Pre-Hire Information

This page offers general information about minimum requirements and preferred experience for getting hired as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Also find information about salary ranges, standard benefits, new-hire training, and required company meetings.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT

• Bachelor’s degree (almost always required)
• History of achievement, leadership and/or professionalism
• Clean driving record
• Clean drug test

PREFERRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Articulate
• Organized
• Self-motivated
• Confidence

EDUCATION

• Minimum Degree: bachelor’s
• Major: any (a few companies prefer life science majors)

EXPERIENCE

• Preferred experience depends upon the hiring manager and company. Experience in sales, marketing, public speaking, teaching/training, or health care is beneficial.
• New graduates are more likely to be hired by the larger, more established pharmaceutical companies than by smaller, more specialized companies.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Average Starting Salary: $45000 (Range: $35000 to $55000)
• Average Salary for Experienced Reps: $65000 (can go to $100k+)
• Bonus: Typical Range Between $6000-$20,000/year
• Benefits include
  • Health, dental, vision
  • Flexible spending account
  • Vacation pay
  • Company car
  • Expense account

TRAINING

• Initial Training
  Training for new hires is generally scheduled at a corporate or regional location, lasting from 3 to 6 weeks. Initial training covers in-depth information about  products including related pharmacology, biology, and anatomy. During initial training, sales reps also learn about territory management, selling skills for pharmaceutical industry, FDA regulations, how to promote products in accordance with FDA guidelines, and how to account for product samples.
• Additional Training
  Training is ongoing. A new rep can expect to attend initial training and two or three other formal training classes during the first year of employment with a pharmaceutical company. New products and new product indications require further training.

COMPANY MEETINGS

• District P-O-A (plan of action) meeting - quarterly
• National meeting - annually
• Launch meetings – when a new product is launched by the company

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