The Average Salary of a Retail Clerk
When you visit a shop, chances are a retail clerk will be present to assist you. Retail clerks, or retail salespersons, help sell products at retail establishments. Though most retail clerks are employed in apparel or department stores, some sales jobs require specialized knowledge and skills. For example, retail clerks at an automobile dealership must have in-depth knowledge in cars and their specifications. Most retail salespersons learn through the process of on-the-job training. Discover the average salary of a retail clerk.
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National Salary
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The mean hourly wage for retail salespersons was $11.84 and the mean annual wage, or average salary, was $24,630, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Median annual wages for retail salespersons ranged from approximately $15,420 to $38,460. The lowest 10 percent of employees earn less than $15,420 and the top 10 percent of employees earn more than $38,460.
High Employment
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The clothing stores industry employed the largest number of retail salespersons with an average salary of $21,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that employed large numbers were: department stores, $21,000; building material and supplies dealers, $26,920; other general merchandise stores, $19,680; and sporting goods, hobby and musical instrument stores, $21,150.
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Top-Paying Industries
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Agencies, brokerages and other insurance-related activities paid the highest average salary above all other industries to retail salespersons with $42,970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that offered high pay were: automobile dealers, $42,970; insurance carriers, $42,930; commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing, $42,200; and support activities for air transportation, $41,940.
Top-Paying States
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Florida paid the highest average salary above all other states to retail salespersons with $26,900, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other states that offered high pay were: Vermont, $26,800; New York, $26,750; Connecticut, $26,710; and Washington, $26,660.
Job Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment for retail salespersons is projected to increase at a rate of 8 percent from 2008 through 2018. The retail industry is one of the largest industries and job turnover occurs frequently. In 2008, retail salespersons held approximately 4.5 million jobs. Therefore, opportunities are expected to be good.
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