Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Retail Sales Worker A friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers, as the job requires almost constant interaction with people. Retail sales workers typically do not need formal
Education
to enter the occupation. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most retail sales workers learn on the job. Education Although retail or parts sales positions usually have no formal education requirement, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Training
Most retail sales workers receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months. An experienced employee often trains newly hired workers, but some training programs are more formal and may be conducted over several days. Training topics usually include customer service, security, store policies and procedures, and cash register or point-of-sale system operation. Depending on the product they are selling, employees may receive additional specialized training. For example, salespersons working in automotive sales get instruction on the types of vehicles for sale, sales promotions, and financing options. Similarly, those who sell auto parts may be instructed on the technical functions of various parts, in addition to sales technique.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Some states require licensure for selected retail sales occupations, such as car salespersons. Aspiring salespersons may be required to pass an exam, complete a background check, or meet other conditions for employment. Requirements vary by state. Contact individual state licensing agencies for more information. Advancement Retail sales workers may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some employers prefer that candidates for managerial positions have a bachelor’s degree. As sales workers gain experience and seniority, they often have greater responsibility and may be given a choice of departments in which to work. Such opportunities often mean moving to positions with higher potential earnings and commissions.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of retail sales workers is projected to decline 0 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 550,600 openings for retail sales workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The increase in online sales is expected to continue over the projections decade, limiting growth in the number of physical retail stores and reducing demand for retail sales workers. Competition from e-commerce is expected to reduce demand for retail salespersons. However, because retail salespersons provide a versatile range of customer service tasks, and because many consumers are still expected to visit physical stores, retail salespersons should continue to be needed to help customers and to complete sales. Demand for car parts and parts salespersons is expected to continue as many older cars require repairs. Retail Sales Workers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Parts salespersons 3% Retail sales workers 0% Retail salespersons 0% Sales and related occupations -1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Retail Sales Workers Do
Retail sales workers sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel, to customers. They also sell spare and replacement parts and equipment.
Duties
Retail sales workers typically do the following:
- Greet customers and offer them assistance
- Recommend products based on customers’ wants and needs
- Explain the use and benefit of products to customers
- Answer customers’ questions
- Show how products work, if applicable
- Add up customers’ total purchases and process payment
- Inform customers about current sales, promotions, and policies about payments and exchanges
Retail sales workers help customers find and select items to buy; they also process payment for the sale. They may be responsible for operating a cash register or point-of-sale system and for cash, receipts, and totals related to payment transactions.
In addition, retail sales workers may help with tasks such as stocking shelves or racks, arranging for delivery of purchases, and tracking inventory. They also need to maintain a tidy and organized work area.
For some retail sales jobs, particularly those involving expensive and complex items, retail sales workers need special knowledge or skills. For example, those who sell cars or car parts must be able to explain the features of various models, manufacturers’ specifications, and details of associated warranties.
Retail sales workers also must recognize security risks and understand their organization’s procedures for handling theft, which may include notifying security guards or calling police.
The following are examples of types of retail sales workers:
Parts salespersons sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts. Most work in either automotive parts stores or automobile dealerships.
Retail salespersons work in stores where they sell goods such as cars, clothing, furniture, and many other types of merchandise.
For information about other workers who process payments and disburse money in retail settings, see the cashiers profile.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Parts salespersons held about 273,300 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of parts salespersons were as follows:
| Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers | 46% |
| Automobile dealers | 22 |
| Wholesale trade | 19 |
| Repair and maintenance | 4 |
| Other motor vehicle dealers | 4 |
Retail salespersons held about 4.0 million jobs in 2025. The largest employers of retail salespersons were as follows:
| General merchandise retailers | 20% |
| Clothing, clothing accessories, shoe, and jewelry retailers | 17 |
| Sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers | 15 |
| Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers | 12 |
| Furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retailers | 7 |
Most parts salespersons and retail salespersons work in stores. Some workers travel to meet clients or visit other stores. Retail sales workers spend most of their time interacting with customers, such as to answer their questions or assist them with purchases.
Workers often stand for long periods. They may work outdoors if they sell items such as cars, plants, or lumberyard materials.
Work Schedules
Many sales workers are employed full time. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends. Workers sometimes pick up additional shifts or part-time employment, particularly during holidays and other peak sales periods.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Customer-service skills. Retail sales workers must be responsive to customers and be friendly and outgoing. They should explain product options and make appropriate recommendations to customers. Interpersonal skills. Retail sales workers have frequent interaction with customers. Engaging with and relating to people may increase customer loyalty. Math skills. Retail sales workers must be able to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers. Persistence. A large number of attempted sales may not be successful, so sales workers should not be discouraged easily. Persuasion. Retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers. They must clearly and effectively explain the benefits of the merchandise.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about retail sales workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.