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Store assistant vs key holder

The differences between store assistants and key holders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a store assistant and a key holder. Additionally, a store assistant has an average salary of $32,372, which is higher than the $31,779 average annual salary of a key holder.

The top three skills for a store assistant include payroll, retail sales and customer service. The most important skills for a key holder are sales floor, product knowledge, and visual standards.

Store assistant vs key holder overview

Store AssistantKey Holder
Yearly salary$32,372$31,779
Hourly rate$15.56$15.28
Growth rate--6%
Number of jobs511,874431,956
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4343
Years of experience66

What does a store assistant do?

As the name entails, a store assistant helps the store supervisor or manager. You will typically perform various tasks that include processing inventory and replenishing items when they get low, assisting stock clerks in receiving and processing shipments, and performing tasks related to store opening and closing. Additionally, you are expected to provide customer service, including handling customer complaints and facilitating transactions utilizing point of sale software. A store assistant also checks for any product breakage or damage.

What does a key holder do?

A keyholder is responsible for ensuring the store's daily security before and after the operation. Keyholders' duties include assisting with administrative tasks, handling customers' inquiries, managing and escalating customers' complaints, monitoring the alarm system, keeping track of the deliveries, supporting staff training, cooperating in company's events, and recommending operational strategies to meet business goals and objectives. A keyholder must have excellent customer service and time-management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially during high customer volume.

Store assistant vs key holder salary

Store assistants and key holders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Store AssistantKey Holder
Average salary$32,372$31,779
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $41,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityJacksonville, NCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWisconsin
Best paying companyBusch's Fresh Food MarketConnecticut Children's Medical Center
Best paying industryRetailManufacturing

Differences between store assistant and key holder education

There are a few differences between a store assistant and a key holder in terms of educational background:

Store AssistantKey Holder
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at DelhiSUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Store assistant vs key holder demographics

Here are the differences between store assistants' and key holders' demographics:

Store AssistantKey Holder
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 47.0% Female, 53.0%Male, 28.1% Female, 71.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.9% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 6.6% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between store assistant and key holder duties and responsibilities

Store assistant example responsibilities.

  • Team leadership duties including managing store employees, provide training regarding store policy, procedure, and various product education.
  • Monitor and manage inventory with excel and QuickBooks.
  • Operate POS machine, make delicious drinks, and offer great service to customers.
  • Count drawer and balance it, count money to cash out and fill out the POS system.
  • Maintain accurate payroll records and store them according to company retention policies.
  • Demonstrate leadership and time management.
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Key holder example responsibilities.

  • Achieve and exceed store and company sales and KPI goals.
  • Manage monetary transactions and POS operations.
  • Used upselling techniques daily when selling gaming systems and accessories.
  • Maintain operational duties in the manager's absence including scheduling and review of KPI reports.
  • Used social networking, such as Facebook, to keep customers update on new arrivals and merchandise.
  • Maintain a cleanly environment for customers, employees, and other animals, especially after any pet messes.
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Store assistant vs key holder skills

Common store assistant skills
  • Payroll, 52%
  • Retail Sales, 47%
  • Customer Service, 0%
  • PET, 0%
  • Food Handling, 0%
  • Sales Floor, 0%
Common key holder skills
  • Sales Floor, 18%
  • Product Knowledge, 11%
  • Visual Standards, 9%
  • Bank Deposits, 7%
  • Loss Prevention, 7%
  • Store Management, 6%