Work

• With some products, such as shoes, TV sets and furniture, sales associates work indoors in comfortable, climate-controlled showrooms. With others, such as automobiles and sailboats, they work outdoors. A standard 40-hour week is rare. Sales associates work long hours, evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of shoppers. They often work part-time as well. Many receive a base salary and commissions. Their median salary is $20,260 per year, with a range of $15,420 to $38,460, according to May 2009 statistics reported by the U.s. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This converts to $9.74 per hour, with a range of $7.41 to $18.49.
  
  

Experience

• The PayScale Report shows the salaries of sales associates increasing as they develop a wider product knowledge and a greater client base. For example, new associates earn $27,841 to $39,872, while those with one to four years of work make $28,901 to $46,508. At five to nine years, they get $31,042 to $58,427, and at 10 to 19 years, they receive $33,020 to $60,438. Finally, at 20 years or more of employment, they are paid $30,716 to $61,499.
  
  

Employers

• The BLS reports that the biggest employers of sales associates are clothing stores that cater to men's, women's and children's fashions. They comprise 16 percent of the available 4.2 million jobs and pay greater than the median at $10.20 per hour or $21,210 per year. The highest-paying employers are insurance brokers and agencies, where commissions on premiums can be granted for several years. They pay $20.66 per hour or $42,970 per year but only offer 1,200 jobs.
  
  

Prospects

• The BLS predicts jobs for sales associates to grow by 8 percent until 2018, which is about as fast as average for all positions. A growing population, which will demand more goods and services, will drive this growth. Though online shopping continues to grow, its effect on employment will be minimal because many associates supplement these Internet sales. Part-time work generally increases during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.