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Selling specialist vs store associate

The differences between selling specialists and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a selling specialist has an average salary of $40,530, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.

The top three skills for a selling specialist include product knowledge, visual standards and customer service. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Selling specialist vs store associate overview

Selling SpecialistStore Associate
Yearly salary$40,530$29,543
Hourly rate$19.49$14.20
Growth rate--
Number of jobs33,424495,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4141
Years of experience--

What does a selling specialist do?

As a selling specialist, your main goal is to generate leads for the company and close deals with clients. You need to have great communication skills so that you can engage with potential buyers. As a selling specialist, you are responsible for building your company's relationship with clients. You will be leading the sales department and helping the company in selling more products and services. Selling specialists are also responsible for preparing the marketing budgets of the company and analyzing the post-marketing efforts.

What does a store associate do?

A store associate is responsible for assisting customers with the products they need and recommending alternative goods that would fit their budget. Sales associates also market promotional offers and provide product descriptions to the customer. They also monitor inventories, stock supplies on the appropriate shelves, and ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the store. Store associates also perform other administrative tasks as needed, such as creating sales reports, assisting in the counter, and helping customers on carrying their items.

Selling specialist vs store associate salary

Selling specialists and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Selling SpecialistStore Associate
Average salary$40,530$29,543
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Pro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between selling specialist and store associate education

There are a few differences between a selling specialist and a store associate in terms of educational background:

Selling SpecialistStore Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Selling specialist vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between selling specialists' and store associates' demographics:

Selling SpecialistStore Associate
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 30.0% Female, 70.0%Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between selling specialist and store associate duties and responsibilities

Selling specialist example responsibilities.

  • Master delivering technical product information to doctors on training and teaching proper injection technique to achieve optimal results for patients.
  • Mentore and develop new associates by providing leadership thus distinguish as a model for emulation.
  • Master delivering technical product information to doctors on training and teaching proper injection technique to achieve optimal results for patients.
  • Experience in packing, collating, and processing orders for international and domestic shipments.
  • Sell and activate cellular phones and mp3 player, as well as educate customers on products.
  • Collaborate with board members to prepare PowerPoint presentations and other written reports and present concepts to management.

Store associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage the appearance of the store in conjunction with the store priorities to present a desirable image of Aldi.
  • Work on the cash register, used calculators, POS machines and mental math.
  • Ensure that all cash handling are accurate and work with Ross' point-of-sale systems.
  • Put out freight as well as restocking the stock room, carrying 50 pound boxes up ladders.
  • Operate POS register and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Regulate profit margins, payroll, loss-prevention control and inventory management.
  • Show more

Selling specialist vs store associate skills

Common selling specialist skills
  • Product Knowledge, 32%
  • Visual Standards, 15%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Store Management, 8%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Drive Sales, 6%
Common store associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 25%
  • Retail Store, 12%
  • Inventory Management, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Strong Customer Service, 5%