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All About Retail Salespersons
Retail Salesperson Definition Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
A Day in the Life of a Retail Salesperson
- Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.
- Sell or arrange for delivery, insurance, financing, or service contracts for merchandise.
- Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Estimate cost of repair or alteration of merchandise.
- Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.
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Retail Salesperson Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Retail Salespersons say are important on the job.
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Retail Salesperson Jobs
- Menswear Salesperson
- Cosmetic Consultant
- Phonograph Records and Tape Recordings Salesperson
- Customer Assistant
- Department Store Salesperson
Job Outlook for Retail Salespersons
There were about 4,602,500 jobs for Retail Salesperson in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 79,600 new jobs for Retail Salesperson by 2026. The BLS estimates 670,300 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Retail Salesperson are Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Retail Salespersons Salary
The salary for Retail Salespersons ranges between about $18,400 and $41,530 a year.
Retail Salespersons who work in District of Columbia, Washington, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Retail Salespersons make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $26,770 |
| Alaska | $30,060 |
| Arizona | $27,050 |
| Arkansas | $25,610 |
| California | $31,460 |
| Colorado | $30,860 |
| Connecticut | $32,910 |
| Delaware | $26,330 |
| District of Columbia | $37,510 |
| Florida | $26,790 |
| Georgia | $25,510 |
| Hawaii | $30,530 |
| Idaho | $27,710 |
| Illinois | $28,710 |
| Indiana | $26,040 |
| Iowa | $26,870 |
| Kansas | $27,390 |
| Kentucky | $25,700 |
| Louisiana | $25,420 |
| Maine | $28,310 |
| Maryland | $27,740 |
| Massachusetts | $30,290 |
| Michigan | $27,440 |
| Minnesota | $29,190 |
| Mississippi | $25,780 |
| Missouri | $28,030 |
| Montana | $28,500 |
| Nebraska | $27,380 |
| Nevada | $28,180 |
| New Hampshire | $28,610 |
| New Jersey | $29,180 |
| New Mexico | $27,060 |
| New York | $30,100 |
| North Carolina | $26,190 |
| North Dakota | $32,830 |
| Ohio | $28,260 |
| Oklahoma | $27,940 |
| Oregon | $30,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $27,350 |
| Rhode Island | $31,630 |
| South Carolina | $26,420 |
| South Dakota | $29,450 |
| Tennessee | $27,790 |
| Texas | $26,840 |
| Utah | $27,570 |
| Vermont | $30,930 |
| Virginia | $27,310 |
| Washington | $34,500 |
| West Virginia | $25,400 |
| Wisconsin | $26,540 |
| Wyoming | $28,280 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Retail Salespersons
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Retail Salespersons:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Intuit QuickBooks
How to Become a Retail Salesperson
Are there Retail Salespersons education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Retail Salesperson?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those who work as a Retail Salesperson sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Tour Guides and Escorts
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
- Gaming and Sports Book Writers and Runners
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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