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Retail clerk vs retail representative

The differences between retail clerks and retail representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail representative has an average salary of $31,790, which is higher than the $30,046 average annual salary of a retail clerk.

The top three skills for a retail clerk include stock shelves, groceries and retail sales. The most important skills for a retail representative are flexibility, store management, and certification programs.

Retail clerk vs retail representative overview

Retail ClerkRetail Representative
Yearly salary$30,046$31,790
Hourly rate$14.45$15.28
Growth rate--
Number of jobs470,355402,132
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4141
Years of experience--

What does a retail clerk do?

A retail clerk is responsible for selling goods and services to the customers, recommending products based on their needs, and responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns about the product. Retail clerks assist with the store's marketing strategies, organize product displays, monitor inventories, endorse promotional discounts, and help customers on their checkout payments. A retail clerk must have excellent communication and customer service skills to handle customers' requests and ensure their highest satisfaction.

What does a retail representative do?

A retail representative is in charge of assisting customers with their shopping needs in retail stores, ensuring customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities include greeting customers and identifying their needs, answering inquiries, locating products, offering promotions and recommendations, and conducting demonstrations when possible. There are also instances where they must process payments or refunds. Furthermore, as a retail representative, it is essential to arrange products on shelves to make it look attractive to customers, all while maintaining the cleanliness of the sales floor.

Retail clerk vs retail representative salary

Retail clerks and retail representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail ClerkRetail Representative
Average salary$30,046$31,790
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateRhode Island-
Best paying companyBellevue Jr/Sr High School-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between retail clerk and retail representative education

There are a few differences between a retail clerk and a retail representative in terms of educational background:

Retail ClerkRetail Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Retail clerk vs retail representative demographics

Here are the differences between retail clerks' and retail representatives' demographics:

Retail ClerkRetail Representative
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 41.0% Female, 59.0%Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.8% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between retail clerk and retail representative duties and responsibilities

Retail clerk example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish upselling goals to contribute to company's success.
  • Handle sales and returns through a POS software system and inventory database, and train new employees on the same tools.
  • Collect and process payments including accurate maintenance of sales register and jewelry inventory following close of daily business.
  • Provide excellent customer service while upselling promotional products

Retail representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage Nintendo's promotional programs; secure and maintain point-of-purchase displays that alert customers to brand availability.
  • Execute the proper POS in accounts, particularly with products on sale.
  • Befriend category managers and backroom personnel to positively impact on OSA, POS placement, and other sell-in tactics.
  • Educate consumers about products and services and troubleshoot any existing customer concerns relate to service or equipment.
  • Collaborate with board members to prepare PowerPoint presentations and other written reports and present concepts to management.

Retail clerk vs retail representative skills

Common retail clerk skills
  • Stock Shelves, 31%
  • Groceries, 21%
  • Retail Sales, 6%
  • Product Knowledge, 6%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • POS, 4%
Common retail representative skills
  • Flexibility, 36%
  • Store Management, 36%
  • Certification Programs, 11%
  • PET, 7%
  • Customer Service, 2%
  • Product Knowledge, 1%