Every day, we talk to people who say, “I hope I can break in,” or “It’d be amazing to make that kind of money.”

But hoping and dreaming are not enough.

Medical device sales is not just another job. You don’t just apply, shake a few hands, and get a $100K offer. If you want to break in and succeed, you have to become the kind of person companies can’t say no to.

Let’s break down the real expectations of what it takes to get hired and succeed in this industry.

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1. Medical Device Sales Is Not Like Other Jobs

This industry is competitive, and it’s nothing like applying to your typical $40K–$60K job.

Here’s what’s on the table for a typical med device sales rep:

• $177,000+ average salary
  
  
• Company car or car stipend
  
  
• Paid travel
  
  
• 401(k) with match
  
  
• Cell phone, Wi-Fi, expenses covered
  
  
• Working side-by-side with world-class surgeons
  
  

That’s why these companies are picky. That’s why most roles have five to seven interview rounds.

You’re not just competing against people like you. You’re also up against:

• Former nurses, PTs, and healthcare pros
  
  
• Current reps from smaller companies
  
  
• Experienced salespeople who already know the industry
  
  

Getting in means proving you're worth that investment.

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2. Professionalism Matters More Than You Think

This isn’t the time to “wing it” or show up casual.

We’ve seen it all — from candidates walking into interviews in jeans and a t-shirt to people saying “lit” or “brah” to hiring managers.

You don’t need to lose your personality, but you do need to understand your audience. These are medical professionals with years of training. When you speak with them, they need to see you as someone who can confidently represent a brand in an OR.

Bring your energy, but match it with polish.

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3. Knowing Someone Helps, But Only So Much

Yes, having a friend or uncle at Medtronic or Stryker might get your foot in the door.

But that’s all it is — a foot in the door.

Medical device sales interviews often go six rounds or more. You still need to crush those rounds with preparation, professionalism, and strategy.

Even within the same industry, companies like Medtronic and Stryker run their hiring processes completely differently. A generic “insider tip” won’t get you through every round.

Relying on a contact to carry you through without showing real value is a huge mistake.

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4. You Have to Become a $100K-Per-Year Person

Here’s the biggest mindset shift.

You don’t get the job and then become that person.

You have to be that person first.

You must present yourself like someone who’s already earning six figures — with preparation, follow-through, and professionalism to match.

That means:

• Knowing how to communicate with confidence
  
  
• Following up like a pro
  
  
• Understanding the job and the value you bring
  
  
• Treating every interaction like a high-stakes meeting
  
  

When you walk into an interview, the company should feel like they’re getting a deal at $100K. They should think, “If we don’t grab this person, someone else will.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about medical device sales, remember: it’s a tough road, but totally worth it if you’re willing to put in the work. Don’t just hope for the best—prepare, be professional, and become the person companies are dying to hire.

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Ready to break into Medical Device Sales? 

If you’re serious about breaking into Medical Device Sales, our course/mentorship is designed to help you break into the industry where our average person is breaking into Medical Device Sales in just 8.5 weeks at $105,502.

Click here to learn more and kickstart your journey to success.

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All the best,

Jacob McLaughlin

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