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The differences between key carriers and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a key carrier has an average salary of $32,262, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.
The top three skills for a key carrier include store sales, store operations and customer issues. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.
| Key Carrier | Store Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $32,262 | $29,543 |
| Hourly rate | $15.51 | $14.20 |
| Growth rate | -6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 82,534 | 495,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Average age | 49 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A key carrier is primarily in charge of opening and closing business establishments. Because they are typically the first team member to come into the workplace, it is often their duty to set-up alarm systems, clean the sales floor and other areas, arrange shelves or tables, and prepare for the incoming customers. Should there be any problems, it is essential to report to the manager right away. Furthermore, a key carrier must maintain an active communication line with all co-workers while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.
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.
Key carriers and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Key Carrier | Store Associate | |
| Average salary | $32,262 | $29,543 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $24,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Best paying industry | - | Retail |
There are a few differences between a key carrier and a store associate in terms of educational background:
| Key Carrier | Store Associate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between key carriers' and store associates' demographics:
| Key Carrier | Store Associate | |
| Average age | 49 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.2% Female, 63.8% | Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 60.6% 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 | 9% | 7% |