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Job outlook for associate/team leads in the United States
Associate/team lead job and salary trends over time
Associate/team lead jobs over time
Associate/team lead job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 304,861 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 284,090 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 312,556 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 314,964 | 0.09% |
| 2017 | 319,634 | 0.10% |
Average associate/team lead salary over time
Associate/team lead salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,721 | $26.31 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $53,103 | $25.53 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $52,155 | $25.07 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $50,734 | $24.39 | --1.3% |
| 2021 | $51,379 | $24.70 | +1.9% |
Associate/team lead jobs by state
Most common states for associate/team leads
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 976 | 54% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 379 | 50% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 607 | 45% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 300 | 43% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,327 | 42% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 4,244 | 41% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,490 | 41% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,456 | 41% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,036 | 41% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 427 | 41% |
| 11 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 2,687 | 40% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,273 | 40% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 352 | 40% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,369 | 39% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,162 | 39% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 289 | 39% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 403 | 38% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,784 | 37% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 1,440 | 37% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,078 | 37% |
Most common cities for associate/team leads
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holland | 3 | 9% | $55,573 |
| 2 | Saginaw | 4 | 8% | $57,411 |
| 3 | Muskegon | 3 | 8% | $55,551 |
| 4 | Allen Park | 2 | 7% | $58,028 |
| 5 | Flint | 5 | 5% | $57,662 |
| 6 | Westland | 3 | 4% | $57,895 |
| 7 | Wilmington | 3 | 4% | $79,158 |
| 8 | Canton | 3 | 3% | $57,831 |
| 9 | Evansville | 3 | 3% | $48,791 |
| 10 | Bossier City | 2 | 3% | $46,720 |
| 11 | Broomfield | 2 | 3% | $49,506 |
| 12 | Metairie | 3 | 2% | $48,875 |
| 13 | Springfield | 3 | 2% | $90,493 |
| 14 | Brockton | 2 | 2% | $90,589 |
| 15 | New Orleans | 3 | 1% | $48,803 |
| 16 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $53,275 |
| 17 | Chandler | 2 | 1% | $48,736 |
Associate/Team Lead job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate/team lead experts
San Diego Mesa College
York College of Pennsylvania
Meegan Feori Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSan Diego Mesa College
Department is Business Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate/Team Lead job market given the pandemic?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: According to Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company (2020), the pandemic is accelerating the pre-existing trends of digital shopping and consumer support of social justice. This will impact the skills necessary to complete existing jobs; it may also introduce new job functions within the fashion industry. People will need to "learn, unlearn, and relearn" skills (Toffler; 1970, p. 414). At a foundational skill level, problem-solving, statistics, emotional intelligence, and collaboration are paramount. The fashion industry has a track record of adopting emerging technologies and anticipating cultural shifts. Therefore, I recommend making an effort to involve yourself with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3D prototyping, or other emerging technology. Also, being knowledgeable of sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical business practices will serve you well.
What general advice would you give to an Associate/Team Lead?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: Consider your career in terms of what you are willing to do right now to support yourself and be self-sufficient. During the last recession, I was underemployed, working as a part-time pool lifeguard and making funnel cakes at a local amusement park. Not ideal, but with my funds running low, it was necessary. A third part-time position I had, updating apparel tech packs, did pave my way to a full-time job in the fashion industry. So hustle and be flexible. Also, take time to consider what you can do to create opportunities for yourself. This could include an internship, volunteering, taking a warehouse position at a fashion brand, or completing a class that interests you. The best advice I was ever given was to keep pursuing your goals and accept that what you will be doing in ten years will be better than you ever imagined. The advice came true for me, and I think it will be true for you as well.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Associate/Team Leads in the next 3-5 years?
Travis Kurowski Ph.D.: It's probably because I'm answering these questions in 2020, and so during a health pandemic and economic recession, but it seems the fact that video conferencing and other tools that allow people to work as teams from a distance (such as project management apps) will become much more critical over the coming years for all workplaces. These tools have long been available, and students on campuses already use many writing programs. But these tools will become integrated and essential for almost all businesses moving forward as we adapt to current economic realities and plan for a successful future for companies and communities.
What technical skills for an Associate/Team Lead stand out to employers?
Travis Kurowski Ph.D.: Honestly, good writing skills are always in high demand. You'll see this in almost every field because at every level of business-from information management to internal communication to engaging customers, clients, and partners-clear, effective communication is critical. Other writing graduate skills that stand out to employers are project management skills, editing; quantitative and qualitative research; and practical design. It's not a technical skill, perhaps, but I can't help note that high up on the lists for almost all employers is creativity, a skill interlaced through many courses in quality writing programs.