Retail salespersons
(NOC 6421)
WHAT IS IT?
Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and nontechnical goods and services directly to consumers.
Employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale
businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.
AT A GLANCE Why it made the list of Top Jobs in Ottawa
A lot of jobs
# of new jobs
% of job growth
HOW IS THE MARKET LOOKING?
Ottawa Labour Market Snapshot
2013
# of jobs
2015
2018
14,873
17,574
17,718
216,723
220,768
225,301
2013
2015
# of jobs
% of job growth
2013-2018
19%
WHO COULD I BE? Click here for a video
• audio equipment salesperson
• automobile salesperson
• clothing salesperson
• computer salesperson
• counter clerk
• furniture salesperson
• hardware store clerk
• jewelry salesperson
• retail sales associate
• retail sales clerk
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Completion of secondary school is usually required, while a university
degree or college diploma may be required by some employers.
Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required
for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise.
2018
4%
% of job growth
2013-2018
The bigger picture – looking at Ontario
WHERE CAN I LEARN? (Public institutions in Ottawa)
• University of Ottawa • Carleton University
• Algonquin College
• La Cité Collégiale
Look for programs in Business administration, management and
operations & Specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations
Also explore Ottawa’s private institutions at www.nacc.ca
You should also think about...
 None of those in this occupation are self-employed
 18% of the 2015 Ottawa jobs were in the Clothing stores sector
 Ottawa has a very similar share of this occupation to Canada
 Specific subject matter courses or training may be required
 Progression to retail supervisory positions is possible with additional training
or experience
HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?
 Positions may include a bilingualism requirement in Ottawa
$10.92/hr
$11.91/hr
$14.43/hr
10th Percentile
Median Earnings
90th Percentile