Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers

O*NET 41-9091.00 · SOC 41-9091

Door-to-Door Sales Worker is a risky career choice. Median pay is $41k a year with -10.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 4,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-10.4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$41k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
5k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Approach pedestrians or households to sell goods directly.
  • Collect payment from customers at point of sale.
  • Set up and maintain a street vending display.
  • Restock merchandise and manage portable inventory on-site.
  • Distribute newspapers or flyers along an assigned route.

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Door-to-Door Sales Worker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Door-to-Door Sales Worker? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

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Creative and professional skill classes
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership — offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Door-to-Door Sales Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningApproach pedestrians or households to sell goods directly.
MiddayCollect payment from customers at point of sale.
AfternoonSet up and maintain a street vending display.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)5.5
Conventional (Organizers)4.7
Realistic (Doers)3.6
Social (Helpers)2.8
Artistic (Creators)2.0
Investigative (Thinkers)1.0

Who Thrives as Door-to-Door Sales Worker?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveESFJThe ProviderENTJThe CommanderESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Door-to-Door Sales Worker Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers is projected to decline 10.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

60/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·40% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·32% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
  • ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Door-to-Door Sales Worker make?

The median Door-to-Door Sales Worker earns $41k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Door-to-Door Sales Worker jobs?

Our model puts Door-to-Door Sales Worker at 60 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 32% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.

Is Door-to-Door Sales Worker a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 10.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 4,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Door-to-Door Sales Worker?

Most Door-to-Door Sales Worker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Door-to-Door Sales Worker?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Door-to-Door Sales Worker career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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