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The differences between merchandisers, sales and general sales associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a merchandiser, sales has an average salary of $31,662, which is higher than the $29,328 average annual salary of a general sales associate.
The top three skills for a merchandiser, sales include excellent planning, wine and pallet jack. The most important skills for a general sales associate are POS, work ethic, and food preparation.
| Merchandiser, Sales | General Sales Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $31,662 | $29,328 |
| Hourly rate | $15.22 | $14.10 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 248,317 | 383,009 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
Merchandiser sales representatives are responsible for maintaining the flow of products and managing shelves in retail stores or similar establishments. They are also responsible for devising strategies and promotional plans to increase brand awareness and boost product sales. Aside from this, they must remain updated with the latest marketing trends, monitor sales, and set the budget while maintaining inventory. Moreover, it is vital to reach out to customers and build rapport, all while implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
The job of a general sales associate is to provide great customer service and increase the revenue of a business. They sell products and services and help customers find the right product. Depending on the retail store, their responsibilities may involve organizing store shelves, answering customers' questions, ringing up purchases, operating the cash register, and greeting customers. They may also be expected to take full charge of the managing of all financial transactions and balancing drawers.
Merchandisers, sales and general sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandiser, Sales | General Sales Associate | |
| Average salary | $31,662 | $29,328 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $41,000 | Between $21,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Community Coffee | Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck |
| Best paying industry | Education | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a merchandiser, sales and a general sales associate in terms of educational background:
| Merchandiser, Sales | General Sales Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between merchandisers, sales' and general sales associates' demographics:
| Merchandiser, Sales | General Sales Associate | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.0% Female, 40.0% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |