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Key carrier vs store sales associate

The differences between key carriers and store sales 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 $30,284 average annual salary of a store sales associate.

The top three skills for a key carrier include store sales, store operations and customer issues. The most important skills for a store sales associate are sales floor, POS, and product knowledge.

Key carrier vs store sales associate overview

Key CarrierStore Sales Associate
Yearly salary$32,262$30,284
Hourly rate$15.51$14.56
Growth rate-6%-
Number of jobs82,534524,877
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4943
Years of experience-6

What does a key carrier do?

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.

What does a store sales associate do?

A store sales associate is responsible for assisting store customers, directing them to the correct area of their needs, and responding to their inquiries and concerns regarding a product. Store sales associates also support the store's promotional campaigns, selling goods and services to the customers by demonstrating the product and its benefits. They keep the store premises clean and tidy to avoid any potential hazards during operations. A store sales associate must have excellent communication skills, especially on resolving customer complaints, processing replacements, and issuing refunds.

Key carrier vs store sales associate salary

Key carriers and store sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Key CarrierStore Sales Associate
Average salary$32,262$30,284
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $23,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Elizabeth, NJ
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Rooms To Go
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between key carrier and store sales associate education

There are a few differences between a key carrier and a store sales associate in terms of educational background:

Key CarrierStore Sales Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Key carrier vs store sales associate demographics

Here are the differences between key carriers' and store sales associates' demographics:

Key CarrierStore Sales Associate
Average age4943
Gender ratioMale, 36.2% Female, 63.8%Male, 40.7% Female, 59.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 6.9% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between key carrier and store sales associate duties and responsibilities

Key carrier example responsibilities.

  • Achieve and exceed store and company sales and KPI goals.
  • Used KRONOS proficiently on a daily basis to monitor staff clock in/out and to compile payroll bi-weekly.
  • Handle payments at the POS, stock the storefront as needed, and answer customer questions and inquiries.
  • Train and develop new associates on POS system, proper formatting of the store, and key sales tactics.
  • Analyze and study various reports in order to make merchandising, selling, staffing, and payroll planning decisions.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organizational standards.
  • Show more

Store sales associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage to sales KPI's (including sales and expense budget numbers), assuring efficient and effective use of resources.
  • Earn management trust by serving as keyholder, responsibly opening and closing the store.
  • Audit all jewelry counts daily, banking deposit log, cashier logs, sales logs.
  • Utilize the company's POS system to cash customers out or administer returns to the store.
  • Work as a sales associate and keyholder throughout the summer and a bit of the school year.
  • Help customers choose jewelry, pierce ears, open and close out register, set up displays.
  • Show more

Key carrier vs store sales associate skills

Common key carrier skills
  • Store Sales, 21%
  • Store Operations, 18%
  • Customer Issues, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Math, 4%
Common store sales associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 20%
  • POS, 10%
  • Product Knowledge, 10%
  • Store Sales, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Stock Room, 5%

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