Retail Sales Workers earn $34,810 median salary in 2025: What to know
Retail Sales Workers in the United States earn a median annual salary of $34,810, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $17 per hour, with half of workers earning more and half less. If you're considering this career or just curious about the numbers, here's what you need to know about pay, entry requirements, and prospects.
How much Retail Sales Workers earn
The median annual wage for Retail Sales Workers is $34,810, with a mean of $36,320. Pay ranges widely: the bottom 10% earn about $26,710 or less, while the top 10% bring in $47,270 or more. Most workers fall between those figures, meaning experience and location can significantly affect your paycheck.
In hourly terms, the typical wage lands around $17 per hour. Since many retail positions are part-time or have variable hours, annual earnings can fluctuate. Keep in mind that these are BLS estimates for 2024, reflecting base wages before bonuses or commissions.
Pay by state
State-level pay data is not available from the most recent BLS release. Generally, retail pay tends to be higher in states with higher costs of living and stronger union presence, such as California or New York. Conversely, lower pay is common in states like Mississippi or Arkansas. Check your state's labor department for localized figures.
How to become a Retail Sales Worker
The path to becoming a Retail Sales Worker is straightforward: no formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most skills are learned on the job. Here are the common steps:
- Get a high school diploma or GED — most employers ask for this.
- Apply for entry-level positions at stores, big-box retailers, or specialty shops.
- On-the-job training usually lasts a few weeks, covering cash registers, customer service, and store policies.
- Advancement to supervisor or manager often comes with experience; some employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree for those roles.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not provide a projected growth rate for Retail Sales Workers from 2024 to 2034. However, the occupation is massive — over 7.6 million jobs — so turnover is high. Many positions open up as workers move to other jobs or retire. While e-commerce poses a long-term threat, physical retail remains a major employer, especially for part-time and seasonal work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly pay for Retail Sales Workers?
The median hourly wage is about $17, based on the mean annual wage of $36,320 for 2,080 work hours.
Do you need a degree to become a Retail Sales Worker?
No, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient. Most training is provided on the job.
Is retail sales growing or declining?
The BLS didn't provide a growth estimate for this occupation. It's a large field but faces pressure from online shopping, though turnover creates constant openings.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Retail Sales Workers data.