Retail Salespersons
O*NET 41-2031.00 · SOC 41-2031
Retail Salesperson is a risky career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with -0.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 520,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Greet customers and help them find products
- →Process cash, credit, and debit payments at register
- →Answer questions about product features and availability
- →Restock shelves and arrange merchandise displays
- →Handle returns and exchanges following store policy
Education & How to Get In
Retail Salesperson 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 Retail Salesperson? 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
Leadership — offices, client meetings, or hybrid
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 Retail Salesperson involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Retail Salesperson?
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 Retail Salesperson Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Retail Salespersons is projected to decline 0.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·33% 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 Retail Salesperson make?
The median Retail Salesperson earns $35k 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 Retail Salesperson jobs?
Our model puts Retail Salesperson at 49 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 33% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.
Is Retail Salesperson a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 520,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Retail Salesperson?
Most Retail Salesperson 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 Retail Salesperson?
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 Retail Salesperson 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