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The differences between merchandisers and in-stock associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an in-stock associate has an average salary of $32,130, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a merchandiser.
The top three skills for a merchandiser include customer service, PET and pallets. The most important skills for an in-stock associate are food handling, stock room, and ladders.
| Merchandiser | In-Stock Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $31,051 | $32,130 |
| Hourly rate | $14.93 | $15.45 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 109,447 | 199,766 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Merchandisers are employees working for a retail company. Merchandisers are mainly responsible for the store's products. They curate products that are in line with the store's branding. Merchandisers create purchase requisitions and, upon receipt of the products, create displays that would attract the customers. They also ensure that the inventory of the store is well-stocked. Merchandisers should be up to date with current market trends. They should also be familiar with what customers need and want. It is important for merchandisers to know their company's branding by heart. Merchandisers should be able to create good relationships with vendors as well so that their store may be chosen for special promotions.
An In-Stock Associate is responsible for ensuring that the shelves of a retail store or warehouse are stocked with up to standard items and merchandise. They follow a supervising staff or manager's instructions while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, reporting problems should there be any. An In-Stock Associate's tasks will also revolve around loading and unloading shipments or deliveries, monitoring the quality and quantity of items, and operating devices such as scanners and forklifts, communicate and assist customers, and cleaning up stockrooms and shelves.
Merchandisers and in-stock associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandiser | In-Stock Associate | |
| Average salary | $31,051 | $32,130 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Education | Retail |
There are a few differences between a merchandiser and an in-stock associate in terms of educational background:
| Merchandiser | In-Stock Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between merchandisers' and in-stock associates' demographics:
| Merchandiser | In-Stock Associate | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0% | Male, 69.7% Female, 30.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.9% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |