Industrial Sales Representative Jobs in Illinois
Industrial Sales Representative jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in manufacturing, distribution, automation, and industrial chemicals, covering openings from entry-level territory representatives through senior account managers and regional directors. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities region anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Grainger, Caterpillar, and Eaton maintain significant Illinois operations. The most in-demand specialties include automation and controls sales, MRO distribution, and industrial fluid systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description:
Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.
Ferguson is seeking a proven Outside Sales Representative - Industrial to fill an immediate need with growing market opportunities. If you are self-motivated, dedicated, and can provide phenomenal customer service coupled with a passion for contributing directly to the bottom line of a multi-billion-dollar organization, this is the position for you! This is a field-based sales role supporting customers in the Chicagoland area. This position will need to be based in the Chicago area.
This is a Hybrid role based out of South Holland location.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and an assigned customer base, while working with other branch associates to ensure happiness with our products and services, from the order to the delivery and beyond.
- Identifies and actively pursues new business opportunities to expand the current customer base by working with management in developing sales strategies and new account targeting.
- Perform various duties including product quotation and problem resolution.
- Analyzes competition in territory, devise sales strategy, and communicate sales strategy to management.
- Continually improve sales skills and product knowledge to promote a professional image in the field.
- Documents all sales activity performed in our internal Customer Relationship Management tool (Salesforce) for ongoing evaluation of the new business pipeline and measurement of sales closure results.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 3-5 years industry related sales experience is required
- A successful associate will be results oriented, self-motivated, able to complete tasks in a timely manner, build relationships and enjoy a team environment
- Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills
- Problem solving, leadership and listening skills
- General digital literacy
- Self-Motivator, ability to multi-task and learn quickly
At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!
Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.
Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information
See All 7 Industrial Sales Representative Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsIndustrial Sales Representative Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Industrial Sales Representative Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in industrial sales representative jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field preferred by Illinois employers
- Proven ability to manage and grow a B2B sales territory in an Illinois industrial or manufacturing market
- Familiarity with CRM software and consultative sales processes used in Illinois distribution and manufacturing accounts
- Experience selling technical products such as automation equipment, fluid systems, or MRO supplies
- Strong relationship-building skills with plant managers, procurement teams, and engineers across Illinois facilities
- Willingness to travel regularly within an assigned Illinois territory to meet clients and close deals
Industrial Sales Representative Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a industrial sales representative in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as an industrial sales representative. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a technical discipline, combined with demonstrated B2B sales experience. Entry into the field often starts through inside sales, technical support, or distribution roles at Illinois industrial companies, followed by a move into field sales as product and territory knowledge develops.
How much do industrial sales representatives make in Illinois?
Industrial sales representatives in Illinois earn a median of about $73,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $44,130 for the lowest 10% to over $134,030 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire industrial sales representatives in Illinois?
Employers hiring industrial sales representatives in Illinois right now include Mecalux, Ferguson, and ITW WELDING, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing and distribution base means large industrial distributors, automation suppliers, and specialty chemical companies are among the most consistent sources of open roles in the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most industrial sales representative jobs?
Melrose Park, Joliet, and Schaumburg lead Illinois for industrial sales representative openings. Chicago dominates because of its concentration of corporate headquarters, distribution hubs, and industrial manufacturers, while Rockford's long-standing machinery and aerospace manufacturing base drives strong demand there, and the Quad Cities region on the Iowa border supports ongoing hiring tied to agricultural equipment and heavy industry.
Are there remote industrial sales representative jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since the role typically requires in-person visits to plant floors, warehouses, and client facilities. About 100% of industrial sales representative openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to cover inside sales, account management, or national accounts roles where client interaction happens primarily by phone or video.
How can I get hired as a industrial sales representative in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an inside sales or sales development role at an Illinois industrial distributor or manufacturer, where you learn product lines and build territory knowledge before moving into field sales. Companies like Grainger and motion and control distributors based in the Chicago metro run structured onboarding programs for new commercial sales hires. A technical certificate in industrial technology from an Illinois community college or a manufacturing internship gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to industrial sales representative jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to industrial sales representative jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across manufacturing, distribution, automation, and related sectors. Find roles that match your experience and territory preference, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 7 Industrial Sales Representative Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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