Salesperson

Education required for this profession

There usually are no formal education requirements for this type of work, although a high school diploma or the equivalent is often preferred. A college degree may be required for management trainee positions, especially in larger retail establishments. In most small stores, an experienced employee or the store owner instructs newly hired sales personnel in making out sales checks and operating cash registers. In large stores, training programs are more formal and are usually conducted over several days. Topics discussed often include customer service, security, the store’s policies and procedures, and how to work a cash register. Depending on the type of product they are selling, employees may be given additional specialized training by sales representatives. For example, those working in cosmetics receive instruction on the types of products the store offers and for whom the cosmetics would be most beneficial. Likewise, salespersons employed by motor vehicle dealers may be instructed on the technical details of standard and optional equipment available on new vehicle models. Since providing the best possible service to customers is a high priority for many employers, employees often are given periodic training to update and refine their skills.

Relevant Degree/Diploma/Certificate

Bachelors degree in business, retail management

Quick Facts

Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year. Most salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during sales and other peak retail periods. Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have tact, patience, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance, and the ability to communicate clearly.

Salary

Median hourly earnings of retail salespersons, including commissions, are $9.50 . The middle 50 percent earn between $7.81 and $12.83 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $6.79, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $18.48 an hour.

Featured Universities Offering Degrees for this Profession

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences	Abilene Christian University	American InterContinental University Online	American Sentinel University	Antonelli College

Online Universities Offering Degrees for this Profession

A A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Abilene Christian University American InterContinental University Online American Sentinel University Antonelli College Argosy University Online Ashford University B Baker College Online Bay Path College Bellevue University Benedictine University Boise State University Boston University Bowling Green State University Bryant & Stratton College Bush School of Government - Texas A&M University C California Coast University California InterContinental University California State University, Monterey Bay Capella University Chamberlain College of Nursing Chancellor University Clarion University of Pennsylvania Cleveland Institute of Electronics Colorado Technical University Online Columbia Southern University Concord Law School Concordia University Irvine Creighton University Cumberland University D Daniel Webster College DePaul University DeSales University DeVry University Dominican University Drexel University Online Duquesne University E Eastern Kentucky University eCornell Ellis University Everest College Phoenix Everest University Online Everglades University F Fielding Graduate University Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Florida Tech University Online Fort Hays State University Full Sail University G Golden Gate University Gonzaga University Graceland University Grand Canyon University Gratz College H Harrison College Henley-Putnam University Herzing University Hodges University

I IIA College Independence University Indiana State University Indiana Tech International Academy of Design and Technology Iowa Central College Online Ivy Bridge College J Jacksonville University Jones International University K Kaplan University Keiser University Keller Graduate School of Management Kent State University L LA College Online Lehigh University Lesley University LeTourneau University Lewis University Liberty University Online Lincoln College Online Loyola University New Orleans M Malone University Marylhurst University McKinley College Minnesota School of Business Missouri University of Science and Technology Mountain State University N National American University New England College New England Culinary Institute New Jersey Institute of Technology / NJIT New York Medical College - School of Public Health Nova Southeastern University O Ohio University Oklahoma Wesleyan University P Post University Online S Strayer University Syracuse University T The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division U UMassOnline University Alliance University of Phoenix W Walden University