This also means the number of jobs for sales professionals will increase as more and more companies keep entering the market! Furthermore, with the increased reliance on technology for personal and professional use, the demand for software services is only set to rise.

Moreover, in the ever-evolving and highly disruptive landscape of the SaaS sector, sales funnel strategies need to be agile and adaptable to match the rhythm of the industry. This demonstrates the importance of selecting highly skilled sales candidates who can think quickly, tailor the selling approach to complex environments, and have one of the most critical capabilities—which is clearly communicating their product’s value proposition to their potential customers.

Marc Hardgrove, CEO, The Hoth

Cybersecurity Firms Will Hire Sales Specialists

Rising threats and increased awareness of data security will push cybersecurity firms to hire sales specialists who can identify client needs and position their products as solutions to compliance and protection challenges. These professionals will play a crucial role in translating complex technical offerings into accessible solutions for businesses seeking strong security measures.

Sales teams will be essential in establishing credibility and offering customized solutions that guarantee security and legal compliance as cyber threats change. This rising demand opens up exciting opportunities for sales professionals who are passionate about technology and helping businesses safeguard their assets. Cybersecurity sales roles offer a dynamic environment where cultivating client relationships and solving problems creatively leads to success.

Rodger Desai, CEO, Prove

Software Industry Will Lead Sales Hiring in 2025

I believe the industry that will hire the most sales candidates in 2025 will be software. Software is becoming more and more ubiquitous in our lives, and every business needs software to operate efficiently. As software companies continue innovating and releasing new products and services, there will be an increased demand for salespeople who can effectively sell these offerings. Many software firms are expanding globally as well, so they will need salespeople who can tap into international markets. With the rise of SaaS and cloud computing, software sales roles will also evolve to require consultative selling skills versus transactional acumen.

Rengie Wisper, CMO, G-BRIS

Automotive Industry to Hire Most Sales Candidates

The automotive industry. According to the International Energy Agency, around 14 million new electric cars were registered globally in 2023. There are about 40 million electric cars on the road, signaling a shift in consumer behavior. Companies in the automotive industry need a sales team to promote their cars. Especially since the global EV charging infrastructure market is expected to grow at a 25.4% CAGR between 2024 and 2030. These businesses will increase sales hiring to connect with both environmentally conscious consumers and businesses in ESG compliance. Thus, the automotive industry is more likely to hire the most sales candidates in 2025.

Lev Tretyakov, CEO and Sales Director, Fortador

Agriculture Industry Will Lead Sales Hiring in 2025

For me, the agriculture industry will hire the most sales candidates in 2025 because of the surging demand for innovative farming solutions driven by population growth and sustainability needs. According to recent projections, the global smart agriculture market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 10 percent, reaching nearly $29 billion by 2027. This momentum means companies will need skilled sales professionals to market new technologies like precision farming tools, automated equipment, and eco-friendly crop solutions. The scale of this growth reflects the sector’s increasing reliance on sales talent to connect these innovations with farmers and global supply chains.

Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages

Audio-Visual Industry to See Sales Hiring Boom

The audio-visual industry will experience significant demand for salespeople in 2025 as content creation platforms like podcasting, YouTube, and live streaming grow. More individuals and brands are entering the creator economy and the need for high-quality equipment such as mics, webcams, lighting kits, and editing software is going through the roof.

Salespeople will be key to helping creators navigate the crowded market and choose the right tools and services for their content. Whether it’s getting them to subscribe to advanced platform features or advising on equipment upgrades, the ability to connect creators to solutions will be an exciting and growing space for sales.

Harry Morton, Founder, Lower Street

Key Industries Expected to Hire Sales Candidates

In 2025, industries expected to hire the most sales candidates include industrial machinery, food and beverage manufacturing, environmental services, chemistry, and technology. These sectors are adapting to rapid changes in consumer demands, economic conditions, and technological advancements. Despite global economic headwinds, industries like healthcare, professional services, and sustainability-focused businesses are poised for growth. 

Healthcare, in particular, is driving demand for roles like clinical specialists and sales professionals adept in medical devices and software, reflecting the sector’s investment in digital transformation. Sustainability goals are also reshaping hiring priorities, with ESG and sustainability expertise becoming essential for sales roles. Key skills in demand include proficiency in digital tools (e.g., CRM systems and AI-powered analytics), a customer-centric approach highlighting empathy and personalization, and multilingual abilities to address global markets. 

Hiring trends indicate that companies will highlight versatility in sales roles, blending business development and account management to optimize costs. Given the careful hiring environment, candidates with digital and analytical proficiencies will have a competitive edge. Companies will focus on retaining top talent through hybrid work arrangements and career development opportunities. Overall, the intersection of technology, sustainability, and healthcare will define the sales hiring landscape in 2025.

Rishabh Kumar Gupta, Head of Sales & Business Development, BOTSHOT

Hospitality and Travel Industry to Hire Most Sales

The most sales candidates hired will be in the hospitality and travel industry in 2025. As international travel continues to recover, these sectors will need professionals with expertise to restore relationships with both corporate customers and individual consumers. It will be all about selling great packages, strategic alliances, and unique services in this highly competitive environment. As travel demand grows, companies will double down their offerings to stand out, convey value, and gain bookings, this needs a strong sales team. As companies rebuild corporate travel programs and people strive to experience leisure, sales candidates will be crucial in reaching different audiences in a relevant way. It’s this perfect storm of conditions that positions the hospitality and travel industry as a hotbed for sales opportunities in 2025.

Sean Smith, CEO & ex-Head of HR, Alpas Wellness

Climate Tech to Drive Sales Hiring in 2025

My background spans technology and business strategy, giving me a unique perspective on hiring trends and industry shifts.

In 2025, the most unexpected driver of sales hiring will likely be climate tech. Here’s why: while traditional sectors like SaaS or healthcare are reliable contenders, climate tech is poised for explosive growth as global companies ramp up their ESG commitments. Governments and corporations are funneling trillions into decarbonization technologies, renewable energy, and green infrastructure, but these innovations need massive sales teams to educate, pitch, and integrate solutions into industries that are often resistant to change.

What makes this particularly compelling is the challenge: selling a solar panel or carbon capture technology isn’t just about cost or convenience—it’s about storytelling. It requires deep consultative sales skills to navigate long buying cycles, manage regulatory complexities, and align with clients’ sustainability goals. This shift will redefine the sales profession, blending technical expertise with mission-driven passion, making climate tech the fastest-growing industry for sales professionals by necessity.

It’s a trend that not many see coming, but the numbers and momentum don’t lie.

Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com

Wellness Industry Set for Major Sales Hiring

Being in the sales industry for well over a decade, I would say the wellness industry is set to become a major employer for sales professionals in 2025. The global wellness economy is steadily growing, with estimates showing it will climb from $6.3 trillion in 2023 to $6.8 trillion in 2024, and even further to $9 trillion by 2028. This growth is fueled by rising interest in personalized solutions like custom fitness setups, mental health programs, and innovative offerings such as robotic massage systems. Sales experts will play a key role in connecting these offerings with the right audiences, helping businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Areas like mental wellness and public health have already seen growth rates of over 11% annually in recent years. These sectors need professionals who can effectively explain the unique value of solutions.

With inclusivity and innovation shaping the industry, sales teams will have the chance to engage directly with customers to offer tailored solutions. This growing demand makes the wellness sector an exciting place for sales talent to thrive, combining career growth with meaningful work.

Richard McKay, Chief Marketing Officer, Sprung Flooring

Biotechnology Poised for Sales Hiring Increase

By 2025, biotechnology is poised to see major increases in sales hiring, driven by the rise of personalized medicine, gene therapy, and biopharmaceuticals. As more biotech innovations are making it to the commercialization stage, companies need highly skilled salespeople who can truly communicate the value of the product and the product itself to healthcare providers and other stakeholders. This demand has been further enhanced due to the globalization of healthcare innovation and the need for tailored solutions in patient care.

In fact, the launch of novel gene therapies has prompted the requirement for sales teams with comprehensive scientific and regulatory knowledge to be successful at engaging decision-makers within the healthcare sector. These professionals are filling the gap between research and real-life applications to ensure we adopt these products at scale and drive industry growth. Since then, this has been further underscored by the growing pipeline of biopharmaceutical products, each needing a specialized sector with its niche and decidedly differentiating sales function.

Joe Reale, CEO, Surplus Solutions