Are Sales Jobs Safe From AI? (2026 Data)

Updated March 2026 Based on 3649 roles assessed JobZone Score Methodology v3
Are Sales Jobs Safe From AI?

If you work in sales, whether AI threatens your role depends on what you sell and how you sell it. Across 🇺🇸 15.4M US workers in sales and retail roles, 25% are in structurally safe GREEN zone positions. We assessed 200 roles, and the domain averages a JobZone Score of 40.8 out of 100, ranking #18 of 28 career domains we track.

Relationship-based sales — complex B2B deals, technical sales, real estate, financial advising — require trust, persuasion, and long-term client management that AI cannot replicate. Transactional sales roles (cashiers, order-takers, SDRs doing scripted cold outreach) face real pressure from self-checkout, online ordering, and AI chatbots. Below, we rank every role, explain what separates the safe from the vulnerable, and help you see where your sales career stands.

🇺🇸 15.4M
US workers in sales & retail
78/200
GREEN zone roles
40.8
avg JobZone Score
#18
of 28 domains
🇺🇸 US Workforce Distribution: 15.4M Sales & Retail Workers
3.8M
11.6M
GREEN 25% (3.8M US workers) YELLOW 75% (11.6M US workers) RED 0% (0 US workers)

All 200 Sales & Retail Roles Ranked

Ranked by JobZone Score (highest resistance first). Each role links to its full assessment.

# Role Score
1 Sushi Master / Itamae (Mid-to-Senior) 75.5 /100
2 Cruise Ship Entertainer (Mid-Level) 73.4 /100
3 Aesthetic Practitioner (Mid-Senior) 72.1 /100
4 Expedition Leader (Mid-to-Senior) 70.7 /100
5 Private Chef (Mid-to-Senior) 70.4 /100
6 Spa Therapist (Mid-Level) 69.5 /100
7 Funeral Care Operative (Mid-Level) 68.5 /100
8 Brow Artist (Mid-Level) 67.3 /100
9 Marine Hotel Director (Mid-to-Senior) 66.2 /100
10 Yacht Chef (Mid-Senior) 66.1 /100
11 Lash Technician (Mid-Level) 66.1 /100
12 Face Painter (Mid-Level) 65.4 /100
13 Pallbearer (Professional) (Mid-Level) 65.4 /100
14 Permanent Makeup Artist (Mid-Level) 65.3 /100
15 Embalmer (Mid-Level) 64.6 /100
16 Industrial Carpet Cleaner (Mid-Level) 64.3 /100
17 Hearse Driver (Mid-Level) 64.1 /100
18 Sauna Master / Aufguss Master (Mid-Level) 64.0 /100
19 Wedding Cake Maker (Mid-Level) 63.2 /100
20 Private Butler (Mid-Level) 62.9 /100
21 Oven Cleaner (Mid-Level) 62.8 /100
22 Mortician, Undertaker, and Funeral Arranger (Mid-Level) 62.3 /100
23 Chocolatier (Mid-Level) 62.1 /100
24 Cruise Ship Production Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 62.0 /100
25 Pastry Chef (Mid-Senior) 61.5 /100
26 Adventure Guide — Cruise (Mid-Level) 61.4 /100
27 Stateroom Steward — Cruise Ship (Entry-to-Mid) 61.2 /100
28 Cruise Ship Steward (Mid-Level) 61.2 /100
29 Body Piercer (Mid-Level) 60.8 /100
30 Tattoo Artist (Mid-Level) 60.4 /100
31 Fine Dining Server (Mid-Level) 60.3 /100
32 Yacht Stewardess (Mid-Level) 60.3 /100
33 Skincare Specialist (Mid-Level) 60.0 /100
34 Bouncy Castle Hire Operator / Inflatable Hire Operator (Mid-Level) 59.8 /100
35 Holiday Park Entertainer (Entry-to-Mid Level) 59.4 /100
36 Mobile Hairdresser (Mid-Level) 58.8 /100
37 Manicurist and Pedicurist (Mid-Level) 58.4 /100
38 Professional Organiser / Declutter Consultant (Mid-Level) 58.4 /100
39 Barber (Mid-Level) 58.4 /100
40 Crematory Operator (Mid-Level) 58.0 /100
41 Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor (Mid-Level) 58.0 /100
42 Hairdresser, Hairstylist, and Cosmetologist (Mid-Level) 57.6 /100
43 Hair Stylist (Mid-Level) 57.4 /100
44 Guest Experience Manager — Theme Park (Mid-Level) 57.3 /100
45 Colour Technician / Hair Colourist (Mid-Level) 56.9 /100
46 Chef / Head Cook (Mid-to-Senior) 55.3 /100
47 Funeral Attendant (Mid-Level) 55.2 /100
48 Pizzaiolo (Mid-Level) 54.9 /100
49 Swimming Pool Technician (Mid-Level) 54.6 /100
50 Funeral Home Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 54.2 /100
51 Campsite Warden (Mid-Level) 53.5 /100
52 Building Cleaning Worker, All Other (Mid-Level) 53.5 /100
53 Port Lecturer / Destination Speaker (Mid-Level) 52.8 /100
54 Holiday Park Warden (Mid-Level) 52.4 /100
55 Sommelier (Mid-Level) 52.3 /100
56 Narrowboat Hire Manager (Mid-Level) 51.9 /100
57 Salon Manager (Mid-Level) 51.7 /100
58 Charity Shop Volunteer Coordinator (Mid-Level) 51.6 /100
59 Cruise Director (Mid-to-Senior) 51.6 /100
60 Brewmaster (Senior) 51.6 /100
61 Laser Hair Removal Technician (Mid-Level) 51.6 /100
62 Ride Operator Supervisor — Theme Park (Mid-Level) 51.5 /100
63 Maid / Housekeeping Cleaner (Mid-Level) 51.3 /100
64 Car Valeter (Mid-Level) 51.3 /100
65 Funeral Celebrant (Mid-Level) 51.3 /100
66 Tea Master / Tea Sommelier (Mid-Level) 51.3 /100
67 B&B / Guest House Owner (Mid-Level) 51.2 /100
68 Mixologist (Mid-Level) 50.9 /100
69 Theme Park Operations Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 50.2 /100
70 Karaoke Host / KJ (Mid-Level) 50.2 /100
71 Cook, Private Household (Mid-Level) 49.9 /100
72 Trichologist (Mid-to-Senior Level) 49.8 /100
73 Sous Chef (Mid-Level) 49.8 /100
74 Wedding Celebrant (Mid-Level) 49.5 /100
75 Bartender (Mid-Level) 49.5 /100
76 Music Venue Manager (Mid-Level) 49.4 /100
77 Funeral Arranger (Mid-Level) 49.4 /100
78 Hotel Housekeeper (Entry-to-Mid Level) 48.0 /100
79 Pub Landlord (Mid-Level) 47.7 /100
80 Shore Excursion Manager (Mid-Level) 47.6 /100
81 Duty Manager (Mid-Level) 47.1 /100
82 Spa Manager (Mid-Level) 47.1 /100
83 Banquet Server (Mid-Level) 47.0 /100
84 Soft Play Centre Manager (Mid-Level) 46.8 /100
85 Barista (Entry-to-Mid Level) 46.6 /100
86 Waiter / Waitress (Mid-Level) 46.3 /100
87 Nightclub Manager (Mid-Level) 45.9 /100
88 Attractions Manager (Mid-Level) 45.8 /100
89 Specialist Wine Seller / Wine Shop Manager (Mid-Level) 45.6 /100
90 Night Porter (Mid-Level) 45.5 /100
91 Pet Shop Manager (Mid-Level) 45.4 /100
92 Delicatessen Specialist (Mid-Level) 45.4 /100
93 Cook, Restaurant — Line Cook (Mid-Level) 45.2 /100
94 First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers (Mid-Level) 45.1 /100
95 Conference and Banqueting Manager (Mid-Level) 45.1 /100
96 Cleaning Supervisor (Mid-Level) 45.1 /100
97 Wedding Florist (Mid-Level) 44.9 /100
98 First-Line Supervisor of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (Mid-Level) 44.8 /100
99 Dark Kitchen Chef / Ghost Kitchen Chef (Mid-Level) 44.7 /100
100 Ironing Service Operative (Mid-Level) 44.6 /100
101 Restaurant General Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 44.5 /100
102 Hotel General Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 44.5 /100
103 Dispensary Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 44.2 /100
104 Wine Merchant (Mid-Level) 44.2 /100
105 Dating Service Consultant / Matchmaker (Mid-Level) 44.2 /100
106 Greengrocer (Mid-Level) 44.2 /100
107 Gambling Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 44.1 /100
108 Canteen Manager / Staff Restaurant Manager (Mid-Level) 44.0 /100
109 Line Cook (Mid-Level) 43.9 /100
110 Laundromat Attendant / Laundrette Attendant (Mid-Level) 43.9 /100
111 Tailor, Dressmaker, and Custom Sewer (Mid-Level) 43.9 /100
112 Lodging Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 43.8 /100
113 Sushi Chef (Mid-Level) 43.6 /100
114 Fashion Showroom Manager (Mid-Level) 43.3 /100
115 Market Trader (Mid-Level) 43.2 /100
116 Food Service Manager (Mid-Level) 43.1 /100
117 Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other (Mid-Level) 43.1 /100
118 Cheesemonger (Mid-Level) 43.0 /100
119 Gambling Dealer (Mid-Level) 42.9 /100
120 Tour Operator Representative (Mid-Level) 42.7 /100
121 Resort Activities Coordinator (Mid-Level) 42.5 /100
122 Retail Store Manager (Mid-to-Senior) 42.5 /100
123 Street Food Vendor (Mid-Level) 42.4 /100
124 First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers (Mid-to-Senior) 41.9 /100
125 Assistant Director of Sales — Hospitality (Mid-Level) 41.3 /100
126 Alterations Tailor (Mid-Level) 41.2 /100
127 Coffee Roaster (Mid-Level) 41.1 /100
128 Fishmonger (Mid-Level) 41.0 /100
129 Wedding Planner (Mid-Level) 40.5 /100
130 Events Coordinator (Mid-Level) 40.5 /100
131 Hotel Operations Manager (Mid-Level) 40.5 /100
132 Kitchen Manager (Mid-Level) 40.3 /100
133 School Cook (Mid-Level) 40.0 /100
134 Baker (Mid-Level) 40.0 /100
135 Tattoo Removal Technician (Mid-Level) 39.9 /100
136 Event Manager (Mid-Level) 39.8 /100
137 Philatelist / Stamp Dealer (Mid-Level) 39.5 /100
138 Online Reseller (Mid-Level) 39.2 /100
139 Numismatist / Coin Dealer (Mid-Level) 38.8 /100
140 Cook, Institution and Cafeteria (Mid-Level) 38.8 /100
141 Floral Designer (Mid-Level) 38.7 /100
142 Boutique Clothing Seller / Boutique Sales Consultant (Mid-Level) 38.7 /100
143 Camping Ground Manager / Holiday Park Manager (Mid-Level) 38.3 /100
144 Butcher and Meat Cutter (Mid-Level) 38.1 /100
145 Used Car Dealer (Mid-Level) 38.0 /100
146 Specialist Bookseller (Mid-Level) 37.9 /100
147 Bowling Alley Manager (Mid-Level) 37.6 /100
148 Psychic / Medium (Mid-Level) 37.0 /100
149 Attraction Attendant — Theme Park (Entry-to-Mid Level) 37.0 /100
150 Picture Framer (Mid-Level) 37.0 /100
151 Deli Counter Assistant (Mid-Level) 36.4 /100
152 Pub Quiz Host / Quiz Master (Mid-Level) 36.3 /100
153 Antiques Dealer (Mid-Level) 36.2 /100
154 Theme Park Ride Operator (Mid-Level) 36.2 /100
155 Cruise Ship Photographer (Mid-Level) 36.2 /100
156 Auctioneer (Mid-Level) 36.0 /100
157 Escape Room Game Master (Mid-Level) 35.8 /100
158 Dry Cleaner (Mid-Level) 35.6 /100
159 Heritage Tour Guide (Mid-Level) 35.6 /100
160 Baggage Porter and Bellhop (Mid-Level) 35.2 /100
161 Antiquarian Bookseller (Mid-Level) 35.0 /100
162 Demonstrator and Product Promoter (Mid-Level) 35.0 /100
163 Casino Host (Mid-Level) 34.7 /100
164 First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers (Mid-Level) 34.7 /100
165 Car Salesperson (Mid-Level) 34.3 /100
166 Pawnbroker (Mid-Level) 33.8 /100
167 Fast Food Shift Manager (Mid-Level) 33.6 /100
168 School Dinner Lady / Canteen Worker (Entry-to-Mid Level) 33.3 /100
169 Swimming Pool Cleaner (Mid-Level) 33.0 /100
170 Ride Operator — Theme Park (Entry-to-Mid) 32.6 /100
171 Cannabis Compliance Officer (Mid-Level) 32.5 /100
172 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other (Mid-Level) 32.4 /100
173 Cook, All Other (Mid-Level) 32.4 /100
174 Key Cutter (Mid-Level) 32.0 /100
175 Cafeteria Worker (Entry-to-Mid) 31.9 /100
176 Mystery Shopper (Mid-Level) 31.6 /100
177 Busser (Entry-to-Mid Level) 31.4 /100
178 Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer (Mid-Level) 31.4 /100
179 Tour and Travel Guide (Mid-Level) 31.2 /100
180 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper (Entry-Level) 30.8 /100
181 Ghost Kitchen Manager (Mid-Level) 30.8 /100
182 Pawnbroker Assistant (Mid-Level) 30.7 /100
183 Vending Machine Route Operator (Mid-Level) 29.5 /100
184 Subscription Box Curator (Mid-Level) 29.3 /100
185 Prep Cook (Entry-to-Mid Level) 29.2 /100
186 Cook, Short Order (Mid-Level) 29.1 /100
187 Usher, Lobby Attendant, and Ticket Taker (Mid-Level) 29.1 /100
188 Amusement and Recreation Attendant (Entry-Level) 29.1 /100
189 Shampooer (Entry-to-Mid Level) 28.9 /100
190 Beauty Consultant (Mid-Level) 28.8 /100
191 Betting Shop Manager (Mid-Level) 28.5 /100
192 Online Grocery Picker / Click & Collect Operative (Entry-to-Mid) 28.3 /100
193 Dishwasher (Entry-Level) 28.1 /100
194 Astrologer (Mid-Level) 27.8 /100
195 Personal Shopper (Mid-Level) 27.7 /100
196 Food Preparation Worker (Mid-Level) 27.6 /100
197 Bingo Caller (Mid-Level) 27.4 /100
198 Duty Free Sales Assistant (Mid-Level) 27.4 /100
199 Reservations Manager (Mid-Level) 27.4 /100
200 Food Server, Nonrestaurant (Mid-Level) 27.3 /100

What Keeps Sales Roles Safe

🇺🇸 15.4M US sales workers sit in GREEN or YELLOW zone roles (across 200 of 200 assessed roles). The roles that resist AI displacement share specific traits that current AI systems cannot replicate:

Relationship Building & Trust

Complex sales require long-term client relationships built on trust, credibility, and personal rapport. A B2B account manager who has spent years understanding a client's business cannot be replaced by a chatbot. The relationship is the product.

Negotiation & Persuasion

Reading body language, adapting a pitch in real-time, handling objections with emotional intelligence, and closing deals under pressure are deeply human skills. AI can draft an email — it cannot read the room in a high-stakes negotiation.

Product Expertise & Consultative Selling

Technical and scientific sales roles need deep domain knowledge combined with the ability to translate complex features into client-specific value. Medical device reps, industrial equipment specialists, and enterprise software sellers operate as trusted advisors, not order-takers.

Transactional = Vulnerable

When a sale is simple, predictable, and repetitive, AI wins. Self-checkout kiosks replace cashiers. Online ordering replaces counter staff. AI chatbots handle routine customer inquiries. If the job is processing a known transaction, the role is at risk.

GREEN Zone: The Most AI-Resistant Sales Roles

78 sales and retail roles score 48 or above on the JobZone Score, placing them in the GREEN zone. These roles combine relationship depth, negotiation complexity, and domain expertise — the strongest combination of protective traits for sales professionals. Roles flagged as GREEN Accelerated see AI adoption actively increasing demand for their consultative skills.

1
Sushi Master / Itamae (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
75.5 2
Cruise Ship Entertainer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
73.4 3
Aesthetic Practitioner (Mid-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
72.1 4
Expedition Leader (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
70.7 5
Private Chef (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
70.4 6
Spa Therapist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
69.5 7
Funeral Care Operative (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
68.5 8
Brow Artist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
67.3 9
Marine Hotel Director (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
66.2 10
Yacht Chef (Mid-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
66.1 11
Lash Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
66.1 12
Face Painter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.4 13
Pallbearer (Professional) (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.4 14
Permanent Makeup Artist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
65.3 15
Embalmer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.6 16
Industrial Carpet Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.3 17
Hearse Driver (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.1 18
Sauna Master / Aufguss Master (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
64.0 19
Wedding Cake Maker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
63.2 20
Private Butler (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
62.9 21
Oven Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.8 22
Mortician, Undertaker, and Funeral Arranger (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.3 23
Chocolatier (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
62.1 24
Cruise Ship Production Manager (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
62.0 25
Pastry Chef (Mid-Senior) GREEN (Stable)
61.5 26
Adventure Guide — Cruise (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
61.4 27
Stateroom Steward — Cruise Ship (Entry-to-Mid) GREEN (Stable)
61.2 28
Cruise Ship Steward (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
61.2 29
Body Piercer (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
60.8 30
Tattoo Artist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
60.4 31
Fine Dining Server (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
60.3 32
Yacht Stewardess (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
60.3 33
Skincare Specialist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
60.0 34
Bouncy Castle Hire Operator / Inflatable Hire Operator (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
59.8 35
Holiday Park Entertainer (Entry-to-Mid Level) GREEN (Stable)
59.4 36
Mobile Hairdresser (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
58.8 37
Manicurist and Pedicurist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
58.4 38
Professional Organiser / Declutter Consultant (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
58.4 39
Barber (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
58.4 40
Crematory Operator (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
58.0 41
Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
58.0 42
Hairdresser, Hairstylist, and Cosmetologist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
57.6 43
Hair Stylist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
57.4 44
Guest Experience Manager — Theme Park (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
57.3 45
Colour Technician / Hair Colourist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
56.9 46
Chef / Head Cook (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
55.3 47
Funeral Attendant (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
55.2 48
Pizzaiolo (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
54.9 49
Swimming Pool Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
54.6 50
Funeral Home Manager (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
54.2 51
Campsite Warden (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
53.5 52
Building Cleaning Worker, All Other (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
53.5 53
Port Lecturer / Destination Speaker (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
52.8 54
Holiday Park Warden (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
52.4 55
Sommelier (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
52.3 56
Narrowboat Hire Manager (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.9 57
Salon Manager (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.7 58
Charity Shop Volunteer Coordinator (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
51.6 59
Cruise Director (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
51.6 60
Brewmaster (Senior) GREEN (Stable)
51.6 61
Laser Hair Removal Technician (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.6 62
Ride Operator Supervisor — Theme Park (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
51.5 63
Maid / Housekeeping Cleaner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
51.3 64
Car Valeter (Mid-Level) GREEN (Stable)
51.3 65
Funeral Celebrant (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.3 66
Tea Master / Tea Sommelier (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.3 67
B&B / Guest House Owner (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
51.2 68
Mixologist (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
50.9 69
Theme Park Operations Manager (Mid-to-Senior) GREEN (Transforming)
50.2 70
Karaoke Host / KJ (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
50.2 71
Cook, Private Household (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.9 72
Trichologist (Mid-to-Senior Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.8 73
Sous Chef (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.8 74
Wedding Celebrant (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.5 75
Bartender (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.5 76
Music Venue Manager (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.4 77
Funeral Arranger (Mid-Level) GREEN (Transforming)
49.4 78
Hotel Housekeeper (Entry-to-Mid Level) GREEN (Transforming)
48.0

YELLOW Zone: Augmented, Not Replaced

122 sales and retail roles land in the YELLOW zone — scores between 33 and 47. These roles aren't disappearing, but AI is reshaping how the work gets done. CRM automation, AI-powered lead scoring, predictive analytics, and AI-assisted customer service are already augmenting these roles. The sales professionals who master these tools will close more deals with less busywork. The ones who resist the shift will find themselves outperformed.

1
Pub Landlord (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
47.7 2
Shore Excursion Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
47.6 3
Duty Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
47.1 4
Spa Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
47.1 5
Banquet Server (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
47.0 6
Soft Play Centre Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
46.8 7
Barista (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
46.6 8
Waiter / Waitress (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
46.3 9
Nightclub Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
45.9 10
Attractions Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
45.8 11
Specialist Wine Seller / Wine Shop Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.6 12
Night Porter (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.5 13
Pet Shop Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.4 14
Delicatessen Specialist (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
45.4 15
Cook, Restaurant — Line Cook (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
45.2 16
First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.1 17
Conference and Banqueting Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.1 18
Cleaning Supervisor (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
45.1 19
Wedding Florist (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.9 20
First-Line Supervisor of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.8 21
Dark Kitchen Chef / Ghost Kitchen Chef (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.7 22
Ironing Service Operative (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.6 23
Restaurant General Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.5 24
Hotel General Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.5 25
Dispensary Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Urgent)
44.2 26
Wine Merchant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.2 27
Dating Service Consultant / Matchmaker (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.2 28
Greengrocer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.2 29
Gambling Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.1 30
Canteen Manager / Staff Restaurant Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
44.0 31
Line Cook (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
43.9 32
Laundromat Attendant / Laundrette Attendant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
43.9 33
Tailor, Dressmaker, and Custom Sewer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
43.9 34
Lodging Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Urgent)
43.8 35
Sushi Chef (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
43.6 36
Fashion Showroom Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
43.3 37
Market Trader (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
43.2 38
Food Service Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
43.1 39
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
43.1 40
Cheesemonger (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
43.0 41
Gambling Dealer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
42.9 42
Tour Operator Representative (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
42.7 43
Resort Activities Coordinator (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
42.5 44
Retail Store Manager (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Urgent)
42.5 45
Street Food Vendor (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
42.4 46
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers (Mid-to-Senior) YELLOW (Moderate)
41.9 47
Assistant Director of Sales — Hospitality (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
41.3 48
Alterations Tailor (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
41.2 49
Coffee Roaster (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
41.1 50
Fishmonger (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
41.0 51
Wedding Planner (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
40.5 52
Events Coordinator (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
40.5 53
Hotel Operations Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
40.5 54
Kitchen Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
40.3 55
School Cook (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
40.0 56
Baker (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
40.0 57
Tattoo Removal Technician (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Transforming)
39.9 58
Event Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
39.8 59
Philatelist / Stamp Dealer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
39.5 60
Online Reseller (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
39.2 61
Numismatist / Coin Dealer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
38.8 62
Cook, Institution and Cafeteria (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
38.8 63
Floral Designer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
38.7 64
Boutique Clothing Seller / Boutique Sales Consultant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
38.7 65
Camping Ground Manager / Holiday Park Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
38.3 66
Butcher and Meat Cutter (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
38.1 67
Used Car Dealer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
38.0 68
Specialist Bookseller (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
37.9 69
Bowling Alley Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
37.6 70
Psychic / Medium (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
37.0 71
Attraction Attendant — Theme Park (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
37.0 72
Picture Framer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
37.0 73
Deli Counter Assistant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
36.4 74
Pub Quiz Host / Quiz Master (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
36.3 75
Antiques Dealer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
36.2 76
Theme Park Ride Operator (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
36.2 77
Cruise Ship Photographer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
36.2 78
Auctioneer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
36.0 79
Escape Room Game Master (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
35.8 80
Dry Cleaner (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
35.6 81
Heritage Tour Guide (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
35.6 82
Baggage Porter and Bellhop (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
35.2 83
Antiquarian Bookseller (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
35.0 84
Demonstrator and Product Promoter (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
35.0 85
Casino Host (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
34.7 86
First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
34.7 87
Car Salesperson (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
34.3 88
Pawnbroker (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
33.8 89
Fast Food Shift Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
33.6 90
School Dinner Lady / Canteen Worker (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
33.3 91
Swimming Pool Cleaner (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
33.0 92
Ride Operator — Theme Park (Entry-to-Mid) YELLOW (Urgent)
32.6 93
Cannabis Compliance Officer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
32.5 94
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
32.4 95
Cook, All Other (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
32.4 96
Key Cutter (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
32.0 97
Cafeteria Worker (Entry-to-Mid) YELLOW (Urgent)
31.9 98
Mystery Shopper (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
31.6 99
Busser (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
31.4 100
Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
31.4 101
Tour and Travel Guide (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
31.2 102
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper (Entry-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
30.8 103
Ghost Kitchen Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
30.8 104
Pawnbroker Assistant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
30.7 105
Vending Machine Route Operator (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
29.5 106
Subscription Box Curator (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
29.3 107
Prep Cook (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
29.2 108
Cook, Short Order (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
29.1 109
Usher, Lobby Attendant, and Ticket Taker (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
29.1 110
Amusement and Recreation Attendant (Entry-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
29.1 111
Shampooer (Entry-to-Mid Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
28.9 112
Beauty Consultant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
28.8 113
Betting Shop Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Moderate)
28.5 114
Online Grocery Picker / Click & Collect Operative (Entry-to-Mid) YELLOW (Urgent)
28.3 115
Dishwasher (Entry-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
28.1 116
Astrologer (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.8 117
Personal Shopper (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.7 118
Food Preparation Worker (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.6 119
Bingo Caller (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.4 120
Duty Free Sales Assistant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.4 121
Reservations Manager (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.4 122
Food Server, Nonrestaurant (Mid-Level) YELLOW (Urgent)
27.3

Sales & Retail Specialisms Ranked by AI Resistance

5 specialisms within the Retail & Service domain, ranked by average JobZone Score. Each links to its full specialism page.

1 Personal Care
51.6 2 Hospitality
42.3 3 Food Service
42.2 4 Retail
32.3 5 Customer Service
25.0

Relationship Sales vs Transactional Sales: Which Side is Safer?

Sales splits into relationship roles (account management, consulting, brokering) and transactional roles (cashiering, order-taking, counter service). The gap in AI resistance between these two categories is one of the widest in any domain we track.

Relationship Sales
0 specialisms · avg 0.0
Transactional Sales
1 specialism · avg 42.2
Food Service 42.2
General / Other Sales
4 specialisms
Personal Care 51.6 Hospitality 42.3 Retail 32.3 Customer Service 25.0

How Sales & Retail Compares to Other Domains

Average JobZone Score by career domain, ranked highest to lowest. Retail & Service is highlighted.

Domain AI Resistance Scores
1
Trades & Physical
60.5
2
Veterinary & Animal Care
59.8
3
Military
57.6
4
Healthcare
57.5
5
Sports & Recreation
56.2
6
AI
56.0
7
Social Services
55.8
8
Religious & Community
54.4
9
Public Safety
53.0
10
Utilities & Energy
50.6
11
Other
50.5
12
Education
49.1
13
Cybersecurity
49.0
14
Agriculture
48.1
15
Transportation
46.4
+ 13 more domains in table below
# Domain Roles Avg JobZone Score
1 Trades & Physical 369 60.5
2 Veterinary & Animal Care 57 59.8
3 Military 52 57.6
4 Healthcare 379 57.5
5 Sports & Recreation 31 56.2
6 AI 39 56.0
7 Social Services 67 55.8
8 Religious & Community 30 54.4
9 Public Safety 112 53.0
10 Utilities & Energy 110 50.6
11 Other 162 50.5
12 Education 146 49.1
13 Cybersecurity 91 49.0
14 Agriculture 54 48.1
15 Transportation 168 46.4
16 Engineering 194 46.0
17 Government & Public Admin 97 42.4
18 Retail & Service ← 249 40.8
19 Science & Research 118 40.7
20 Legal & Compliance 70 39.7
21 Library, Museum & Archives 39 39.4
22 Creative & Media 297 37.2
23 Development 99 36.0
24 Cloud & Infrastructure 79 35.1
25 Real Estate & Property 42 34.5
26 Manufacturing 239 31.1
27 Business & Operations 324 29.6
28 Data 40 28.6
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About This Data

All scores are generated using the AIJRI (AI Job Resistance Index) methodology v3, a composite scoring framework that evaluates each role across resistance, evidence, barriers, protective principles, and AI growth correlation. Scores range from 0 (no resistance) to 100 (maximum resistance). Roles scoring 48+ are classified GREEN.

Sales and retail roles are classified under the Retail & Service career domain in our role taxonomy. For the full cross-domain analysis, see What Jobs Are Safe From AI?.

About the Authors

Nathan House

Nathan House

AI and cybersecurity expert with 30 years of hands-on experience. Nathan founded StationX (500,000+ students) and built JobZone Risk to ensure people invest their career development in the right direction.

HAL

StationX HAL

Custom AI infrastructure built by Nathan House for StationX. HAL co-develops JobZone Risk end-to-end: the scoring methodology, the assessment pipeline, every role assessment, and the statistical analysis that powers these articles — all directed by Nathan.