Remote Sales Jobs: How to Find the Best Roles and Stand Out

If you’ve ever been told you could sell ice to a penguin — or if you just love talking to people and solving problems — remote sales jobs might be your perfect match. Sales isn’t just about charm; it’s about listening well, responding strategically, and consistently meeting (or beating) goals. And today, more sales teams than ever are going remote. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand new to the field, virtual sales roles offer flexibility, solid earnings, and room to grow. And you can even build a six-figure career in remote sales — some professionals even top $200K a year. Let’s look at how to break into this space, where to find the best remote sales positions, and how to stand out from the competition.

Skills That Set You Apart

It’s no secret that some people seem naturally good at sales. But the truth is, great salespeople are made, not born. It starts with foundational soft skills that translate well in any industry — but especially in remote environments, where building trust happens without handshakes or in-person meetings.

If you’re pursuing one of today’s top remote sales careers, here are the must-haves:

Active listening and emotional intelligence
Clear, persuasive communication
Comfort with video calls, CRMs, and online collaboration tools
Time management and self-direction
Adaptability — because prospects and quotas rarely follow a script

Sales also rewards grit. The ability to bounce back from rejection and keep moving forward can be just as valuable as a polished pitch. Over time, that resilience becomes a competitive edge that sets top performers apart.

Education and Credentials That Can Help

You don’t always need a degree to land a remote sales job. Many successful reps and account executives have built their careers through hands-on experience. That said, some roles — like sales engineer or enterprise software sales — may require a bachelor’s degree or technical background, depending on the product.

Even if a degree isn’t required, a few well-chosen certifications can help you stand out:

Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)
Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)
HubSpot or Salesforce platform certifications
LinkedIn Learning’s B2B sales strategy courses

Certifications show initiative and give you tools to sharpen your skills. They also help hiring managers feel confident in your ability to perform independently — something remote teams highly value.

Where the Jobs Are

Remote sales roles exist across just about every industry. From tech to healthcare to finance, companies rely on skilled sales professionals to build relationships, nurture leads, and drive revenue. If you’re interested in targeting specific companies, some of the best remote sales jobs right now are in:

SaaS and software platforms
Fintech and financial services
Healthcare products and medical devices
Online education and training platforms
Digital marketing and advertising agencies

If you’re eyeing industries with strong remote cultures, start with sectors that have embraced digital transformation — like tech, healthcare, finance, and e-learning. These fields are building high-performing virtual sales teams and are known for offering solid compensation, training, and long-term career growth. Many also offer flexible schedules and clear advancement paths, making them ideal for remote professionals who want stability and upward mobility.

How Much Can You Really Earn?

There’s a wide pay range in sales, depending on the industry, your level, and how commission is structured. Entry-level roles might start between $55,920-$76,517, while mid-level account executives often earn six figures when you factor in bonuses or commission.

And you can even make $200K a year in sales. It usually requires experience, high-ticket products, and the ability to manage enterprise accounts — but it’s absolutely doable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Sales Managers make a median salary of $138,060 per year. Sales is one of the few fields where your income can scale directly with your performance, especially in remote roles where you’re not limited by territory or travel.

Roles That Fit Different Strengths

Sales isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can find remote roles that match your strengths, whether you’re a relationship builder, a problem-solver, or a data-driven closer.

Here are a few common types of remote sales jobs:

Sales Development Representative (SDR): Focuses on outbound prospecting and lead generation
Account Executive (AE): Owns the full sales cycle and closes deals
Sales Engineer: Combines technical knowledge with communication skills to sell complex products
Customer Success Manager (CSM): Helps clients get value from a product, often with upsell opportunities
Business Development Manager: Builds long-term relationships and strategic partnerships

Each role requires slightly different strengths — but all offer paths to advancement and high earning potential.

Tips to Stand Out in a Competitive Field

Remote sales jobs can attract hundreds of applicants. To rise above the crowd, show that you understand not just how to sell, but how to sell remotely. That means highlighting experience with digital tools, remote collaboration, and virtual relationship-building.

To give your application a competitive edge:

Use numbers to showcase achievements (e.g., “Surpassed quota by 125% for three consecutive quarters”)
Tailor your resume and cover letter for each company and role
Demonstrate your remote-readiness (mention tools like Zoom, Slack, Salesforce, etc.)
Share brief but memorable stories that show how you handle challenges, objections, or tough negotiations

Even something simple like sending a short, well-written follow-up note after your interview can help you leave a lasting impression.

What If You’re Just Starting Out?

You don’t need years of experience to break into remote sales. If you’re coming from customer service, teaching, hospitality, or fundraising, you likely already have skills that transfer well. Think about times you’ve persuaded someone, resolved a complaint, or explained something in a way that clicked. That’s selling.

To get started:

Take a free or low-cost online course in B2B sales or inbound selling
Join networking groups or online sales communities
Practice cold outreach (even mock practice with friends or mentors)
Focus on entry-level roles like SDR or junior account manager

The learning curve may be steep at first, but sales is a field where you improve fast with practice and coaching.

Finding the Right Fit

Not every sales job is created equal. Some come with uncapped commission. Others offer flexible schedules or strong mentorship. The best remote sales positions will match your goals, strengths, and preferred way of working.

Look beyond the job title and ask yourself:

Do I believe in the product or service?
Will I have the support I need to succeed remotely?
Does this compensation structure align with my financial goals?
Is this a stepping stone to the career I want?

When you find a role that fits on both the practical and personal levels, you’re far more likely to succeed — and enjoy the ride.

Ready to Find Your Next Remote Sales Job?

If you’re looking to land one of the best remote sales jobs out there, don’t do it alone. Joining Virtual Vocations offers you a hand-picked database of fully remote opportunities in every sales category, from entry-level SDRs to experienced enterprise reps. Your next opportunity is out there — and it could be the one that finally aligns your income goals with the lifestyle you want. Let’s help you get there.

Which one of these work from home sales jobs sparked your interest? What intrigues or excites you about the prospect? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original September 2021 article written by Eric Schad.