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)
What skills help Retail Sales Associates find jobs?
- Automotive diagnostics
- Basic math
- Bilingual
- Cash handling
- Cashiering
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Employment & labor law
- English
- Hospitality
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 |
Common qualifications for Retail Sales Associates
- ASE Certification
- CPR Certification
- Certified Notary Public
- Cosmetology License
- Driver's License
- Food Handler Certification
- ServSafe
- TABC Certified