Retail workers are some of the unsung heroes of the working world. They help customers with purchases, show or demonstrate merchandise, take payment, record sales, wrap purchases, or arrange them for their delivery. Of course, this is just a partial list of the potential job duties of these workers, also referred to as sales clerks, retail clerks, or salespeople.
According to the National Retail Foundation (NRF), the sector supports 1 in 4 American jobs — or about 42 million jobs in total. It directly employs 29 million Americans, making it the largest private-sector employer in the country.
The industry is also a boon to people who need flexible and part-time work. More than 35% of part-time retail employees say they took this kind of job because of the flexibility they needed while in school; over 20% said it was because they have other jobs; and 11% wanted to accommodate their roles as stay-at-home parents.
And while retail jobs are often entry-level positions, 62% of retail store managers reported reaching their current positions by progressing through the ranks in the industry. For example, a stock clerk might become a retail sales clerk before getting a position as a senior sales worker, then going up in the ranks as a assistant store manager or department manager. If they are eager and savvy enough, they could go on to become a retail business owner themselves after some time in store management.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) points out that median retail job salaries are $12.23 an hour or $25,440 per year. While the overall employment of retail sales associates is supposed to have little or no change from 2019 to 2029, competition from online sales might lead to employment declines in brick-and-mortar retail stores.
Becoming a retail sales worker — especially for entry-level positions — typically requires little formal education since on-the-job training is usually supplied. That said, some employers look for job seekers who have a high school diploma or equivalent, especially if they sell technical products or “big-ticket” items like electronics and cars.
In small stores, retail workers may be taken under the wing of an experienced employee for their training on-the-job. Larger retail chains might have formal programs put in place, conducting training over a number of days to coach them on product knowledge, communication skills, human resources policies, and more.
While a retail worker might be able to advance to management positions on the strength of their job performance, some businesses require the candidates to have college degrees in addition to retail experience.
Important qualities for retail workers to have include:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Retail skills, like sales ability and product knowledge
- Persistence (especially for sales jobs)
Median salaries and job descriptions for the most common retail job titles include:
- Cashier ($11.37 per hour or $23,650 annually): Cashiers process payments from customers purchasing goods and services in retail operations using a cash register or point of sale (POS) system. You will find them at locations such as grocery stores, gasoline stations, and other general merchandise stores. In addition to cash handling, they can also be responsible for welcoming customers as they walk in, assisting with returns and exchanges, answering the phone, and promoting any add-ons — such as rewards programs or extended warranties — before customers check out.
- Customer Service Representative ($16.69 per hour or $34,710 annually): These workers interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. Their jobs often require a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training. The nature of the customer service representative job means that you need to be able to handle the most difficult customer complaints.
- First-Line Supervisors ($22.03 per hour or $45,830 annually): With greater responsibility comes greater compensation. First-line supervisors of retail service workers directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in a retail establishment or department. Their duties may also include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work. Some sectors boast significantly higher retail job salaries. For example, first-line supervisors at automobile dealerships receive a mean pay of $36.74 per hour or $76,420 per year.
- Food and Beverage Service Worker ($11.06 per hour or $23,000 annually): Food and beverage serving and related workers do a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in eating and drinking establishments. Workplaces can include restaurants, schools, hospitals, cafeterias, and other dining establishments. Some food service workers also receive tips from customers. Employment in the sector is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer ($13.31 per hour or $27,680 annually): Merchandise displayers and window trimmers plan and put up merchandising displays, including those used in windows and interiors of retail stores, or even at trade exhibitions. Visual merchandisers need a great eye for design to create displays that catch the customers’ eyes and get them to enter the store and buy.
- Retail Sales Associate ($13.61 per hour or $28,310 annually): Sales associates sell merchandise such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers (and does not include cashiers). Salaries for these retail positions also vary according to the industry sector and part of the country. For example, in California, the mean hourly wage for salespeople is $15.13 per hour or $31,460 per year. In Texas, these workers make $12.90 per hour and $26,840 per year.
- Stockers and Order Fillers ($13.16 per hour or $27,380 annually): These retail workers receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from the stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers’ orders. In some cases, stockers and order fillers may operate power equipment to fill orders or mark prices on merchandise and set up sales display in addition to restocking. Some of the industries with the highest employment for this profession include food and beverage stores, general merchandise stores, warehouse and storage, building material and supplies dealers, or beer, wine, and liquor stores.
Retail jobs that pay higher salaries usually require more education and training, with the possibility of earling salaries paying about $17 an hour. According to Investopedia, some of the highest-paid retail jobs are offered by:
- Costco: American workers report making more than $17 per hour — some even earn up to $26 per hour — which are some of the highest hourly rates in the industry. The company also provides a 401(k) plan, bonus pay, and vision, dental, and health benefits.
- Nordstrom: The shoe retail chain born in Seattle employs over 70,000 workers on a full- or part-time basis. Employees report making an average of $16 per hour, and the company offers great benefits.
- Amazon: The retail behemoth operates from 160 million square feet of warehouse space in the United States, with nearly 650,000 full- and part-time workers. These fulfillment center jobs pay a minimum of $15 and include health care, 401(k) plans with company matching, and parent leave. Benefits may vary by state.
- Lowe’s: This home improvement powerhouse has more than 2,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, employing about 300,000 associates paid an average of $13 per hour — although some employees earn as much as $19 per hour. Lowe’s offers several benefits, including retirement, health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Home Depot: The DIY giant employs roughly 413,000 workers, of whom nearly 30,000 are salaried. Hourly wages reportedly range from $12.40 an hour to more than $18. Benefits include bonus pay, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) and employee stock purchasing plans, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, adoption assistance, and a host of employee discounts.
- Sam’s Club: The employees at the warehouse retailer operated by Walmart report earning an average of $12 per hour, with others making more than $17 per hour. Eligible workers can get access to retirement benefits, stock purchasing plans, health care, parental leave, $5,000 in adoption assistance, and college tuition assistance.
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