working-metro

Ames, IA Area

Retail Salespersons

Retail Salespersons are responsible for assisting customers with purchases, processing transactions, demonstrating product features, providing information about products, handling customer inquiries and complaints, maintaining a clean and organized store environment, restocking shelves, arranging displays, and contributing to overall sales goals. They often work in retail environments such as department stores, boutiques, or specialty shops, interacting directly with customers to ensure a positive shopping experience and drive sales.

Income Data

This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.

Annual Pay Distribution
Salary

10th percentile

$22,300.00

25th percentile

$25,750.00

median (50th percentile)

$29,750.00

75th percentile

$35,940.00

90th percentile

$45,330.00

Hourly Pay Distribution
Hourly Rate

10th percentile

$10.72

25th percentile

$12.38

median (50th percentile)

$14.30

75th percentile

$17.28

90th percentile

$21.79

Links to Job Listings
Education / Training

Retail Salespersons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although formal education beyond this level is not usually required. Individuals in this role usually receive on-the-job training to learn about the products they are selling, customer service skills, and company policies and procedures. While some employers may prefer candidates with previous sales experience or specific knowledge related to the products being sold, many retail positions offer entry-level opportunities for individuals without prior experience. Therefore, completing high school is generally sufficient to pursue a career as a Retail Salesperson. On-the-job training for Retail Salespersons often involves shadowing experienced employees, learning about the products or services offered by the store, understanding sales techniques and strategies, familiarizing oneself with point-of-sale systems, and honing customer service skills through practical experience. This training can vary in length depending on the complexity of the products being sold and the employer's specific requirements. Additionally, ongoing training may be provided to keep Salespersons updated on new products, promotions, or sales tactics, ensuring that they remain effective in their roles and can meet customer needs efficiently.