Careers · Retail Salespersons · California
Retail Salespersons in California
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 In California the median pay is $38,440 a year, 9% above the national median of $35,410.
$38,440median pay in California, per year
$36,350–$45,460middle half earn
376,460employed in California
$35,410U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against retail salespersons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against retail salespersons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
PersuasionActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessNegotiationCritical ThinkingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
Sales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementMathematics (knowledge)Administrative
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Retail Salespersons.
Licenses and training in California
Retail Salespersons pay in other states
Washington · $39,560District of Columbia · $38,500Colorado · $37,950Hawaii · $37,790New York · $37,720Vermont · $37,400Alaska · $37,290Oregon · $36,770Maine · $36,640Massachusetts · $36,610
Related occupations
CashiersGambling Change Persons and Booth CashiersCounter and Rental ClerksParts SalespersonsFirst-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales WorkersFirst-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales WorkersAdvertising Sales AgentsInsurance Sales Agents
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against retail salespersons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.