First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
First-line retail supervisors directly oversee sales workers and manage daily store operations. They work in retail establishments across various sectors—clothing, grocery, electronics, and more—handling tasks like scheduling staff, monitoring sales performance, managing inventory, and ensuring customer service standards are met.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of retail sales workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing sales reports, creating work schedules, training and evaluating staff performance, and addressing customer or employee issues. Supervisors monitor floor operations, handle cash management tasks, process orders, and may cover registers or assist customers during peak hours. Administrative work includes tracking budgets, inventory counts, and preparing reports for management.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy organizing operations and directing people toward clear business goals. If you're detail-oriented, comfortable with numbers and processes, and energized by managing teams and solving practical problems, this role matches your strengths.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $49,110 | $60,750 | $75,830 | 27,640 |
| Rhode Island | $46,250 | $58,570 | $74,380 | 3,880 |
| District of Columbia | $47,470 | $58,470 | $75,920 | 1,470 |
| New York | $45,800 | $58,300 | $71,950 | 50,830 |
| Colorado | $47,020 | $58,200 | $70,890 | 26,390 |
| Massachusetts | $45,970 | $57,490 | $67,930 | 20,240 |
| New Jersey | $46,490 | $57,320 | $70,460 | 31,160 |
| Alaska | $47,130 | $57,080 | $69,020 | 3,030 |
| South Dakota | $45,790 | $56,680 | $72,190 | 3,660 |
| Connecticut | $44,830 | $56,510 | $68,750 | 13,910 |
| Hawaii | $45,660 | $55,850 | $65,500 | 6,580 |
| Vermont | $46,550 | $55,760 | $62,880 | 2,310 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional Certification in Advanced Service and Sales — National Retail Federation Foundation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of retail sales workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.