Automobile Sales Workers

Employment of retail sales workers who work at automobile dealers is expected to increase 1.7 percent from 2022 through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Online sales have negatively impacted traditional retail sales jobs, though the DOL notes that the impact has not been as severe for automobile dealers. The American public continues to buy new and used cars, and salespeople are needed to assist them. Workers with excellent sales skills and experience will have the strongest job opportunities.

The automobile sales worker faces many future challenges. A shift in customer buying preferences and experience is forcing sales workers to re-evaluate their selling methods. Information readily available on the Internet helps customers shop for the most competitive financing or leasing package and read reviews on car and truck models that interest them. Transactions are still brokered at the dealer, but consumers are now more comfortable shopping through the Internet, and many will buy their car exclusively from home.

Another trend threatening dealers is the automotive superstores, such as CarMax and AutoNation, where customers have a large inventory to select from at a base price, and they get information and ask questions about a car not from a sales worker, but from a computer. Sales workers are still needed to finalize the sale, but their traditional role at the dealership is lessened.

Nonetheless, the number of cars and trucks on U.S. roads is expected to increase, and there should continue to be opportunities in this lucrative, but demanding, career field.