Table of Contents
Retail Salespersons
The 52% risk score reflects the overall automation risk of your profession on a scale of 0–100. The higher the score, the more likely parts of your role could be handled by AI, increasing efficiency, but also raising the possibility of job disruption. Nearly all jobs include tasks that are automatable to some degree.
In this role, you sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers. Your job is considered Mid Risk for AI automation.
Below is your job's AI vulnerability profile with salary trends and employment data, plus detailed breakdowns of tasks, knowledge areas, skills, and abilities. Each item includes AI risk scores and importance ratings to help you prioritize what to focus on. Remember, look for tasks that you can automate in your job to make you more productive, while focus on developing the areas that AI cannot easily automate. Plus, explore the technology section to see what tools and software you'll likely encounter in this role and therefore can look for AI alternatives.
You're already ahead of the curve by checking your risk and exploring your options. This project goes beyond one role, we’re building a global job warning system to help everyone stay ahead of AI. By supporting our research, you’ll unlock your full job profile, including detailed risk breakdowns, trend alerts, and priority access to new research. Supporting our research not only gives you deeper insights into your own role, it helps us keep this project alive for millions of others navigating the future of work, but don't worry, if you are not ready to support us, we provide enough free insights to get you started.
In the meantime explore the sections below, and don't miss the What to do next? section for practical steps you can start today.
Jump to Section
Salary Trends
Historical salary data for Retail Salespersons
While lower salaries may seem less attractive for automation investment, advancing AI capabilities and decreasing technology costs can still impact these roles. Focus on developing uniquely human skills to stay competitive.
*Based on US labor data
Employment Trends
Historical employment levels for Retail Salespersons
Declining employment may indicate outsourcing to AI or overseas, automation impact, industry changes, or evolving job requirements. Consider upskilling or transitioning to related roles with growing demand.
*Based on US labor data
On the job, you would
On-the-job activities and responsibilities that define your role. Each task is analyzed for automation potential and contributes to your overall AI risk assessment.
Greeting customers is a personal interaction that benefits from human presence and emotional intelligence, making it less automatable.
Opening and closing cash registers involves routine tasks that can be largely automated with AI, improving efficiency.
Maintaining knowledge of sales and policies involves continuous learning and adaptation, which AI can assist with but not fully automate.
Computing sales prices and processing payments are routine tasks that can be automated with existing point-of-sale systems, reducing the need for human intervention.
Maintaining sales records is a straightforward task that can be automated through digital record-keeping systems, minimizing the need for manual input.
Recognizing security risks and handling thefts require human judgment and situational awareness, which are challenging for AI to replicate effectively.
Recommending and selecting merchandise based on customer needs involves personal interaction and understanding customer preferences, which are difficult for AI to fully automate.
Answering questions about store merchandise requires product knowledge and customer interaction, which AI can assist with but not fully replace.
Advising customers on product use involves understanding customer needs and preferences, which requires human interaction and judgment.
Knowledge
Theoretical knowledge and understanding required for your position. Knowledge areas are evaluated for AI replacement likelihood and factor into your risk score.
Skills
Practical abilities and competencies you need to perform your job effectively. Skills are assessed for automation vulnerability and help determine your AI risk level.
Abilities
Innate and learned capabilities that enable you to succeed in your role. Abilities are analyzed for AI replication potential and contribute to your overall risk assessment.
Technology Used
Tools, software, and technological systems you use in your work.
Expert Insights
Add Your InsightsExpert comments on the job, click on the expert to see their answers.
Loading expert insights...
Loading expert insights...
What to do next?
Your job faces a moderate automation threat. A few timely moves can put you back in the safe zone. Choose your strategy below:
Recommended for Mid Risk:
- • Upskill: Develop skills that complement AI rather than compete with it
- • Use AI: Master AI tools to increase your efficiency and value
- • Pivot Smart: Consider transitioning to roles that require human judgment and creativity
- • Stay Alert: Get notified of industry changes that could affect your role
Each tab contains curated resources designed to help you take the next step. More resources will be added over time.
Top Learning Platforms

Coursera
Unlimited access to 2,000+ courses from top universities.

LinkedIn Learning
Short, practical videos for on-the-job upskilling.

ADPList
Free global mentorship from experienced professionals in design, product, and tech.

Skillshare
Hands-on creative workshops to build your portfolio.

Udemy
Affordable deep dives on tech, leadership & more.
Top Learning Platforms

Coursera
Unlimited access to 2,000+ courses from top universities.

LinkedIn Learning
Short, practical videos for on-the-job upskilling.

ADPList
Free global mentorship from experienced professionals in design, product, and tech.

Skillshare
Hands-on creative workshops to build your portfolio.

Udemy
Affordable deep dives on tech, leadership & more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, a this role has a 52% AI risk score, which is considered mid risk. While some tasks in this role may be automated, the profession as a whole is moderately vulnerable from complete replacement. The key is understanding which specific aspects of your job are most vulnerable, some of which are shown on this page.
Want more detailed insights about your AI risk?
Get personalized recommendations, detailed task analysis, and ongoing AI risk monitoring with our premium insights.
Unlock Premium InsightsWill You Let AI Replace You?
Stay ahead of AI changes in your field. Get personalized updates about its impact on your career.
Join our community to receive curated insights about AI's impact on your role and industry.
Ad Space
This section is reserved for relevant ads or promotions.