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The differences between associates and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an associate has an average salary of $69,556, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.
The top three skills for an associate include customer service, sales floor and patients. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.
| Associate | Store Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $69,556 | $29,543 |
| Hourly rate | $33.44 | $14.20 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 569,041 | 495,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Associates are typically entry-level positions for employees who are taking on their first job or organizational role. They are assigned to teams or departments that are related to their skills or educational background. They usually start with smaller tasks that may not seem as impactful but are still essential to the department. Associates are trained by more tenured team members on the ins and outs of the department and the organization. As they grow with the organization, they are given more responsibilities that directly impact the results of the department's initiatives as they work towards their goals.
A store associate is responsible for assisting customers with the products they need and recommending alternative goods that would fit their budget. Sales associates also market promotional offers and provide product descriptions to the customer. They also monitor inventories, stock supplies on the appropriate shelves, and ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the store. Store associates also perform other administrative tasks as needed, such as creating sales reports, assisting in the counter, and helping customers on carrying their items.
Associates and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate | Store Associate | |
| Average salary | $69,556 | $29,543 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $140,000 | Between $24,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Best paying industry | - | Retail |
There are a few differences between an associate and a store associate in terms of educational background:
| Associate | Store Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between associates' and store associates' demographics:
| Associate | Store Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.4% Female, 49.6% | Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 8.3% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |