First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

O*NET 41-1011.00 · SOC 41-1011

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker is a risky career choice. Median pay is $49k a year with -3.7% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 113,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

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

Projected Growth
+-3.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$49k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
114k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Schedule retail staff shifts to meet store coverage needs
  • Train new sales associates on store policies and procedures
  • Resolve customer complaints escalated beyond associate level
  • Monitor inventory levels and coordinate restocking with vendors
  • Review daily sales reports and set performance targets

Education & How to Get In

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

First-Line Supervisors of Retail 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

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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 First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningSchedule retail staff shifts to meet store coverage needs
MiddayTrain new sales associates on store policies and procedures
AfternoonResolve customer complaints escalated beyond associate level

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)5.6
Social (Helpers)3.6
Realistic (Doers)2.8
Investigative (Thinkers)1.1
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as First-Line Supervisors of Retail 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 CommanderISTJThe Inspector

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

See Open First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker Roles

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

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Similar Careers

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Job Outlook

Employment of First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers is projected to decline 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

51/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·48% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·39% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace

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 First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker make?

The median First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker earns $49k 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 First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker jobs?

Our model puts First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker at 51 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 48% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 39% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.

Is First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 113,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Worker?

Most First-Line Supervisors of Retail 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 First-Line Supervisors of Retail 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 First-Line Supervisors of Retail 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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