Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace retail salespersons?AI replacement risk 39% and how the work is changing

United States Retail Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$35,410
25th–75th pct. $29,900–$38,670
Top pay (est.)
$62,300
Top 10% $47,890
Pay in 5 years
$40,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$47,000est.
$40,400–$54,500
Outlook score
40/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.3%
521K openings / yr

Will AI replace Retail Salespersons? AI replacement risk

39%
Low
Ranked #363 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Retail Salespersons

Key skills

Persuasion
4.0
Service Orientation
3.9
Negotiation
3.8
Active Listening
3.8
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Speaking
3.1
Social Perceptiveness
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Sales and Marketing
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
English Language
3.2
Administrative
3.2
Computers and Electronics
3.0
Mathematics
3.0
Psychology
2.9
Administration and Management
2.9

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicSelling or Influencing OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionProblem SensitivitySpeech ClarityNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
63%
Less than high school
19%
Associate's degree
10%
Bachelor's degree
4%
Post-secondary certificate
2%
Some college
1%

Training before entry

1–3 months
44%
Up to 1 month
33%
6–12 months
14%
None / short demo
5%
3–6 months
2%
1–2 years
1%

Related work experience

None
40%
6–12 months
32%
8–10 years
10%
1–2 years
7%
2–4 years
7%
1–3 months
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.