Cashier
Ring up purchases, handle payments and give customers a friendly checkout.
- $32,880
- Several days
Sales & Retail career
Retail Sales Associate
Also called: Sales Associate · Retail Salesperson · Store Associate · Sales Floor Associate
What retail sales associates do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a retail sales associate do?
Retail salespersons help customers find products, answer questions, process sales and returns, and keep merchandise stocked and organized. The median pay is $35,410 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 weeks, and employment is projected to grow -0.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$35,410$17.03/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.3%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year520,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 weeksTypical program length
- U.S. jobs3,998,100Employment, 2025
What retail sales associates do
Retail sales associates are the face of stores. They greet shoppers, learn what they need, recommend products, process purchases and returns, open store credit cards, restock and straighten displays and help prevent theft. In specialty stores, such as electronics, appliances or furniture, deep product knowledge drives sales and sometimes commission.
No formal education is required, and training is on the job. Retail is one of the largest occupations in the country, with flexible schedules and many first jobs. Strong associates move up to key holder, department lead and store manager roles.
Typical duties
- Greet customers and identify their needs
- Recommend products and explain features
- Process sales, returns and exchanges
- Restock and organize merchandise
- Set up displays and price changes
- Promote loyalty programs and offers
- Help prevent loss and theft
Work environment and schedule
Associates work in stores of every kind, standing and walking for most of the shift and lifting boxes.
Schedule: Retail shifts include evenings, weekends and holidays, with busy seasons and part-time options.
A day in the life
- Clock in, review sales goals and promotions at the morning huddle.
- Greet shoppers and help a customer choose a jacket.
- Process returns at the register.
- Restock the sales floor from the stockroom.
See a full day in the life of a retail sales associate →
Retail Sales Associate salary
Half of retail sales associates earned more than $35,410 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,210 for the lowest 10% to $47,890 for the top 10%.
Full retail sales associate pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a retail sales associate
- Apply at stores
- Learn the products
- Build sales skills
- Take on more
- Advance
No formal education is required. Associates learn on the job, usually in a few days.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a retail sales associate →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Product knowledge
- POS operation
- Merchandising
- Cash handling
- Inventory basics
People skills
- Friendliness
- Listening
- Persuasion
- Teamwork
All retail sales associate skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to start
- Flexible, part-time schedules
- Employee discounts
- Clear path to management
Cons
- Weekend and holiday work
- Standing for long shifts
- Difficult customers
- Modest pay
Certifications and licenses
- NRF Foundation RISE Up credentials: Retail industry training in customer service and sales.
- Product certifications: Brand training in electronics, beauty or appliances.
- Customer service training: Courses in service and communication.
- Cash handling training: Accuracy and security training.
Career path
- Sales Associate: Help customers and sell.
- Key Holder or Lead: Open, close and lead shifts.
- Assistant Store Manager: Manage staff and operations.
- Store Manager: Run the store.
Learn the job before day one
Our Retail Sales Associate training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as help a customer find the right product and process a return, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Stock Associate
Keep shelves full and pick orders in stores and warehouses.
- $37,330
- Several days
Retail Store Manager
Lead retail teams and run stores that hit their sales goals.
- $48,520
- 2–5 years of retail experience
Customer Service Representative
Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.
- $44,770
- 2–6 weeks (paid training)
Compare: Retail Sales Associate vs. Cashier · Retail Sales Associate vs. Stock Associate · Retail Sales Associate vs. Retail Store Manager · Retail Sales Associate vs. Customer Service Rep
Retail Sales Associate FAQ
Do retail associates need experience?
No. Most stores train new hires.
Is retail a good first job?
Yes. It builds communication and customer service skills.
Can retail lead to a career?
Yes, into store management, merchandising and corporate roles.
How much does a retail sales associate make?
The median annual wage for retail sales associates was $35,410 ($17.03 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,210 and the highest 10% earned more than $47,890.
How long does it take to become a retail sales associate?
Most people need about 1–2 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Associates learn on the job, usually in a few days.
Do you need a degree to be a retail sales associate?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More retail sales associate questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-2031 (Retail salespersons).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Retail salespersons (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.