Retail Salespersons
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Retail Salespersons to decrease by -0.3% between 2024 and 2034, from 3,998,100 to 3,984,100 jobs. Its estimate of 520,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($35,410), education (No formal educational credential), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
3,998,100
Projected employment (2034)
3,984,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
-0%
Annual openings (projected average)
520,600
Pay & Preparation
$35,410
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Persuasion (3.88/5) • Service Orientation (3.75/5) • Speaking (3.75/5) • Active Listening (3.75/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.5/5) • Negotiation (3.5/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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