What is the salary of a Retail Salesperson?

The typical salary range is $24,206 - $48,412 per year.

Sales, Marketing & CommsStableBright Outlook

Retail Salesperson

Operational-level

Also known as: Art Dealer, Art Objects Salesperson, Auto Dealer, Automobile Accessories Salesperson

Sales, Marketing & CommsBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Retail Salesperson, you help customers find and buy products like furniture, appliances, or clothing. You work indoors in environmentally controlled settings, engaging directly with individuals and teams, sometimes over the phone. You'll listen to customer needs, answer questions, and explain product features. This role suits people who enjoy talking to others, listening carefully, and solving problems, all while working as part of a team.

Retail SalesCustomer ServiceMerchandisingSales TechniquesConsumer BehaviorSalesMarketingBusinessRetail

A Day in the Life

You swipe your badge at 9:00 AM, the familiar "beep" signaling the start of your shift at "Tech Solutions," a bustling electronics store in downtown Austin. After a quick huddle with your team leader, Maria, discussing the day's promotions, you head to your assigned section: laptops and tablets. You power on the display models, ensuring they're clean and organized, ready for the morning rush. The faint smell of fresh coffee from the breakroom reaches you.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

-0.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

520,600

per year (US)

Jobs today

3,998,100

in 2025 → 3,984,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook through 2035, with numerous job openings expected each year (about 520,600). The median annual wage is around $35,410. With experience, you can move into roles like sales manager or retail store manager.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Cashier
Customer Service Representative
Store Clerk

Retail Salesperson

Where it can lead

Sales Manager
Retail Store Manager
Account Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will streamline inventory management and personalize customer recommendations for retail salespersons, freeing them to focus on complex sales and relationship building. While AI can automate some aspects of sales, the human touch in understanding nuanced customer needs and closing intricate deals will remain crucial. Salespersons will leverage AI tools to enhance their efficiency and provide more tailored advice.

Salary

$35,410

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position