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Customer Service Representative, Product Demonstrator, Sales Clerk, Salesperson, Store Clerk
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Retail salespersons work in many different types of retail establishments. They help customers select and buy merchandise. In specialty stores, they might sell or rent merchandise. This can range from books, food, and clothing to major appliances, stereos, and automobiles. In large department stores, they most often work in specific departments. In smaller, owner-managed stores, they may serve customers in all areas of the store. Their primary tasks are to:
Duties and responsibilities vary depending on the types of merchandise they sell. In general, salespersons:
Some salespersons need to help with the general cleaning and tidying of the store (such as vacuuming, sweeping and washing floors, taking out garbage)
Salespersons must be aware of the store’s current sales promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices. When they are not serving customers, they may need to develop markets by soliciting new business.
Salespersons often are solely responsible for the contents of the cash register. At the end of their shift, they may:
Salespersons usually work indoors, often in shopping malls. They must stand or walk for long periods of time. They may routinely need to lift some heavier items. Having to meet sales targets, such as sales per hour, can cause stress.
Many salespersons work part-time shifts but may work full-time shifts. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common. Some salespersons need to wear uniforms. Most wear identification pins.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in computing to maintain sales records for inventory control; and in operating computerised inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems
Interest in persuading to sell and rent merchandise to customers
Interest in handling to prepare merchandise for purchase, rental and leasing, and to assist in the display of merchandise
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Retail salespersons need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work. They should be comfortable persuading people to buy or rent merchandise. They should enjoy handling merchandise.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 237 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 21, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Assist in display of merchandise | 201 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Maintain sales records for inventory control | 200 |
| Tasks: Greet customers and discuss type, quality and quantity of merchandise or services sought for purchase, rental or lease | 181 |
| Tasks: Provide advice about merchandise | 181 |
| Tasks: Operate cash register | 177 |
| Tasks: Operate computerized inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems | 171 |
| Tasks: Conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce | 136 |
| Tasks: Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties and delivery dates | 118 |
| Experience: Will train | 99 |
| Tasks: Provide customer service | 83 |
There are no standard education requirements for retail salespersons. Most employers prefer high school graduates. Those with post-secondary education have greater opportunities for advancement to supervisory and management positions. This is especially true if they are located near the head offices of larger firms.
Salespersons who sell expensive or complex merchandise may need special knowledge or skills. For example, computer salespeople need a basic knowledge of electronics and computer software and hardware to answer customer questions.
Small shops train staff on the job. Larger stores may have their own in-house training programs. Most stores now require first aid training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Many salespersons work part time, but full-time positions may be available. Some employers may require a criminal record check.
Advancement is based on experience and job performance. Experienced salespersons may move to busier stores. They may advance to supervisory or management positions. They may move to support departments such as staff training or customer relations. With further education and training, they may move into related occupations such as purchaser, human resources officer, real estate agent, or insurance agent.
Large department stores, retail chains, or multistore operations tend to offer more opportunities for advancement. Those in smaller stores may have to change employers to find jobs with broader responsibilities.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Retail salespersons
2016 NOC: 6421
83.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wages vary greatly depending on the size and nature of the store and the salesperson’s experience. Many retail salespersons start at or just above minimum wage.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Some earn bonuses or commissions based on sales in addition to a base salary. Others work on straight commission. They may receive employee discounts on merchandise.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.00 | $16.58 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $36.36 | $20.14 | $17.00 |
| Top | $15.75 | $76.60 | $29.29 | $22.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $31,434 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $19,333 |
| Construction | $64,492 |
| Manufacturing | $52,964 |
| Wholesale Trade | $61,896 |
| Retail Trade | $30,085 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $18,102 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $48,188 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $58,705 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $45,152 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $28,482 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $42,626 |
Retail Council of Canada website: www.retailcouncil.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
