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Job outlook for retail sales merchandisers in the United States
Retail sales merchandiser job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected retail sales merchandiser job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 63,300 new jobs for retail sales merchandisers are projected over the next decade.
Retail sales merchandiser salaries have increased 15% for retail sales merchandisers in the last 5 years.
There are over 25,832 retail sales merchandisers currently employed in the United States.
There are 155,213 active retail sales merchandiser job openings in the US.
The average retail sales merchandiser salary is $39,721.
Are retail sales merchandiser jobs in demand?
Retail sales merchandiser job and salary trends over time
Retail sales merchandiser jobs over time
Retail sales merchandiser job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 25,832 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 24,149 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,331 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 24,417 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 24,179 | 0.01% |
Average retail sales merchandiser salary over time
Retail sales merchandiser salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $39,721 | $19.10 | +4.6% |
| 2025 | $37,980 | $18.26 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $36,678 | $17.63 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $35,685 | $17.16 | +3.7% |
| 2022 | $34,422 | $16.55 | --0.6% |
Retail sales merchandiser jobs by state
Most common states for retail sales merchandisers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 657 | 49% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 270 | 43% |
| 3 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,712 | 41% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 399 | 41% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,099 | 37% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,159 | 37% |
| 7 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,538 | 35% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 633 | 35% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 202 | 35% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,364 | 34% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,225 | 34% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,602 | 33% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,114 | 32% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 3,383 | 32% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 948 | 32% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 556 | 32% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 426 | 32% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 244 | 32% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,725 | 30% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 870 | 30% |
Most common cities for retail sales merchandisers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonesboro | 4 | 5% | $33,962 |
| 2 | Orland Park | 3 | 5% | $38,943 |
| 3 | Sarasota | 3 | 5% | $32,931 |
| 4 | Glendale | 6 | 2% | $45,740 |
| 5 | Springfield | 4 | 2% | $37,072 |
| 6 | Salt Lake City | 3 | 2% | $41,982 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $37,093 |
| 8 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $31,469 |
| 9 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $35,353 |
| 10 | Pittsburgh | 3 | 1% | $39,086 |
| 11 | Richmond | 3 | 1% | $43,509 |
| 12 | Saint Paul | 3 | 1% | $35,380 |
| 13 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $52,269 |
| 14 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $39,041 |
| 15 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $38,100 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $33,174 |
| 17 | Philadelphia | 3 | 0% | $42,096 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $45,688 |
| 19 | Portland | 3 | 0% | $48,574 |
Retail Sales Merchandiser job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of retail sales merchandiser experts
University of Northwestern Ohio
Florida State University
Miami University
Saint Xavier University - Chicago, IL
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Mount Union
Franklin and Marshall College
California State University Channel Islands
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
What Retail Sales Merchandiser skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Lail PhD, MBA, CPA, CFE, CGMA, SPHR: Some skills that will become more important will be very specific to a certain role. However,
some of the more general skills that will impact most roles to at least some degree will
include:
Being proficient with technology and keeping updated with the latest technical tools
Knowing how to utilize and interpret data into useful and reliable information
Communicating in ways that are respectful, while also efficient and effective
Showing flexibility in regards to working with people and with processes
Developing self-management skills, which will help deal with stress and build up
resilience/determination to succeed
Respecting personal time
What will help Retail Sales Merchandisers increase their earning potential?
Meagan Glasco M.S., M.R.: I encourage graduates to connect with professionals in their field through LinkedIn, networking events, and/or alumni connections at their schools. Graduates can initiate conversations and schedule coffee or Zoom meetings to learn about roles in their industry of choice. Engaging with professionals currently working in graduates’ industry of choice will provide invaluable insight into essential skills, refine their career interests, and expand their network. The opportunity to hear real-life experiences shared by professionals is irreplaceable for graduates beginning their careers.
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.
Assistant Department Chair and Executive Director, Center for Human Resource ManagementFlorida State University
Department of Management and the Center for Human Resource Management
What's a good job out of college for Retail Sales Merchandisers?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: This is a subjective question based on an individual's occupational interests, however, from my perspective a good job is one that allows you to apply your knowledge, skills, and experiences and provides some fulfillment in your life. Of course, there are many factors that influence your job choices such as your skillset, experience, pay, and the needs of the market for your skills, etc. However, as employers adapt to the evolving market demands, fields that will see higher levels of growth and new job opportunities are in the areas of healthcare, financial services, information technology and data security, software development, energy, data science and mathematics, analysts, and management. Specifically, my research suggests job growth over the next 3 to 5 years in the fields of:
-Healthcare. We are seeing demand in this field for both clinical and administrative jobs. Interestingly, according to the BLS, the area of home health is one of the fastest growing career areas with approximately 1.2 million jobs being created between 2019-2029. Additionally, administrators in healthcare industries are project to see a 32 percent growth in job opportunities over the next decade.
-Technology. This is a broad area that contains everything from software development to information and data security to artificial intelligence. As technology continues to become integrated with all jobs, including lower skilled jobs, technology professionals will continue to be in demand.
-Financial Services. Given the importance of financial management for individuals and organizations, financial management jobs are anticipated to grow by 15 percent over the next decade.
-Management. Managers, human resource professionals, consultants, and management analysts will continue to grow as organizations need professionals to help lead and manage turbulent times and changes in consumer demand. The BLS estimates approximately 500,000 new jobs will be created in this area over the next decade.
-Data Science/Operational Research/Mathematics. There are numerous occupations within this category. As a field, the need for jobs that analyzing data to inform organizational decisions is projected to see an increase of 31 percent.
Leslie Stoel Ph.D.
Professor, Marketing and FashionMiami University
Farmer School of Business, Marketing in the Farmer School of Business and Art in the College of Creative Arts
What skills stand out on Retail Sales Merchandiser resumes?
Leslie Stoel Ph.D.: For fashion merchant/merchandising jobs and fashion marketing jobs, analytics and anything digital skills stand out.
What soft skills should all Retail Sales Merchandisers possess?
Leslie Stoel Ph.D.: Important soft skills are the ability to tell the story behind the numbers (what happened and why it happened), strong speaking and presenting skills, evidence showing the student is a good team member/collaborator, empathy for shoppers (to understand their wants/needs), and a high level of confidence.
Margie Bernard MBA
Faculty - Graduate Healthcare AdministrationSaint Xavier University - Chicago, IL
Graham School of Management MBA Program
What's a good job out of college for Retail Sales Merchandisers?
Margie Bernard MBA: A certificate on how to make Lean Process Improvements, which is something we offer to our graduate management students. This methodology teaches young graduates how to add value to every patient's experience while assuring that wasteful workflow actions or steps are driven out.
Team projects you have helped to complete look excellent on resumes. Make sure to emphasize why results achieved can enhance the lives of patients, family members or community residents this year.
Completed courses in accounting and finance show prospective employers that
you know how to save rather than spend organization resources on the job. Key principles covered
in such classes will also help to grow amounts you keep in your wallet and savings account as well.
Dr. Barbara Joyce
ACCESS Academic Advisor for undergraduate students in Sociology, Departmental advisorUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Sociology
What's a good job out of college for Retail Sales Merchandisers?
Dr. Barbara Joyce: A good job out of college is one that the graduates want, a job that is meaningful, that uplifts and inspires them, a job in which they use, and continue to develop, their talents and skills, and, of course, a job that provides them with the material resources and benefits they need to enjoy life. Credit where credit is due, Stephen R. Covey writes of the importance of those elements in his book Principle-Centered Leadership. I like his work a lot.
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 Retail Sales Merchandisers?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It is less about licenses or courses and more about experiences. In this regard, internships are crucial.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Retail Sales Merchandisers?
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.
What will help Retail Sales Merchandisers increase their earning potential?
Cynthia Krom: Well, the things already mentioned. Certification, licensure, skills. You have to keep current in your field, whether or not continuing professional education is required. Just knowing accounting isn't enough anymore - you need to know data analysis. You must demonstrate that you are able to successfully work independently, lead a team, and have integrity. Many people are also cultivating a side hustle, but you want to be really certain that any moonlighting does not present a conflict of interest for your main job or you could find your side hustle as your only hustle.
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 Retail Sales Merchandisers?
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 Retail Sales Merchandisers 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Sales Merchandisers?
Joseph Hancock: Graduates wanting to work in sales will be digital savvy and understand technology. It will be essential to have soft skills and personalize sales in a manner that will suit the current climate of potential distance buying. Your customers will be global citizens and anyone in sales will need to be one as well! Many students have not brushed up on their soft skills in the areas of customer service, they are too enthnocentric and have been raised by helicopter parents. New graduates need to think for themselves, understand they are working across cultures, generations and not everyone thinks like they do. My words of advice, stay current by reading about new methods of customer service and practice through role play. I think we have forgotten role play can be extremely important for feedback on how we can improve.
What's a day at work look like for a Retail Sales Merchandiser?
Joseph Hancock: New graduates will need to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. No one is going to hold your hand and tell you "get to work" or you will soon be looking for a new job. The new world may be one where you don't go to an office, but instead work right from home, scheduling appointments and doing your own calendar. My last years working for Target in a regional field position taught me that no one was going to motivate me each day, I had to motivate myself. Also, it can be lonely working from home as a new graduate, so find outside interests and ways to make friends. I am from the old fashion ideologies that getting a hobby is extremely important, and that hobby is not going to the gym or watching television. It includes something that enriches your life to be a better person in society.