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.
AI Impact Summary
Online Merchants faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 46/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 85% of all analyzed occupations. Of 34 analyzed tasks, 15 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
7
AI-Resistant
5
AI-Augmented
AI-Vulnerable
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
AI-Resistant
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
34 tasks analyzed
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.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors. | 35 | 47.0% | 4% |
| Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services. | 95 | 87.2% | 2% |
| Create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software. | 95 | 87.2% | 2% |
| Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment. | 95 | 87.2% | 1% |
| Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods. | 50 | 35.0% | 4% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 21.2%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$81,270
per year
Mean Wage
$92,380
per year
Employment
1.1M
workers
Wage Range
$46,230 - $147,830
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
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