Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Retail Salesperson assists customers in finding and purchasing products in a retail setting. They provide customer service, product knowledge, and sales assistance to enhance the shopping experience.
Education: No formal educational credential
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Short-term
Projected Growth: -2.1% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 555,800
Direct AI exposure: 26% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 45% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $35K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $27K per year | $30K per year | $35K per year | $39K per year | $48K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $16K below the national average. | ||||
Retail Salespersons typically work in stores ranging from small, specialty shops to large department stores or supermarkets. The environment is customer-focused and often requires working on weekends, evenings, and holidays, especially during peak shopping seasons.
Retail Salespersons play a vital role in the retail industry, serving as the face of the store and the direct point of contact for customers. They need to have a good understanding of the products they sell to provide accurate information and help customers make informed decisions. Being friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable are key traits, as they enhance customer satisfaction and potentially drive sales.
Communication skills are crucial, as retail salespersons must effectively interact with a diverse range of customers daily. They should also possess basic math skills for handling cash transactions and be able to operate point of sale systems. Additionally, staying informed about product features, inventory, and store promotions is essential.
The role can be fast-paced and demanding, especially during busy shopping periods. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as salespersons might be required to handle various tasks such as stocking, cleaning, and rearranging store layouts. Despite the challenges, the role can be rewarding for those who enjoy interacting with people and have a passion for sales and customer service.
The position usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions, especially those involving high-end merchandise, might require additional training or knowledge specific to the product being sold.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
