Highest-Paying Merchandiser Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of merchandisers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of merchandisers:

• Retail Sales Merchandiser is the highest-paid type of merchandiser with an average salary of $39,721 and an average hourly rate of $19.10.

• The second highest-paying type of merchandiser is visual merchandiser, with an average salary of $38,037.

• The average merchandiser salary is $31,051 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.93.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a merchandiser, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of merchandisers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of merchandisers:

1. Retail Sales Merchandiser

   Average Salary: $39,721

   Retail sales merchandisers are employees who are responsible for promoting and selling goods or services to customers for a retail store. These merchandisers are required to maintain a proper level of stock while ensuring that merchandise is displayed appropriately with proper signage. They must execute special promotional campaigns of their products or services that are created to boost their sales volume. Retail store merchandisers must also resolve issues that may arise after internal audits while training employees to be aware of their products so that they can recommend them to customers.

2. Visual Merchandiser

   Average Salary: $38,037

   A visual merchandiser is responsible for arranging product displays at retail outlets, attracting customers to purchase the items. Visual merchandisers should be updated with the latest trends in the market to prioritize retail displays and floor plans. They must also be knowledgeable on product information to assist customers with their inquiries and concerns. Visual merchandisers should be creative in setting up the uniformity of the store’s visuals within the budget goals. The designs must be appealing enough to drive the customers around the premises, potentially generating revenues and increasing profitability.

3. Grocery Associate

   Average Salary: $35,040

   Grocery Associates are responsible for assisting with maintaining operations and providing customer service of a grocery store. Their duties include greeting customers, providing product suggestions, conduct product stocking and rotation, assisting with vendor merchandising, and unloading products from trucks. They are also responsible for operating equipment in departments, reporting illegal activities to management, and bagging groceries. Grocery Associates ensure the displays and aisles are clean while assisting customers with product finding and giving directions.

4. General Merchandise Clerk

   Average Salary: $34,415

   This individual works in the GM section of a store. They interact with customers and assist them as they purchase merchandise. In this role, they are expected to place all special orders and to take stock of all products annually. Other responsibilities of this position include developing merchandise plans and ensuring they are compliant with quality standards. They may also have to evaluate merchandise and ensure credit payments are accurate.

5. Merchandising Representative

   Average Salary: $32,303

   Merchandising representatives are professionals who are responsible for providing point-of-purchase and shelf management services to produce sales. These representatives are required to plan and develop merchandising strategies so that they can balance the expectations of customers and the organization’s objectives. They must maintain store shelves and display products appropriately so that they can maximize the interest of customers and sales levels. Merchandising representatives must also analyze sales figures, the reactions of customers, and market trends to anticipate their product needs and plan product stock.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various merchandiser that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Merchandisers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for merchandisers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Merchandiser Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid merchandiser job?

   The highest-paid merchandiser job is a retail sales merchandiser. Retail Sales Merchandisers earn an average salary of $39,721, which is $ 19.10 hourly.

   Retail sales merchandisers are employees who are responsible for promoting and selling goods or services to customers for a retail store. These merchandisers are required to maintain a proper level of stock while ensuring that merchandise is displayed appropriately with proper signage. They must execute special promotional campaigns of their products or services that are created to boost their sales volume. Retail store merchandisers must also resolve issues that may arise after internal audits while training employees to be aware of their products so that they can recommend them to customers.

2. What is a good salary for a merchandiser?

   A good salary for a merchandiser is $31,051 or more. The average merchandiser salary is $31,051, so those making at least $31,051 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average merchandiser salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a merchandiser, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $31,051 average, as this includes all merchandisers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Merchandiser jobs pay well?

   No, merchandiser jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some merchandiser jobs pay better than others, but the average merchandiser salary of $31,051 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many merchandiser jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of merchandisers earning $0 a year on average.

   Merchandisers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a merchandiser. Do your research on the going rate for a merchandiser in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do merchandisers get paid the most?

   Merchandisers get paid the most in North Dakota. In North Dakota, merchandisers earn an average annual salary of $31,700 and an average hourly wage of $15.24.

   Following ND, the states with the highest-paid merchandisers are Iowa, Michigan, and Oregon, with average annual salaries of $30,600, $30,182, and $34,844 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid merchandiser salaries are:

   1. Richmond, CA – $35,971

   2. Seattle, WA – $35,590

   3. Portland, OR – $34,825

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.