The Sales Institute of Ireland is a professional body representing sales people.

There are more than 100,000 sales people working in the State and the ERSI predicts their number will grow to 157,000 by 2005.

The average salary after three years experience in sales is £22,000 to £24,000 plus a bonus. For sales people working in the IT sector, it's £28,000 to £30,000. Sales people working in retail shops can expect to earn £18,000 after three years' experience.

At the top end, sales directors can earn £68,000 to £78,000 in most business sectors and £60,000 to £85,000 in the IT sector.