What Retail Salespersons do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Retail Salespersons this way: "Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs"; "Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices"; "Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment"; "Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations"; "Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Retail Salespersons
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 3,998,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 3,984,100 in 2035, a decrease of 14,000 jobs (-0.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 520,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,410, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Retail Salespersons earn the most
Across the 44 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $29,404 in Louisiana to $39,470 in Washington, a gap of $10,066 (1.34 times). 13 of those 44 states average above the BLS national median of $35,410 and 31 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 367,030, which is 7.5% of the 4,916,940 counted across them. Texas follows with 332,620.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($39,470), California ($38,565) and Colorado ($37,922) lead the ranking, while Louisiana ($29,404) and Oklahoma ($29,548) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Retail Salespersons: pay against the cost of living
We compare 134 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $10,786. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,499 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 120 of the 134 markets and falls short in 14. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 37.5% and 104.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Retail Salespersons
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (41-2000) include Counter and Rental Clerks, Parts Salespersons and Cashiers.
Frequently asked questions about Retail Salespersons
What is the national median wage for Retail Salespersons?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,410. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $29,404 to $39,470.
Which state pays Retail Salespersons the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $39,470. California is next at $38,565.
What is the job outlook for Retail Salespersons?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 520,600 openings a year.
What education do Retail Salespersons need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Retail Salespersons afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $10,786 on a median wage of $36,610.