Online Merchants
O*NET 13-1199.06 · SOC 13-1199
Online Merchant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $83k a year with +28% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 98,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →List products for sale on e-commerce platforms with accurate descriptions
- →Monitor online store inventory and reorder stock as needed
- →Respond to customer inquiries and resolve order issues promptly
- →Analyze sales data to identify top-selling and underperforming products
- →Adjust product pricing based on competitor listings and demand trends
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Online Merchant roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Online Merchant? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Online Merchant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Online Merchant?
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.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Online Merchant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Online Merchants is projected to grow 28% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
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 an Online Merchant make?
The median Online Merchant earns $83k 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 Online Merchant jobs?
Our model puts Online Merchant at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Online Merchant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 28% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 98,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Online Merchant?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Online Merchant roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Online Merchant?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Online Merchant 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.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes