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 associates that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of associates:
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Furniture Sales Associate is the highest-paid type of associate with an average salary of $49,717 and an average hourly rate of $23.90.
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The second highest-paying type of associate is commissioned sales associate, with an average salary of $36,949.
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The average associate salary is $69,556 per year, and the average hourly pay is $33.44.
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 an associate, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of associates are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of associates:
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Furniture Sales Associate
Average Salary: $49,717
A furniture sales associate is, basically, responsible for selling furniture. They have to keep their sales pitch polished, because they are required to make customers buy products, even if they are unwilling. Selling is not their only responsibility, however. They also do the job of an advertiser to promote the products of the business and attract new customers. Good communication and interpersonal skills will be a strong asset in this role, since it involves face-to-face or phone communication with potential customers.
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Commissioned Sales Associate
Average Salary: $36,949
Commissioned sales associates are professionals who conduct sale transactions that can generate additional compensation by increasing selling operations. These associates are must collaborate successfully with fellow associates in regard to sales and commission distribution. They must provide excellent customer service so that they can establish long term relationships with customers and ensure high satisfaction. Commissioned sales associates must also assist the department managers with visual merchandising to arrange racks so that they can place and stock new merchandise.
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Technician/Sales Associate
Average Salary: $35,654
A technician/sales associate is someone who promotes the products or services of an enterprise through customer service. Sales associates are in charge of greeting the customers and guiding them through the products. They are the ones who provide answers to questions from customers, ensuring a pleasant experience for the guests. It is also part of their job to process the payment of the customers and package their purchased goods. They need to develop skills in customer service, communication, and sales strategy.
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Merchandising Associate
Average Salary: $33,201
Merchandise associates ensure that customers get a complete shopping experience. They pleasantly arrange and stock merchandise on shelves for customers to purchase. Also, they assemble product displays and make sure popular and on-sale products are visible to customers. Part of their duty is to place the appropriate sales tag on items and record new developments in the store’s inventory. Skills required for the job include excellent customer service, being detail-oriented, and relevant experience in sales.
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Sales Associate
Average Salary: $32,167
Below is a full table of the average pay for various associate that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Associates
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 associates.
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 Associate Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid associate job?
The highest-paid associate job is a furniture sales associate. Furniture Sales Associates earn an average salary of $49,717, which is $ 23.90 hourly.
A furniture sales associate is, basically, responsible for selling furniture. They have to keep their sales pitch polished, because they are required to make customers buy products, even if they are unwilling. Selling is not their only responsibility, however. They also do the job of an advertiser to promote the products of the business and attract new customers. Good communication and interpersonal skills will be a strong asset in this role, since it involves face-to-face or phone communication with potential customers.
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What is a good salary for an associate?
A good salary for an associate is $69,556 or more. The average associate salary is $69,556, so those making at least $69,556 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average associate 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 an associate, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $69,556 average, as this includes all associates of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Associate jobs pay well?
Yes, associate jobs pay well. As in any industry, some associate jobs pay better than others, but the average associate salary of $69,556 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many associate jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of associates earning $0 a year on average.
Associates’ 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 an associate. Do your research on the going rate for an associate in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do associates get paid the most?
Associates get paid the most in New York. In New York, associates earn an average annual salary of $89,570 and an average hourly wage of $43.06.
Following NY, the states with the highest-paid associates are Connecticut, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $75,022, $69,901, and $73,855 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid associate salaries are:
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Washington, DC – $93,302
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New York, NY – $90,902
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Menlo Park, CA – $82,294
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Author
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.
