Stryker Breast Care vs Teleflex Surgical vs ATEC Spine Associate Rep — Which would you choose and why?
Looking for input from people in medical device sales, especially anyone with experience at Stryker, Teleflex, or spine.
I’m transitioning into med device sales and currently evaluating three opportunities. I’m trying to balance short-term income, long-term career growth, training, and future earning potential.
Option 1: Stryker Breast Care Sales Representative
Pros:
Stryker brand name and reputation
Reported OTE around $180k
Established training and development
Breast imaging/capital equipment seems more lifestyle-friendly than OR-based roles
Hybrid role
Cons:
Compensation starts as a $96k draw
Draw is forgiven after 6 months, then transitions to commission
Territory commissions are shared among a small team (2 other reps)
Less direct control over my income because of shared territory performance
Not sure how realistic the OTE is compared to top performers
Option 2: Teleflex Territory Development Representative (Associate Sales Rep)
Compensation:
$90k base
$20k MBO bonus
$725/month car allowance
Fuel reimbursement
Full benefits
Role Details:
Supports Territory Managers across CA, NV, and AZ
40-60% overnight travel
Products include ligation, stapling, and fascial closure products
Exposure to surgical sales and OR environment
Pros:
Strong guaranteed income
No draw
Associate role with room to advance
Broad surgical exposure
Cons:
Significant travel
Less prestige than Stryker or spine
Harder to find information on culture and advancement opportunities
Option 3: ATEC Spine Associate Sales Representative
Compensation:
Estimated base somewhere around $60k-$90k (likely around $75k for me)
No quota
No commission expectations initially
Pros:
Spine is often viewed as one of the most respected and technically challenging specialties in med device
True associate role focused on learning
Significant mentorship and hand-holding
Opportunity to build a strong technical foundation
Potential long-term path into a highly lucrative spine career
Cons:
Lowest immediate compensation
Steepest learning curve
Demanding lifestyle
Spine can have high burnout rates
Longer path before significant earnings
My Situation
I’m early in my med device career, so I’m trying to decide whether I should:
A) Take the highest income opportunity now (Stryker)
B) Take the balanced option with solid guaranteed pay and surgical experience (Teleflex)
C) Take the long-term investment approach and learn spine from the ground up (ATEC)
My priorities are:
Long-term earning potential
Career development/training
Resume value in med device
Exit opportunities
Work-life balance (important, but not #1)
If you were 25 years old and trying to maximize your med device career over the next 3-7years, which would you choose and why?