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Retail Salesperson

Also called: Sales Associate, Sales Clerk, Sales Consultant, Sales Person

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Sales & customer service
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Median pay
$35,410/yr
Typical range
$27,210 – $47,890
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Retail Salesperson do?

  • Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
  • Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
  • Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.

How to become a Retail Salesperson

Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsTalking to othersTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviorLooking for ways to help people

Is it a fit for you?

  • Optimism
  • Social Orientation
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Perseverance

Tools and technology

Database softwareMicrosoft AccessGoogle DocsMicrosoft WordPlexis Software Plexis POSTokenWorks Magnetic Card Reader

Questions people ask

How much does a Retail Salesperson make?

About $35,410 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $27,210 and $47,890. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Retail Salesperson?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Retail Salesperson?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.

Is Retail Salesperson a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Stocker & Order Filler$37,330 a yearCashier$32,880 a yearCustomer Service Representative$44,770 a yearReceptionist & Information Clerk$38,010 a yearSales Representative of Services$69,990 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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