Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for staff associates in the United States
Staff associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected staff associate job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About 1,900 new jobs for staff associates are projected over the next decade.
Staff associate salaries have increased 19% for staff associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,112 staff associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 291,340 active staff associate job openings in the US.
The average staff associate salary is $64,997.
Are staff associate jobs in demand?
Staff associate job and salary trends over time
Staff associate jobs over time
Staff associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,112 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,075 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,808 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,953 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,946 | 0.00% |
Average staff associate salary over time
Staff associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $64,997 | $31.25 | +7.2% |
| 2025 | $60,604 | $29.14 | +4.3% |
| 2024 | $58,084 | $27.93 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $55,708 | $26.78 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $54,436 | $26.17 | +4.1% |
Staff associate jobs by state
Most common states for staff associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,339 | 100% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 691 | 72% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 943 | 71% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 4,777 | 70% |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 8,007 | 63% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 636 | 60% |
| 7 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,898 | 58% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2,040 | 57% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,735 | 56% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,016 | 56% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 4,989 | 55% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,684 | 55% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 5,511 | 54% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3,293 | 54% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 5,545 | 53% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 329 | 53% |
| 17 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 3,485 | 52% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 2,514 | 52% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 6,540 | 51% |
| 20 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 5,982 | 51% |
Most common cities for staff associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homewood | 4 | 16% | $52,767 |
| 2 | Bessemer | 4 | 15% | $52,808 |
| 3 | Vestavia Hills | 4 | 12% | $52,784 |
| 4 | Greenwood | 6 | 11% | $48,090 |
| 5 | Noblesville | 6 | 10% | $48,795 |
| 6 | Fishers | 6 | 8% | $48,778 |
| 7 | Carmel | 6 | 7% | $48,517 |
| 8 | Hoover | 4 | 5% | $52,797 |
| 9 | Birmingham | 4 | 2% | $52,736 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $48,230 |
Staff Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of staff 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
Fashion Institute of Technology
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 Staff Associates?
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 Staff 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 Staff 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 Staff 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 Staff 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.
What soft skills should all Staff Associates possess?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: Soft skills needed are flexibilities to adapt quickly to new opportunities, to be open to non-traditional career paths. Being organized and responsive to email correspondence, being friendly and kind, having empathy are values that will never be out of fashion. FIT is known for being home to "unconventional minds," and our students are super creative, engaged, and ready to take on challenges.