The most in-demand job in France pays an average of €6,085 per month

With more than 225,000 job offers published over the past year, one profession continues to dominate recruitment platforms in France. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting labour market trends, the role of the sales representative remains both the most sought-after and one of the most lucrative.

Sales: the number one recruitment need

Last year, sales roles topped the charts with 225,685 job postings. While that figure is down nearly 28% compared with the previous year, it still places sales far ahead of other professions in terms of demand.

The majority of these jobs are permanent contracts (76% CDI), with a smaller portion offered as apprenticeships (just over 8%) and short-term contracts (4.3% CDD). Unsurprisingly, Île-de-France leads recruitment, followed by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

In terms of pay, the average salary for a salesperson comes in at €6,085 gross per month—a number influenced by factors such as age, seniority and level of responsibility. Nearly half of those currently employed in sales fall within the 36–49 age bracket, which naturally pushes the average upwards.

As Abraham Lincoln once famously remarked: “He who has a good idea and cannot sell it is no further advanced than he who has none.” Few professions embody that truth as directly as sales.

Is AI a threat to sales jobs?

Like many careers, sales is facing the impact of artificial intelligence. A report from consultancy firm Roland Berger estimates that one in three sales jobs could be affected. The risk, however, is not evenly distributed.

“Transactional sales”—where a customer already intends to purchase—could increasingly be handled by automation or AI-driven systems. On the other hand, consultative sales, which rely on building trust, offering tailored advice and nurturing long-term relationships, remain far less vulnerable.

The evolution of the salesperson

Rather than replacing human talent, AI is expected to augment it. For strong salespeople, the technology will take over repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up time to focus on high-value activities such as client relationships, negotiation and strategic thinking.

Top performers will use AI to refine their pitches, analyse client interactions and sharpen their decision-making. In this sense, the technology may create a bigger divide: average performers risk being replaced, while elite salespeople will become even more effective.

The human factor remains essential

At its core, selling is still about people. The professionals who put client relationships at the heart of their approach have the most secure future. Emotional intelligence, persuasion, and the ability to build trust are qualities that no algorithm can fully replicate.

The salespeople who thrive in the coming years will be those who embrace AI as a partner, while doubling down on uniquely human skills. Because, at the end of the day, it’s still the client—not the machine—who makes the final decision.