Career change as an automotive sales clerk

Career change paths

• Senior sales assistant (Erstverkäufer)

  Also: Team leader sales, Shift leader in retail

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As team leader you plan shifts, guide new colleagues, and make sure goods and cash desk are in order.

  What you bring:

  You know the product range, the flow of goods and the customers of your branch, and you know where things get stuck in daily business.

  How to get there:

  This is an internal promotion with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung), usually after a few years in sales. Some retailers offer their own management training for this.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLots of contact with people
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• Customer adviser in customer service

  Also: Customer hotline employee

  With on-the-job training

  In customer service you do that by phone, in chat or by email.

  What you bring:

  You can explain products, clarify complaints and stay calm even with dissatisfied customers.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the company, usually a few weeks of training in products and software. Career changers are common in this area.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an officeHome office possible

  €2,819gross per monthMedian salary

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• Car rental employee

  Also: Rental assistant

  With on-the-job training

  In car rental you conclude rental contracts, hand over vehicles, and take them back.

  What you bring:

  You already sell, advise and take payments, and you know how to offer extras in an appropriate way.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the rental station, usually lasting a few weeks. A class B driving license is almost always required, and at airports and train stations English too.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Lots of contact with people

  €3,237gross per monthMedian salary

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• Nursing assistant

  Also: Nursing specialist assistant (Pflegefachassistent)

  With on-the-job training

  In nursing assistance you support people with personal care, meals and mobility; you learn the nursing skills on the job.

  What you bring:

  You deal every day with very different people, stay friendly even under stress, and like helping.

  How to get there:

  You can start as a nursing assistant after a basic nursing course (Pflegebasiskurs) of a few weeks. You can earn a qualification through the training as nursing specialist assistant (Pflegefachassistent): it will be uniform nationwide from 2027 and takes 18 months full-time. With work experience in nursing it can be shortened.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLots of contact with people

  €3,296gross per monthMedian salary

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• Accounts payable accountant

  Also: Accounts receivable accountant, Invoicing clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In accounting, exactly this part of your work becomes the main focus.

  What you bring:

  You are confident with invoices, receipts and office software, and you know the processes in the company.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in accounting, often supplemented by a financial accounting course that includes accounting software. The course usually takes a few weeks to a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• Payroll accountant

  Also: Payroll clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In payroll accounting, this accuracy and discretion are the core of the work.

  What you bring:

  You handle confidential data carefully, work to deadlines and use office software confidently.

  How to get there:

  Take a payroll course at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or a training provider. It usually takes a few months. You also get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the payroll software.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• HR clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the HR department, you also deal with employment contracts, vacation, sick notes and applications.

  What you bring:

  You manage files, prepare letters from templates and handle data confidentially.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the HR department, often supplemented by an HR administration course lasting a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,513gross per monthMedian salary

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• Executive assistant to the managing director

  Also: Management assistant

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As an assistant to the management you also take on projects, minutes and the preparation of meetings.

  What you bring:

  You organize appointments, mail, filing and communication reliably and know what has to stay confidential.

  How to get there:

  You get there with a few years of office experience, via an internal application or a change of employer. Alongside your job, the further training course for certified senior specialist for office and project organization (Fachwirt für Büro- und Projektorganisation) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) helps. It usually takes one to two years and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,810gross per monthMedian salary

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• Doctor's secretary

  Also: Medical secretary, Ward secretary

  With on-the-job training

  In the secretariat of a clinic or practice, you also deal with medical terms, doctors' letters and billing.

  What you bring:

  You write letters, organize appointments and files, and stay friendly on the phone.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the clinic or practice. A course on medical terminology and billing, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, makes entry easier.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,270gross per monthMedian salary

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• Citizens' office clerk

  Also: Vehicle registration office clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the citizens' office or the registration office you process applications for ID cards, registrations or vehicles.

  What you bring:

  You are confident with forms, data and regulations, and you explain processes to customers in a friendly and clear way.

  How to get there:

  Some municipalities hire office staff for the citizens' office or the registration office and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Often, however, administrative training is expected, or administrative course I (Verwaltungslehrgang I) is required after hiring. What exactly applies is stated in the job ad.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,822gross per monthMedian salary

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• Property manager

  Also: Clerk in property management

  With on-the-job training

  In property management, you also deal with tenant questions, utility bill statements and orders to craftspeople.

  What you bring:

  You write letters to customers, manage files and payments, and keep deadlines in view.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in a property management firm, often starting as an assistant. If you work directly on managing apartments, you must take legally required further training: 20 hours in three years. Later you can take the exam for certified property manager at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the further training course for certified senior real estate specialist (Immobilienfachwirt). If you become a self-employed property manager, you need a permit under § 34c GewO.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,940gross per monthMedian salary

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• Staffing coordinator

  Also: Temporary staffing consultant

  With on-the-job training

  In staffing coordination you plan employee assignments at client companies, conduct job interviews and stay in contact with both sides.

  What you bring:

  You make many phone calls, organize appointments and keep data clean.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at a temporary staffing or personnel services provider, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €4,046gross per monthMedian salary

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• Law firm secretary

  Also: Paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte)

  With on-the-job training

  In law firms and notary offices, you also handle written submissions, deadline monitoring, client contact and law firm software.

  What you bring:

  You write letters confidently, keep files and appointments, and work precisely with deadlines.

  How to get there:

  Law firms also hire office staff as secretaries and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You pick up knowledge of the respective field of law in everyday work. You can earn a recognized qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte), which usually takes about two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,421gross per monthMedian salary

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• Clerk at a health insurance fund

  Also: Customer adviser in social insurance

  With on-the-job training

  At health insurance funds, pension insurance or accident insurance providers you check applications for benefits, process contributions and advise insured people.

  What you bring:

  You process applications, maintain data, keep deadlines and patiently explain to customers what is missing.

  How to get there:

  Some health insurance funds and insurance providers hire office staff with commercial training and train them in-house, often with courses over several months. Others, however, expect vocational training (Ausbildung) as social insurance specialist (Sozialversicherungsfachangestellte) or offer it themselves. The job ad states what applies.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,964gross per monthMedian salary

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• Head of sales

  Also: Field sales team leader

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As head of sales you lead a team in the field or in the office, set targets and territories, plan prices and promotions, and report to management.

  What you bring:

  You know customers, markets and closing deals from hands-on experience, and you know what makes a sales conversation work.

  How to get there:

  This is usually an internal promotion after several successful years, often by taking on responsibility for a region or a key account team. Alongside your job, further training courses at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) can strengthen your application: certified senior business specialist (Wirtschaftsfachwirt) or certified senior specialist for marketing (Fachwirt für Marketing). Both can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Large companies more often expect a university degree for heads of sales.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically light

  €7,515gross per monthMedian salary

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• Sales trainer

  Also: Sales coach

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As a sales trainer you train field and inside sales teams in conversation skills, negotiation and customer retention, either in-house at a company or for training providers.

  What you bring:

  You have held many sales conversations, you know the typical objections and you know what new colleagues need to learn.

  How to get there:

  People usually move into training after several successful years in sales, often starting by training new colleagues in-house. Trainer courses from private providers take a few weeks to a few months. A recognized qualification is the further training course for certified vocational and continuing education trainer (Aus- und Weiterbildungspädagoge) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It requires work experience and the trainer aptitude certificate (Ausbildereignung). You can also work freelance as a trainer, and then your workload can vary a lot.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically light

  €5,254gross per monthMedian salary

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• IT account representative

  Also: Software account manager

  With on-the-job training

  As an account manager you look after business customers, present software or IT solutions and work with technical experts who clarify the details.

  What you bring:

  You are good at winning new customers, analyzing needs and negotiating, and these skills matter just as much when selling software and IT services.

  How to get there:

  You can start at software providers or IT system integrators, with product training that usually lasts a few weeks to a few months. Basic technical understanding and a willingness to learn are expected. The path can begin in inside sales or in cold calling to win new customers.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleHome office possible

  €6,745gross per monthMedian salary

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• Branch manager

  Also: Deputy branch manager, Store manager

  With further trainingPromotion

  As branch manager you also bear responsibility for staff, revenue planning and costs.

  What you bring:

  You know ordering goods, inventory, customer service and cash desk processes from everyday life in a branch.

  How to get there:

  You usually get there through the deputy branch manager role, as a rule with a qualification in retail. Alongside your job, you can take the further training course for certified senior retail specialist (Handelsfachwirt) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), which can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted, for example, with a salesperson qualification and two years of work experience, or, without a qualification, after five years of work experience in retail.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsPhysically light
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• Purchasing planner in retail

  Also: Buyer

  With further trainingPromotion

  In planning and purchasing you plan order quantities, negotiate with suppliers, and steer the supply of goods to the branches.

  What you bring:

  Every day you see which goods sell, where gaps appear on the shelf and how stock develops.

  How to get there:

  A commercial qualification is usually expected, for example as retail clerk (Kaufmann im Einzelhandel) or in wholesale and foreign trade management, along with experience in retail. Part-time further training in purchasing at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) prepares you specifically for it.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,200gross per monthMedian salary

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• Pharmaceutical commercial assistant (PKA)

  With retraining

  In the pharmacy, PKAs take care of orders, storage and prices, and advise customers when selling care and cosmetic products.

  What you bring:

  You know goods receipt, stock control and selling at the counter.

  How to get there:

  You do vocational training (Ausbildung), which takes three years and is often shortened with work experience in retail. It is partly also offered as retraining (Umschulung).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Lots of contact with people

  €3,155gross per monthMedian salary

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• Department store detective

  Also: Store detective

  With further training

  Store detectives observe inconspicuously, approach suspects, and document incidents for retailers and the police.

  What you bring:

  You know the sales floor, typical theft methods and the weak points in merchandise protection.

  How to get there:

  To protect stores against shoplifters on behalf of a security or detective service, you must pass the expertise exam under § 34a GewO (Sachkundeprüfung) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Preparation courses usually take a few weeks and can partly be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*Regulated by law (§ 34a Trade Regulation Act (GewO), Security Services Ordinance (BewachV)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workLots of contact with people

  €3,283gross per monthMedian salary

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• Visual marketing designer (Gestalter für visuelles Marketing)

  Also: Visual merchandiser

  With vocational training

  In visual marketing you plan shop windows, sales areas and decorations for whole branches.

  What you bring:

  You set up goods, design tables and shelves, and notice which presentation appeals to customers.

  How to get there:

  You can do vocational training (Ausbildung) as visual marketing designer (Gestalter für visuelles Marketing), which takes three years and is often shortened with work experience. At large fashion retailers, an internal switch into visual merchandising with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) is also possible.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Little customer contact

  €3,117gross per monthMedian salary

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• Insurance agent

  Also: Customer adviser in insurance

  With further training

  In insurance intermediation you advise private and business customers on protection and planning ahead.

  What you bring:

  You recognize needs in conversation, explain offers clearly, and look after customers over a longer time.

  How to get there:

  As an employee of an insurer you need no permit and no expertise exam (Sachkundeprüfung) of your own. Your employer must make sure you are suitably qualified. Some employers still expect you to pass the exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) to become an insurance intermediation specialist (Fachmann für Versicherungsvermittlung), and preparation usually takes a few weeks to a few months. Anyone who takes part in advising must prove 15 hours of further training every year. For self-employed intermediation you need a permit under § 34d GewO with proof of expertise. Some offers are self-employed agent work on commission, while employed positions are more likely to be found directly at insurers.*Regulated by law (§ 34d Trade Regulation Act (GewO), Insurance Intermediary Ordinance (VersVermV)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,797gross per monthMedian salary

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• Warehouse specialist (Fachlagerist)

  Also: Warehouse logistics specialist (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik)

  With retraining

  In the warehouse you take care of goods receipt, storage, order picking, and shipping to branches or customers.

  What you bring:

  You know goods receipt, inventory, the merchandise management system and putting goods away from the store.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as warehouse specialist (Fachlagerist), which usually takes about 16 months, or as warehouse logistics specialist (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik), which usually takes two years. It can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). Large retail chains also fill jobs in their central warehouses internally, with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,235gross per monthMedian salary

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• Financial accountant

  Also: Balance sheet accountant

  With further trainingPromotion

  You already bring care with figures and deadlines from your office work.

  What you bring:

  With a commercial foundation and experience in accounting, you can prepare monthly and annual closings and take over tax topics.

  How to get there:

  First gain experience in accounting, then take the further training course for certified balance sheet accountant (Bilanzbuchhalter) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It usually takes about two years alongside a job and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted to the exam with completed three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung). Without it you need at least five years of work experience, mainly in finance and accounting.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• IT support specialist

  Also: IT specialist for system integration

  With retraining

  In IT support you help colleagues with software, devices and access.

  What you bring:

  You work with office software every day, know the typical problems users have, and explain patiently.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as IT specialist for system integration (Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,400gross per monthMedian salary

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• Pharmaceutical sales representative

  Also: Pharmaceutical field sales consultant

  With further training

  As a pharmaceutical sales representative you visit doctors' offices, clinics and pharmacies, inform them about your company's medicines and record reports of side effects.

  What you bring:

  You plan your own routes, hold expert-level conversations and build relationships with customers over years.

  How to get there:

  Pharmaceutical advisers may only work if they have the expertise required by law. Without a pharmaceutical or science qualification, you prove it by passing the exam for certified pharmaceutical representative (Pharmareferent) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). To be admitted, you need commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) related to the exam content plus two years of work experience, which can also come from sales, or five years of work experience. The exam regulations also require a preparation course of 1,000 teaching hours unless you prove the knowledge in another way. Full-time this usually takes six months to one year, and longer alongside a job. Experience in the health market helps.*Regulated by law (§ 75 Medicinal Products Act (AMG), Ordinance on the Examination for the Recognized Qualification Certified Pharmaceutical Representative § 2).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €5,550gross per monthMedian salary

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• Marketing specialist

  Also: Product manager

  With further training

  In marketing or product management you plan campaigns, trade fairs and sales materials, monitor the market and develop offers together with the sales team.

  What you bring:

  From many customer conversations you know which arguments work, what competitors offer and which products are in demand.

  How to get there:

  The switch often works within your own company, for example by moving first into product marketing or trade fair marketing. Some jobs require a university degree, but practical knowledge from sales is useful. You can earn a recognized qualification alongside your job with the further training course for certified senior specialist for marketing (Fachwirt für Marketing), which can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). To be admitted, you need three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) and one year of marketing-related work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible

  €5,385gross per monthMedian salary

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Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.