Nearly 7 million wage and salary workers in the U.S. were employed in wholesale trade in 1998. About 70 percent of the wholesale industry is made up of small businesses employing fewer than 10 workers, yet larger wholesale businesses employ 83 percent of the workers. Part-time jobs are plentiful in retail. Most payrolls balloon during holiday seasons. Training and advancement Most jobs in wholesale and retail trade require little or no education.
Larger employers tend to prefer high school graduates.
Many companies seek adaptable employees, which can lead to advancement. This industry offers a solid career path. Unskilled workers can start in the warehouse and wind up in sales or managerial positions. Retail workers often move from one establishment to another to advance or improve their salaries or working conditions. Outlook Wage and salary jobs in wholesale trade are projected to grow at about 7 percent through 2008.