How to become a Retail Sales Associate
Typically, there are no formal education requirements for retail sales associates. Some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially employers who sell technical products or "big-ticket" items, such as electronics or cars.
Most retail sales associates receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months. In small stores, an experienced employee often trains newly hired workers. In large stores, training programs are more formal and usually conducted over several days.
Retail sales associates typically have opportunities to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some employers want candidates for managerial positions to have a college degree.
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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Typical qualifications for a Retail Sales Associate
Skills employers are looking for
About Cashiering
Skill or experience with cashiering in a retail or hospitality setting.
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About Sales
Skill or experience with sales.
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About Stocking
Experience with or knowledge of stocking goods or products.
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About Product demos
Experience marketing products to consumers with demonstrations and trials.
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About Communication skills
Experience or skill effectively exchanging and understanding information, verbally or in writing.
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Retail Sales Associate jobs in United States
Career progression for Retail Sales Associate
Education levels for Retail Sales Associates
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 68.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 16.0% |
| Associate's degree | 12.8% |
| Master's degree | 1.6% |
| Middle school education | 1.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.1% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $20,700 |
| 4 - 8 | $23,500 |
| 8 - 12 | $26,000 |
| 12 - 16 | $27,700 |
| 16 - 20 | $28,100 |
| 20 - 24 | $28,700 |
