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The differences between associate store managers and sales associate/managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an associate store manager and a sales associate/manager. Additionally, a sales associate/manager has an average salary of $41,412, which is higher than the $29,803 average annual salary of an associate store manager.
The top three skills for an associate store manager include sales floor, product knowledge and customer service. The most important skills for a sales associate/manager are customer service, sales floor, and strong customer service.
| Associate Store Manager | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $29,803 | $41,412 |
| Hourly rate | $14.33 | $19.91 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 343,409 | 318,977 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An associate store manager is typically in charge of performing administrative support tasks to maintain the smooth flow of operations in a retail store. They usually prepare and process documents, answer calls and correspondence, organize files, liaise with internal and external partners, and train new members of the workforce. They may also assist clients by answering inquiries, processing purchases, and addressing issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently in adherence to the store's policies and regulations.
As the name entails, sales associates or associate managers are responsible for helping the store manager organize and run the retail stores. Their roles and responsibilities include ensuring that the store's goals are met by the sales team, hiring and training sales staff, and monitoring inventory. They are also expected to analyze consumer behavior, look for competitive products in the market, and communicate and evaluate clients' needs. To be qualified for this position, you should have experience as an assistant manager, organizational and leadership skills, and proficiency in MS Office.
Associate store managers and sales associate/managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Store Manager | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Average salary | $29,803 | $41,412 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $35,000 | Between $30,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Salem, VA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an associate store manager and a sales associate/manager in terms of educational background:
| Associate Store Manager | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
Here are the differences between associate store managers' and sales associate/managers' demographics:
| Associate Store Manager | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% | Male, 44.2% Female, 55.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |