Occupation · SOC 41-2031
Retail Salespersons
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
Median wage
$34,580
$25,600–$47,930
Projected growth
-0.5%
Declining
Annual openings
-1,960
per year
Employed (US)
3,800,250
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
6 mapped
Core skills
PersuasionActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationNegotiationSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
Sales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementMathematics
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwarePoint of sale POS softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
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.Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.Inventory stock and requisition new stock.Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations.Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.Clean shelves, counters, and tables.Maintain records related to sales.Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.Estimate and quote trade-in allowances.Bag or package purchases and wrap gifts.Help customers try on or fit merchandise.Sell or arrange for delivery, insurance, financing, or service contracts for merchandise.Estimate quantity and cost of merchandise required, such as paint or floor covering.Rent merchandise to customers.Estimate cost of repair or alteration of merchandise.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Product locations and basic merchandise knowledge — learn and recall under a senior associate's coaching on a small-format sales floor.Point-of-sale system basics — operate to process common transactions under shift-manager oversight.Customer greetings and store-script openers — deliver consistently within the first 30 seconds of customer entry.Loss-prevention awareness — recognize common shoplifting cues and escalate to a manager rather than confronting.Returns and exchanges within policy — process accurately on routine items at the register.Restocking and facing — maintain to the planogram during slow periods on an assigned section.Price tags and signage — apply correctly during sale-rollout days under supervision.Cash-handling basics (counts, deposits, change) — perform reliably at shift open and close.Personal protective behaviors (allergens, lifting limits, ladder safety) — follow consistently across the shift.Manager call-outs (price overrides, complex returns) — escalate appropriately rather than guessing.
developing
Multiple departments on the sales floor — cover routinely on a moderate-volume day.Suggestive selling and add-on attachments — apply naturally on common transactions to lift basket size.Product knowledge across the assigned department — answer specific questions without checking with a senior.Customer objections and price-comparison questions — handle confidently using store-trained responses.Inventory cycle counts on assigned aisles — execute accurately and flag discrepancies.Schedule swaps, breaks, and shift handoffs — coordinate within the team without manager involvement.New hires on the floor — buddy with on basics during their first two weeks.Promotional setup and seasonal resets — execute to plan within an assigned section.Loyalty program enrollments and credit applications — pitch and process per company training.Light visual merchandising (end caps, mannequins) — refresh per the corporate guide on a routine day.
proficient
Big-ticket sales (appliances, furniture, electronics over $500) — close consistently against monthly targets.Customer complaints and difficult returns — resolve to satisfaction without escalating to a manager.New product launches in the department — learn quickly and become the floor's go-to within a week.Cross-trained coverage across most departments — work effectively on any assigned floor.Shift opening and closing procedures — run autonomously as a key-holder.Floor team during a peak rush — coordinate priorities (registers, fitting rooms, restock) without a manager present.Visual merchandising for the department — execute corporate directives with creative latitude.Performance feedback for newer hires — provide substantive observations to the assistant manager.Inventory variances and root-cause investigation — identify and recommend process fixes.Stretch goals and SPIFFs — design micro-incentives for the team on a quiet shift.
advanced
Department revenue and conversion targets — own as department lead across a full quarter.Hiring, scheduling, and discipline for a team of 6–15 — manage with the assistant manager.Loss-prevention investigations — partner with corporate LP on internal and external cases.Visual merchandising across the store — set standards and audit execution.Vendor partnerships and in-store demo events — plan and run end-to-end.Store-level inventory ordering and shrink management — own with the buyer and store manager.Customer-experience metrics (NPS, mystery shop) — interpret and translate into team coaching.Crisis-moment leadership (POS down, fire alarm, irate customer) — lead through with composure.Talent development — identify high-potentials and coach them toward keyholder and supervisor roles.Store operations during the manager's absence — run a full shift with full P&L accountability.
Also known as
180 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Trailers and Motor Homes SalespersonYard Goods SalespersonPet Supplies SalespersonMerchandising Service AssociateGeneral Merchandise SalespersonHousehold Appliances SalespersonStorekeeper (Coast Guard SK)HaberdasherSalesperson, Trailers and Motor HomesRetail Sales ClerkAutomobile Accessories SalespersonSales SpecialistCosmetic ConsultantSalesperson, Toy Trains and AccessoriesHorticultural and Nursery Products SalespersonArt Objects SalespersonSalesperson, Women's Apparel and AccessoriesSalesperson, General HardwareSales Representative, Boats and Marine SuppliesSales AssociateMerchandise CoordinatorSales AttendantLayaway ClerkStamps or Coins SalespersonDairy ClerkRetail SalespersonStamp Redemption ClerkRetail AssociateBeauty AdvisorStore ClerkMillinery SalespersonWallpaper ConsultantSalesperson, Floor CoveringsShip Store Officer (Navy 1935)Bakery ClerkWardrobe Image ConsultantOrthopedic Shoe FitterSeasonal Sales AssociateSalesperson, Cosmetics and ToiletriesAuto Dealer