How to become retail salespersonseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become retail salespersons

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Post-secondary certificate

Some college

Training before entry

1–3 months

44%

Up to 1 month

33%

6–12 months

14%

None / short demo

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

40%

6–12 months

32%

8–10 years

10%

1–2 years

2–4 years

1–3 months

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as retail salespersons

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Cashiers Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions.	$32,880	32/100	49%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department.	$48,520	38/100	46%
3	Counter and Rental Clerks Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services.	$41,300	44/100	54%
4	Parts Salespersons Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.	$38,630	47/100	44%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.	$87,520	51/100	62%
6	Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers Exchange coins, tokens, and chips for patrons' money.	$36,220	36/100	51%

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.