Why SaaS
The best-kept secret of tech sales isn’t the money.
Salary is only one part of a role. The actual package can include different work arrangements, benefits, learning and career options, but every item must be checked against the live vacancy and offer.
New here? Start with what tech sales actually is.
Why people switch
Four reasons people leave their current career for tech sales.
I work with people from hospitality, retail, admin, marketing, teaching, real estate, parenting and corporate. Every one of them wanted at least one of these four things. If any of them sound like you, you’re in the right place.
01
Enter a role with base plus commission
You don't need a sales-specific degree to apply for many SDR roles. QuotaClub's 2026 Australian model places a Junior SDR at A$90k–A$100k OTE and a standard SDR at A$100k–A$115k OTE before super. Actual earnings depend on the employer, quota and attainment.
02
Compare the working arrangement
A role may offer a schedule that fits your life, but tech sales does not guarantee short hours or remote work. Compare ordinary hours, territory coverage, additional-hours expectations and office policy in writing.
03
Stay ahead of where tech is going
The role can help you learn a software product, its customers and a go-to-market process. The quality of that learning depends on the employer's product, onboarding and coaching.
04
Evaluate the whole package
Compare base salary, attainable variable pay, leave, location rules and benefits together. None should be assumed from the words SaaS or tech sales.
Lifestyle
Perks that change how you live.
Flexible work can reduce commuting
Some SaaS sales roles are hybrid or remote, while others are office-based. Check the live vacancy, territory hours and written workplace policy before counting on flexibility.
Leave policies vary
Employers may offer statutory leave, additional days or an unlimited-leave policy. Read the contract and ask how much leave team members actually take; an unlimited label does not guarantee access.
Work laptop and home setup
An employer may provide a laptop, monitor or home-office support. Confirm what is supplied, what must be returned and whether you are expected to pay for anything yourself.
Private health cover
Private health or wellbeing support appears in some compensation packages and not others. Compare the provider, eligibility, exclusions and taxable treatment rather than assigning it a generic value.
Possible work-from-home support
Some employers reimburse internet, phone, coworking or equipment costs. The amount, evidence requirements and tax treatment depend on the policy and your circumstances.
Possible team travel
A role may involve kickoffs, customer travel or team offsites. Frequency, destination, expenses and whether travel is required are employer-specific.
Stock options and equity
Some employers offer options or other equity. Their future value can be zero and depends on the grant terms, vesting, dilution, exercise price, tax and company outcome. Seek qualified advice before valuing it.
The long game
Career benefits to evaluate carefully.
Fast career growth
SDR can lead to Account Executive, account management, customer success, enablement or leadership. Timing, role availability and compensation vary by employer, so ask for written criteria and recent internal examples.
Exposure to commercial problems
Depending on the territory and seniority, the work can expose you to how buyers evaluate software, budgets and operational priorities. The depth of that exposure varies by role.
Skills that travel
Research, communication, qualification and commercial thinking can transfer to other roles, but no skill set guarantees future employment. Keep evidence of what you learn and the outcomes you produce.
Free SDR readiness plan
Work out whether an SDR move is your next practical step.
Answer eight short questions, see five component scores and leave with three practical next actions. Free, no account required, and it takes about three minutes.