Job prospects Retail Sales Associate in Ontario

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "retail sales associate" in Ontario or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Ontario

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be limited for Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Ontario for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

• Employed across the retail trade industry with the largest number in food and beverage stores, general merchandise stores, and building material and garden equipment and supplies stores

 

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

• Staff turnover is expected to create job openings since this occupation has lower entry requirements, a younger workforce, and a higher degree of part-time work
• Prevalence of online shopping may temper demand for some workers over the long term

 

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

• Ability to use computer applications such as point-of-sale and computerized inventory systems.

 

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

• Registration with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council is required for motor vehicle or automobile salespersons.

Here are some key facts about Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Ontario:

• Approximately 210,400 people work in this occupation.
• Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 67%
  • Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 13%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 54% compared to 81% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 46% compared to 19% for all occupations
• 44% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• 8% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 45% compared to 52% for all occupations
  • Women: 55% compared to 48% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 12% compared to 9% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 24% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Ontario by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "retail sales associate" Retail salespersons (NOC 64100) or across Canada.

Learn more