Retail salespersons
SOC Code: 41-2031Also known as:
Art Dealer, Art Objects Salesperson, Auto Dealer, Automobile Accessories Salesperson, Automobile Salesman
Median Annual Salary
$34,580
-0.5% growth (2024-2034)
556K
Openings/Year
3.9M
Current Jobs
What Retail salespersons Do
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
💰 Salary
$34,580
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.5%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
556K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,936,700
Projected Employment (2034)
3,917,100
Related Careers
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
$47,320 •
-5.0% growth
Counter and rental clerks
$38,540 •
+3.2% growth
Demonstrators and product promoters
$37,960 •
-0.1% growth
Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers
$34,530 •
-10.0% growth
Stockers and order fillers
$37,090 •
+8.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Persuasion
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.
- Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
- Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.
- Inventory stock and requisition new stock.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do retail salespersons make?
The median annual salary for retail salespersons is $34,580.
What education do retail salespersons need?
Most retail salespersons positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming retail salespersons a good career choice?
Retail salespersons is projected to see -0.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 555,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for retail salespersons?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to retail salespersons?
Retail salespersons may also be known as: Art Dealer, Art Objects Salesperson, Auto Dealer, Automobile Accessories Salesperson, Automobile Salesman, Automobiles Salesperson, Automotive Salesperson, Bakery Clerk, Bargain Table Clerk, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Consultant, Beauty Counselor, Boats and Marine Supplies Sales Representative, Books Salesperson, Car Dealer, Car Salesman, Car Salesperson, China and Silverware Salesperson, Cigarette Seller, Clothier.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.