Retail Salespersons
Did You Know:
- Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year.
- Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak retail periods.
- Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have good communication skills, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance and a courteous demeanor.
- Although advancement opportunities are limited, having a college degree or a great deal of experience may help retail salespersons move into management positions.
Industry Areas
- Clothing Stores
- Department Stores
- Building Material and Supplies Dealers
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
Overall Kind of Work
Whether selling shoes, computer equipment or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for. They also try to increase sales by describing a product's featu...
Work Environment
Civilian
Most retail salespersons work in clean, comfortable, well-lit stores. However, they often stand for long periods and may need supervisory approval to leave the sales floor. They also may work outd...
Military
Sales and stock specialists work on land and aboard ships in retail stores, and storerooms.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 24.29% (0-20 Hours)
- 15.42% (21-34 Hours)
- 8.16% (35-39 Hours)
- 39.13% (40 Hours)
- 3.73% (41-49 Hours)
- 9.28% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Retail salespersons (41-2031)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: 
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 91.07% (Private For-Profit)
- 1.56% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 0.45% (State and Local Govt)
- 0.18% (Federal Government)
- 6.74% (Self-Employed)
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,282 Retail Salespersons in the military