Retailers, watches, optics, gold goods

What does a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry do? – Tasks and work environment

A salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry works daily with sales and advising on exclusive products such as watches, jewelry, and glasses. Tasks include greeting and assisting customers, providing product information, handling cash registers, and performing minor repairs or adjustments. The role also involves displaying products attractively, inventorying stock, and sometimes ordering new products. The work environment is often characterized by retail premises with high demands on security and precision, especially as many products are of high value. Continuous contact with customers and a service-oriented approach are central to the role.

Salary development over time

The salary for salespeople in watches, optics, and jewelry has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 31 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary continued to rise and now amounts to 33 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9% over the period. This salary development reflects increased demand for specialized skills in the field and an overall rise in retail wages. Factors driving this include higher requirements for product knowledge, especially in optics, and a growing trend toward personalized service and customer solutions. Despite this, some salary disparities based on gender and region remain.

Complete overview of salaries for salespersons in watches, optics, and jewelry

• Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (men), 32,100 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (men), 35,800 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 203 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 34 700 SEK, women 33 200 SEK (women earn 96% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer, with somewhat higher levels in metropolitan areas and within regional sectors.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry typically involves completing high school programs in commerce and administration, but internal training and specialized courses offered by employers are also common. Knowledge in areas such as optics, watches, or precious metals can be advantageous, and internships are often important for gaining insight into the profession's demands. Experience from other retail sectors is common, and some employers may value certifications in optics or goldsmithing.

• High school education: Commerce and administration program (3 years)
• Specialized courses: Courses in optics, watchmaking, or jewelry
• Internships: Work-based learning during education
• Certifications: Opportunities for certificates in optics or watchmaking
• Prerequisites: Basic high school eligibility, sometimes industry-specific experience
• Tips for choosing: Interest in technology, fashion, and service provides good prerequisites

Common benefits and compensations

Salespersons in watches, optics, and jewelry are often offered employee discounts on the store's range, access to further training and product education, and sometimes bonus-based compensation for meeting sales targets. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, pension contributions, and flexible working hours, especially in larger chains and stores in metropolitan areas.

Competition and challenges

The job market for salespeople in watches, optics, and jewelry is characterized by relatively high competition, but many vacancies exist within the profession. Challenges include staying updated on product news and trends, meeting high standards of customer service and security, and the fact that many work part-time, making it difficult to find full-time positions. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially for the most specialized roles. Increased digitalization and e-commerce also require new sales strategies and technical skills. Building trust and long-term customer relationships is therefore crucial for success in the profession.

Tips for those aspiring to become salespersons in watches, optics, and jewelry

To succeed as a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both products and people. A strong service mindset makes it easier to build trust and repeat customers, while accuracy is essential for handling exclusive items and providing correct information. Curiosity and willingness to learn new things help keep up with the range and technical details, and flexibility is important as working days often vary. Initiative and a positive attitude are appreciated by both employers and customers, especially when problem-solving is required. The ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues is also key to enjoyment and success in the role.

Key facts about salespersons in watches, optics, and jewelry

• Education level: High school education with industry-specific courses
• Work environment: Retail store, often with high demands on security and customer service
• Work form: Often part-time, but full-time positions are available
• Demand: 550 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Knowledge of precious metals, optics, or watchmaking is advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for advancement to more specialized roles, such as store manager, buyer, or product manager within watches, optics, or jewelry. Some choose to further train as optician assistants, watchmakers, or goldsmiths to broaden their skills and increase career options. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast, job prospects remain good, with stable demand and many vacancies. Over five years, the job market is expected to remain unchanged, but those specializing in technology, repairs, or customer advising have good chances to increase their competitiveness and salary. The role is also suitable for those interested in sales, purchasing, or marketing in the long term.

Common questions about salespersons in watches, optics, and jewelry

• What does a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry earn?
  - The average salary is 33 800 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, region, and employer.
• What education is required to become a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry?
  - High school education in commerce is most common, supplemented with specialized courses and internships.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for salespeople in watches, optics, and jewelry?
  - Opportunities for employment are good, and many vacancies exist within the profession.
• What tasks are included in the role?
  - Sales, customer advising, product display, minor repairs, and inventory management are common tasks.
• What career development opportunities are available?
  - Advancement to store manager, product manager, or further education within optics, watchmaking, or jewelry is possible.
• How high is the hourly wage for a salesperson in watches, optics, and jewelry?
  - The average hourly wage is 203 SEK for hourly employees.