Career profile · 13-1199
Online Merchants
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
What the work can involve
- Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.
- Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.
- Create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software.
- Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.
- Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.
- Purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This O*NET group commonly calls for substantial preparation, often including a bachelor’s degree or considerable relevant experience. An introductory vocational course alone may not provide an entry route.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Processing Information
- Selling or Influencing Others
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Working conditions to consider
These are the most common published responses to selected O*NET work-setting questions. They describe occupation-level survey findings, not every employer or a particular job.
| Work-setting question | Most common response | Share giving that response |
|---|---|---|
| Contact With Others | Constant contact with others | 64.1%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | Never | 59.0%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | Never | 100.0%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | Never | 87.8%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Spend Time Sitting | More than half the time | 49.1%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Spend Time Standing | Less than half the time | 74.7%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | Less than half the time | 41.9%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Time Pressure | Once a week or more but not every day | 47.0%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | Never | 93.5%07/2014 · sample 26 |
| Work Schedules | Regular (established routine, set schedule) | 86.1%07/2014 · sample 26 |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, selected topics. Only unsuppressed source responses with sample size at least 10 are shown. A most-common response need not be a majority. Sampling uncertainty applies; source dates vary. Ask employers about actual schedules, accessibility, protective equipment and working conditions.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Accounting software: Financial accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Tax software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software: IBM Digital Analytics, Search engine optimization SEO software
- Cloud-based management software: IBM WebSphere
- Communications server software: IBM Domino
- Customer relationship management CRM software: Microsoft Dynamics
- Data base management system software: Apache Solr, MySQL, Relational database management software
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Search engine results pages SERP software, Structured query language SQL
- Data mining software: Bing for Power BI, Google Analytics
- Development environment software: Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Visual Studio
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML, IBM InfoSphere DataStage
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: NetSuite ERP
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Physical demands and schedule evidence
BLS surveyed jobs in the broader occupation Business operations specialists, all other (SOC 13-1199). These preliminary 2025 estimates describe work requirements across surveyed employers. Individual workplaces, adjustments and duties differ.
Explore 40 occupational requirement estimates
| Requirement | Share of workers | Standard error |
|---|---|---|
| Workers that had work schedule variability required | 5.1% | 4.5 percentage points |
| Workers that had the ability to pause work Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required on-the-job training This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 77.6% | 11.8 percentage points |
| Workers that required prior work experience Estimate is greater than 55 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >55% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme cold Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme heat Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to quiet noise This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 61.4% | 10.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to moderate noise | 38.6% | 10.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to very loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that used personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure to noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to outdoors This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 64.5% | 13.9 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, seldom Estimate is less than 15 percent. | <15% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, occasionally Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors | 35.5% | 13.9 percentage points |
| Workers that were allowed the choice of sitting or standing Estimate is greater than 90 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >90% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not allowed the choice of sitting or standing Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to crawl when in low postures Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, seldom | 4.7% | 3.9 percentage points |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with one hand Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead | 4.7% | 3.9 percentage points |
| Workers that required a sedentary strength level This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 76.0% | 15.4 percentage points |
| Workers that required a light strength level | 21.2% | 14.9 percentage points |
| Workers that required a medium strength level Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a very heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
Use this evidence to ask about the actual work environment and available accommodations. It is not a medical assessment or a reason to rule yourself out of an occupation.
BLS Occupational Requirements Survey, preliminary 2025, released January 16, 2026; samples collected August 2023–July 2025. Source bounds such as “less than” are preserved. Categories are not necessarily additive. Understanding standard errors.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for online merchants
This O*NET specialty shares the BLS 13-1199 occupation series. Pay is measured for Business Operations Specialists, All Other, not separately for this specialty.
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 51 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $100,240 | $48.19 | 6,990 |
| Alaska | $94,740 | $45.55 | 2,020 |
| Arizona | $83,280 | $40.04 | 12,210 |
| Arkansas | $61,240 | $29.44 | 8,200 |
| California | $87,570 | $42.10 | 155,000 |
| Colorado | $92,520 | $44.48 | 45,670 |
| Connecticut | $85,530 | $41.12 | 5,630 |
| Delaware | $95,040 | $45.69 | 1,600 |
| District of Columbia | $108,160 | $52.00 | 37,790 |
| Florida | $79,650 | $38.29 | 66,230 |
| Georgia | $78,410 | $37.70 | 67,450 |
| Hawaii | $92,620 | $44.53 | 4,030 |
| Idaho | $76,400 | $36.73 | 2,740 |
| Illinois | $82,070 | $39.46 | 32,940 |
| Indiana | $79,030 | $37.99 | 6,290 |
| Iowa | $80,470 | $38.69 | 9,900 |
| Kansas | $83,350 | $40.07 | 9,810 |
| Kentucky | $74,690 | $35.91 | 5,870 |
| Louisiana | $63,220 | $30.40 | 17,010 |
| Maine | $78,830 | $37.90 | 4,230 |
| Maryland | $101,500 | $48.80 | 39,820 |
| Massachusetts | $93,270 | $44.84 | 17,910 |
| Michigan | $81,810 | $39.33 | 20,940 |
| Minnesota | $77,820 | $37.41 | 16,410 |
| Mississippi | $76,980 | $37.01 | 4,130 |
| Missouri | $80,420 | $38.66 | 15,770 |
| Montana | $74,990 | $36.05 | 4,760 |
| Nebraska | $77,980 | $37.49 | 2,540 |
| Nevada | $67,330 | $32.37 | 9,140 |
| New Hampshire | $83,740 | $40.26 | 1,920 |
| New Jersey | $91,060 | $43.78 | 34,210 |
| New Mexico | $79,100 | $38.03 | 8,450 |
| New York | $83,450 | $40.12 | 28,790 |
| North Carolina | $80,230 | $38.57 | 41,180 |
| North Dakota | $80,500 | $38.70 | 1,810 |
| Ohio | $79,350 | $38.15 | 31,690 |
| Oklahoma | $93,640 | $45.02 | 5,700 |
| Oregon | $77,170 | $37.10 | 14,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,590 | $38.75 | 27,250 |
| Rhode Island | $88,130 | $42.37 | 2,240 |
| South Carolina | $79,110 | $38.03 | 8,910 |
| South Dakota | $85,340 | $41.03 | 940 |
| Tennessee | $78,690 | $37.83 | 11,790 |
| Texas | $80,820 | $38.86 | 104,270 |
| Utah | $80,190 | $38.55 | Not published |
| Vermont | $71,710 | $34.48 | 2,440 |
| Virginia | $85,200 | $40.96 | 45,160 |
| Washington | $100,360 | $48.25 | 51,650 |
| West Virginia | $69,240 | $33.29 | 4,070 |
| Wisconsin | $67,370 | $32.39 | 12,210 |
| Wyoming | $74,060 | $35.60 | 1,770 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 526 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
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Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 13-1199.06.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.