Retail Salespersons
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
Also called: Art Dealer, Art Objects Salesperson, Auto Dealer, Automobile Accessories Salesperson, Automobile Salesman, Automobiles Salesperson
Median pay
$35,410
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,210 – $47,890
People employed
3,897,860
Holland code
ECR
Enterprising · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Retail Salespersons pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What retail salespersons do
- 01Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- 02Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- 03Maintain records related to sales.
- 04Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- 05Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.
- 06Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Social Orientation
- Optimism
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from retail salespersons
- Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers90% · +17%
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters88% · +11%
- Telemarketers86% · 0%
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers86% · +37%
- Customer Service Representatives83% · +26%
Change into retail salespersons
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters88% · $39,320
- Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers88% · $41,380
- Telemarketers86% · $35,450
- Gambling Dealers85% · $34,320
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners82% · $34,980