Retail Salespersons
Retail salespersons sell merchandise directly to consumers in stores, showrooms, and dealerships. They work with products ranging from furniture and appliances to motor vehicles and clothing. Most positions are in retail establishments, department stores, or automotive dealerships.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against retail salespersons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A retail salesperson typically spends time greeting customers, demonstrating products, answering questions about features and pricing, and processing sales transactions. The work includes restocking merchandise, maintaining display areas, handling returns, and meeting sales goals. Tasks vary by product type—a furniture salesperson might arrange consultations and coordinate deliveries, while an apparel salesperson focuses on styling and fitting customers.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you enjoy persuading others and thrive on meeting targets, this work suits you. People who do well here tend to be organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable following procedures while building customer relationships and closing sales.
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 | $37,130 | $39,560 | $45,170 | 84,850 |
| District of Columbia | $37,820 | $38,500 | $44,230 | 4,660 |
| California | $36,350 | $38,440 | $45,460 | 376,460 |
| Colorado | $35,740 | $37,950 | $44,460 | 76,660 |
| Hawaii | $34,990 | $37,790 | $44,840 | 19,180 |
| New York | $35,670 | $37,720 | $44,130 | 238,540 |
| Vermont | $34,530 | $37,400 | $45,710 | 8,250 |
| Alaska | $32,160 | $37,290 | $42,350 | 7,890 |
| Oregon | $34,760 | $36,770 | $43,860 | 48,090 |
| Maine | $34,720 | $36,640 | $43,270 | 18,450 |
| Massachusetts | $34,960 | $36,610 | $40,510 | 86,860 |
| New Jersey | $34,230 | $36,520 | $44,400 | 72,530 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) — National Association of Sales Professionals
- Retail Industry Fundamentals — 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 retail salespersons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.