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Job outlook for merchandising associates in the United States
Merchandising associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected merchandising associate job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About 1,900 new jobs for merchandising associates are projected over the next decade.
Merchandising associate salaries have increased 19% for merchandising associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,235 merchandising associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 370,401 active merchandising associate job openings in the US.
The average merchandising associate salary is $33,201.
Are merchandising associate jobs in demand?
Merchandising associate job and salary trends over time
Merchandising associate jobs over time
Merchandising associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,235 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 16,086 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 18,980 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 19,552 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 19,525 | 0.01% |
Average merchandising associate salary over time
Merchandising associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,201 | $15.96 | +7.2% |
| 2024 | $30,957 | $14.88 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $29,670 | $14.26 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $28,456 | $13.68 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $27,806 | $13.37 | +4.1% |
Merchandising associate jobs by state
Most common states for merchandising associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 756 | 56% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 460 | 48% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 539 | 40% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,385 | 39% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,889 | 34% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,355 | 34% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,836 | 33% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 4,038 | 32% |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 3,283 | 32% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 340 | 32% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 3,190 | 31% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,070 | 31% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,871 | 31% |
| 14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,564 | 31% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,729 | 30% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,456 | 30% |
| 17 | Vermont | 623,657 | 188 | 30% |
| 18 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 6,089 | 29% |
| 19 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,377 | 29% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,584 | 29% |
Most common cities for merchandising associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owings Mills | 4 | 13% | $32,433 |
| 2 | Juneau | 4 | 12% | $35,335 |
| 3 | Cerritos | 4 | 8% | $38,512 |
| 4 | Bradenton | 4 | 7% | $31,399 |
| 5 | Plymouth | 4 | 7% | $35,359 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $30,579 |
| 7 | Miami | 6 | 1% | $31,275 |
| 8 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $35,247 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $29,194 |
| 10 | Aurora | 4 | 1% | $34,907 |
| 11 | Bakersfield | 4 | 1% | $38,798 |
| 12 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $34,626 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $38,598 |
| 14 | New York | 4 | 0% | $42,385 |
| 15 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $38,233 |
| 16 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $39,288 |
Merchandising Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of merchandising associate experts
University of Mount Union
Franklin and Marshall College
California State University Channel Islands
University of North Carolina at Asheville
San Diego Mesa College
Michael Grossman Ph.D.
Professor, Political Studies and International StudiesUniversity of Mount Union
Department of Political Science and International Studies
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Merchandising Associates?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It is less about licenses or courses and more about experiences. In this regard, internships are crucial.
What will help Merchandising Associates increase their earning potential?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It's all about practical knowledge. Employers are less interested in your major or the classes you take. They want to see that you can do the work they need you to do. So internships are important. Also employers want to see you can be trained and can think critically, write well, and speak well. So in this regard more liberal arts focused curriculum is important.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Merchandising Associates?
Cynthia Krom: Professional certifications matter. If your profession has a certification, you need to have that certification to be competitive in this new world. So, a public accountant needs to have a CPA, and a corporate accountant needs to have their CMA. A fraud examiner needs their CFE. Find out what is available in your profession and take whatever courses or exams are needed to be at the top of your game, because everyone else will.
We don't really know what will be happening with professional licenses with remote work. A psychotherapist may be licensed in New York, but remotely treating a client in New Mexico. Technically, they probably need a license in New Mexico. But who will control that? Will it just be the professional responsibility of the therapist to only practice where licensed? Will their malpractice insurance only cover them if the client is where they are licensed? What about a physician operating on someone a thousand miles away using robotics?
In terms of courses not related to professional certification or licensure, technology is where it is at. First and foremost, polish your Zoom skills. Zoom is now your face-to-face workplace and you need to be a pro. YouTube has great videos about lighting for Zoom, even with reflective eyeglasses. Perhaps your IT department is able to help with connectivity issues and learning remote technologies. And, as we have all recently seen, you need to learn how to turn off filters that make you look like a kitten! For nearly every field, you have to know Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) or similar programs. You need to know how to work collaboratively on projects through things like Google Drive. If you are not fluent in the basics, you are showing up for a horse race with a little pony.
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MarketingCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
What's a good job out of college for Merchandising Associates?
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.: I think a description of a "good" job opportunity is dependent on so many factors, almost all subjective. What I recommend my students usually, is that they try different things before graduation and find something that makes them feel a purpose other than (and in addition to) making ends meet. For this reason we started a program on our campus where students are hired to help non-profits and small businesses in our area of service. In this program, students get to gain and practice skills that can help them succeed in a corporate or freelance capacity. The students get to experiment without fear of losing a job and find what they would like their entry level positions to look like. While doing this they also help organizations and individuals who have the need but not the resources to get the services from professionals.
What soft skills should all Merchandising Associates possess?
Sonya DiPalma Ph.D.: Be personable and a person someone wants to talk with and work with on a continuing basis. Listening and note-taking skills will be critical. Great employees listen well and ask good follow up questions. Be versatile and adaptable. If you find some downtime between projects, ask how you may help with another project.
Meegan Feori Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSan Diego Mesa College
Department is Business Department
What Merchandising Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: My recommendation is to combine your interests and career goals. For example, if you are an avid rock climber, you could apply for an internship with the North Face or start a retail position at an REI near Red Rock, Nevada, a place known for excellent rock climbing. If relocating for your gap year is not possible, then seek out a local option such as working at the nearby climbing gym. Customers are crucial to the fashion industry, enhancing your customer service skills during your gap year will benefit you. You could apply to be a Stitch Fix stylist, a boutique, or a non-profit resale salesperson. Even customer service jobs outside of the fashion industry will build experiences that will enhance your abilities to design, produce, or sell amazing products. Another option is to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. Dedicating yourself to creating an influential Instagram account, podcast, or YouTube channel could showcase your skills and build your network. Opening a Poshmark, Depop, Teespring, Etsy, or another digital retail store could let you apply your skills. Finally, keep investing in yourself through learning. There are many massive open online courses and community college offerings that could further your career.