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The differences between store managers and buyer and sales associate/managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a store manager and buyer, becoming a sales associate/manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a store manager and buyer has an average salary of $68,964, which is higher than the $41,412 average annual salary of a sales associate/manager.
The top three skills for a store manager and buyer include customer service, product knowledge and payroll. The most important skills for a sales associate/manager are customer service, sales floor, and strong customer service.
| Store Manager And Buyer | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $68,964 | $41,412 |
| Hourly rate | $33.16 | $19.91 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 154,677 | 318,977 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A store manager is responsible for selecting and purchasing goods. They provide information on products, including prices and promotions. They are responsible for providing recommendations to clients, handling customer requires, and solving any issues. They also monitor sales.
As the name entails, sales associates or associate managers are responsible for helping the store manager organize and run the retail stores. Their roles and responsibilities include ensuring that the store's goals are met by the sales team, hiring and training sales staff, and monitoring inventory. They are also expected to analyze consumer behavior, look for competitive products in the market, and communicate and evaluate clients' needs. To be qualified for this position, you should have experience as an assistant manager, organizational and leadership skills, and proficiency in MS Office.
Store managers and buyer and sales associate/managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Store Manager And Buyer | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Average salary | $68,964 | $41,412 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $30,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Salem, VA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a store manager and buyer and a sales associate/manager in terms of educational background:
| Store Manager And Buyer | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Akron | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
Here are the differences between store managers and buyer' and sales associate/managers' demographics:
| Store Manager And Buyer | Sales Associate/Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.0% Female, 59.0% | Male, 44.2% Female, 55.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 6.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |