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The differences between store associates and general sales associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a store associate has an average salary of $29,543, which is higher than the $29,328 average annual salary of a general sales associate.
The top three skills for a store associate include sales floor, retail store and inventory management. The most important skills for a general sales associate are POS, work ethic, and food preparation.
| Store Associate | General Sales Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $29,543 | $29,328 |
| Hourly rate | $14.20 | $14.10 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 495,423 | 383,009 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
The job of a general sales associate is to provide great customer service and increase the revenue of a business. They sell products and services and help customers find the right product. Depending on the retail store, their responsibilities may involve organizing store shelves, answering customers' questions, ringing up purchases, operating the cash register, and greeting customers. They may also be expected to take full charge of the managing of all financial transactions and balancing drawers.
Store associates and general sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Store Associate | General Sales Associate | |
| Average salary | $29,543 | $29,328 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $36,000 | Between $21,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Pro Football Hall of Fame | Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a store associate and a general sales associate in terms of educational background:
| Store Associate | General Sales Associate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between store associates' and general sales associates' demographics:
| Store Associate | General Sales Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |