Despite automation efforts, sales sector hiring to remain strong in 2025

The enterprise software (SaaS) industry continues to show resilience and growth in 2024, with companies maintaining strong hiring momentum for sales positions despite ongoing discussions about AI’s impact on sales roles.

Key hiring trends: A recent survey reveals that two-thirds of SaaS companies plan to accelerate their sales hiring in 2025 compared to 2024.

• 66% of respondents indicate they will increase sales hiring in 2025
• Only 22% report plans to reduce their sales hiring pace
• The percentage of companies planning to hire “much faster” has increased from 22% in 2024 to 31% for 2025

Market performance: The SaaS and cloud computing sector demonstrates continued strength despite broader economic uncertainties.

• Leading SaaS companies are maintaining growth rates of 20% or higher
• The public SaaS market has shown a 24% increase this year
• Companies are achieving higher profitability while sustaining hiring efforts, though not at the intensive pace seen in 2021

Human element in sales: Despite advances in artificial intelligence technology, SaaS companies continue to prioritize human sales representatives.

• Most SaaS products still require human interaction for effective sales processes
• Companies are investing in sales talent even as AI capabilities expand
• The trend suggests that AI is currently viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human sales professionals

Looking ahead: While AI’s role in sales continues to evolve, current hiring trends indicate that human sales representatives will remain crucial to SaaS business growth in the immediate future, though companies should monitor how AI capabilities may reshape sales roles over time.