Key Takeaways
- Top Tier SaaS: Salesforce, HubSpot, and Atlassian are the gold standard for training, high base salaries, and job stability.
- Remote-First Pioneers: Companies like GitLab and Zapier were built remote, meaning their sales processes don't rely on being in an office.
- The Money: Look for a 50/50 split between Base Salary and Commission (OTE) to ensure you aren't stressing about bills during a slow month.
- Tools Matter: The best companies use tech stacks like Gong, Outreach, and Slack to make selling from home easier.
- Check RepVue: Always cross-reference company ratings on RepVue (it’s like Yelp for sales jobs) before applying.
The Heavy Hitters: Best Tech & SaaS Companies
If you want the best training, the highest On-Target Earnings (OTE), and a brand name that opens doors later in your career, you go to the big tech giants. These guys have figured out remote work a long time ago.
1. Salesforce
Honestly, you can't make a list like this without mentioning Salesforce. They are the 800-pound gorilla in the room. According to pretty much every sales forum out there, their sales training is world-class. If you are new to sales, their "Salesforce Bootcamp" is legendary.
Why it’s great remotely: Because they literally sell the software that makes remote sales possible, their internal systems are flawless. You aren't gonna be struggling with outdated spreadsheets here. Plus, the pay is consistently at the top of the market.
2. HubSpot
HubSpot is arguably the most culturally loved sales organization right now. They place a massive emphasis on "autonomy." They don't micromanage your minutes as long as you hit your numbers. Their product (marketing and sales software) is also incredibly sticky, which makes selling it a bit easier than pushing vaporware.
Glassdoor reviews consistently mention their "unlimited vacation" policy that people actually use, which is rare in sales.
3. Atlassian
Here is a weird one-Atlassian (the makers of Jira and Trello) famously claimed for years they didn't have a sales team. That’s not exactly true anymore, but their approach is very different. It is less about cold calling and more about helping enterprise customers expand.
They have a "Team Anywhere" policy. It’s not just "remote allowed," it is "remote is the default." You can live pretty much anywhere with a good internet connection.
4. Adobe
Adobe is massive. While they might feel a bit more corporate than a startup, the stability is unmatched. Selling Creative Cloud or their Experience Cloud to enterprises is a high-ticket game. This means bigger commission checks. They’ve been very flexible with remote work since 2020 and haven't forced a hard return-to-office for most sales roles.
The "Remote-First" Pioneers
These companies didn't just go remote because of the pandemic. They were built this way. This is huge for a salesperson because it means you won't miss out on promotions just because you aren't schmoozing in the breakroom at HQ.
5. GitLab
GitLab is the world's largest all-remote company. They don't even have a headquarters. They have a public handbook that is like 2,000 pages long that documents everything. For a salesperson, this is gold. It means processes are clear, and you never have to guess who to ask for deal approval.
Because they save money on office leases, they tend to offer very competitive packages, though they do adjust pay based on your location (cost of living adjustments).
6. Zapier
Zapier connects different apps together. Their product is essential for productivity, so it sells well even in a downturn. They have been remote since day one. Their culture focuses heavily on writing over meetings. If you are a sales rep who prefers typing a quick update in Slack rather than sitting on a 45-minute Zoom call, this is the place for you.
Industry Specific: MedTech & Fintech
Tech isn't the only game in town. Sometimes the best sales jobs are where the money is moving.
7. Stripe (Fintech)
Stripe powers payments for the internet. It is a complicated sell because you are often talking to developers or CTOs, but the prestige is high. They are "remote-first" for many roles now. It’s intense, though. The reviews say you will work hard, but the stock options (equity) could be worth a fortune if/when they go public.
8. Hologic (Medical Devices)
Medical sales used to be 100% in the field. You had to drive to hospitals all day. That is changing. While you still might need to visit clients, a lot of the "Inside Sales" roles at MedTech companies like Hologic are now fully remote. You manage accounts, handle renewals, and set up demos from your home office. The base salaries in MedTech are usually higher than SaaS because you need specialized knowledge.
What Actually Makes a Remote Sales Job "Good"?
Okay, so those are the companies. But companies change. Strategies change. Instead of just memorizing a list, you need to know what to look for when you're scrolling through LinkedIn Jobs.
The Tech Stack
You cannot succeed in remote sales with just a phone and a notepad. It’s impossible. You need to ask during the interview: "What is your sales stack?"
If they are a good company, they will list tools like:
- CRM: Salesforce or HubSpot.
- Intelligence: Gong or Chorus (these record calls so you can learn from them later).
- Engagement: Outreach or SalesLoft (automates your emails).
- Data: ZoomInfo or Lusha.
If they say, "We just use Excel and personal cell phones," run away. Seriously. You will burn out in three months.
The Commission Structure (OTE)
In sales, we talk about OTE (On-Target Earnings). This is your Base Salary + Commission assuming you hit 100% of your quota.
The golden ratio is 50/50. That means if the OTE is $100,000, then $50k is base and $50k is commission. This is safe. It covers your rent even if you have a bad month.
Be careful of jobs that are heavily weighted on commission (like a 20/80 split) unless you are an absolute veteran who knows you can close. And stay far away from "Commission Only" unless you are looking for a side hustle. It’s usually not worth the stress for a full-time career.
Inbound vs. Outbound
This is the biggest factor for your mental health.
- Inbound: Marketing brings leads to you. People request a demo, and you call them. This is easier and usually has a higher close rate.
- Outbound: You have to hunt. Cold calling, cold emailing, LinkedIn DMing. This is a grind.
The best remote companies usually have a "hybrid" model or a strong marketing team that feeds you at least some inbound leads.
The Hidden Dangers of Remote Sales
I want to be real with you for a second. Remote sales isn't just waking up at 8:55 AM and closing deals in your pajamas. It has some downsides you need to be ready for.
The Loneliness Factor
Sales is emotional. You get rejected 20 times a day. In an office, you hang up the phone, turn to your buddy next to you, and joke about how rude that prospect was. You vent, you laugh, you move on.
At home? You hang up the phone and... silence. It’s just you and your cat. It can get in your head. The best companies combat this with "virtual sales floors" (basically an open Zoom room where everyone works on mute but can chat) or active Slack channels just for banter.
Overworking
Because your office is your living room, it is really hard to "turn off." I’ve found myself checking emails at 8 PM just because my laptop was sitting there. Good sales orgs will actually tell you to log off. Bad ones will message you at all hours expecting a reply.
How to Land These Jobs
The competition for remote roles at places like Salesforce or HubSpot is fierce. Everyone wants them. Here is how you stand out.
1. Optimize for the ATS
Most of these big companies use bots to read resumes first. Make sure your resume lists specific numbers. Don't say "I sold software." Say "Achieved 115% of quota in 2023, generating $1.2M in pipeline revenue." Numbers speak louder than words in sales.
2. Check Your "RepVue" Score
I mentioned this earlier, but RepVue is a website where sales reps anonymously rate their employers. It shows you the percentage of the team hitting quota. If only 30% of the team is hitting quota, do not work there. It means the goals are unrealistic. Aim for companies where 60-70% of reps are hitting the number.
3. Message the Hiring Manager
You are applying for a sales job... so sell yourself. Don't just apply online. Find the Sales Manager on LinkedIn and send them a video message or a tailored note. Show them you know how to prospect. If you can prospect your way into an interview, you prove you can do the job.
Equipment You’ll Need
Most of the top companies will send you a laptop (usually a MacBook or a Dell XPS) and a monitor. Some even give you a stipend for a desk and chair.
However, you absolutely need to invest in:
- High-Speed Internet: If you freeze during a demo, you lose the deal. Hardwire your connection via ethernet if you can.
- A Good Headset: Airpods are okay, but a dedicated headset like Jabra or Poly has better noise canceling. You don't want the client hearing your dog barking.
- Lighting: Get a simple ring light. Looking professional on video helps build trust, which is harder to do remotely.
Final Thoughts
Remote sales is one of the few careers where you can make $150k+ without a specialized degree, all while living in a low-cost area. Companies like Salesforce, HubSpot, and GitLab are leading the way, but there are thousands of smaller startups offering great gigs too.
Just remember to vet them as hard as they vet you. Ask about the quota, ask about the tech stack, and ask to speak to a current rep on the team. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to get a remote sales job?
Not always. For roles like "Sales Development Representative" (SDR) or "Business Development Representative" (BDR), companies are often looking for hunger and coachability rather than years of experience. However, for "Account Executive" (AE) closing roles, you typically need 2-3 years of closing experience.
How much can I make in remote sales?
It varies wildly. entry-level SDR roles usually see an OTE (Base + Commission) between $60,000 and $85,000. Mid-level Account Executives often range from $120,000 to $180,000. Enterprise reps at top tech companies can easily clear $300,000 a year if they are hitting their numbers.
Is it better to work for a startup or a big company?
It depends on your personality. Big companies (Salesforce, Adobe) offer stability, better training, and structured career paths. Startups offer more chaos but often higher commission percentages and the chance to get equity (stock) that could be valuable if the company grows huge.
What if I fail to hit my quota?
It happens. One bad month usually isn't a problem. However, if you miss quota for 3 months in a row, most sales orgs will put you on a "Performance Improvement Plan" (PIP). This is usually the warning sign to start looking for a new job.
Are these jobs 100% remote or hybrid?
The companies listed in this article (like GitLab and Zapier) are fully remote. Others, like HubSpot or Salesforce, might have offices ("Hubs") you can go to, but usually don't force you to unless you are assigned to a specific hybrid role. Always clarify this in the first interview.

