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Store manager trainee vs store associate

The differences between store managers trainee and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a store manager trainee has an average salary of $67,389, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.

The top three skills for a store manager trainee include store management, training programs and human resources. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Store manager trainee vs store associate overview

Store Manager TraineeStore Associate
Yearly salary$67,389$29,543
Hourly rate$32.40$14.20
Growth rate--
Number of jobs158,734495,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4341
Years of experience6-

What does a store manager trainee do?

A store manager trainee is temporarily in charge of performing managerial support tasks while gaining practical experience as preparation for the job position. Their responsibilities include overseeing the daily store operations to learn every procedure, answering calls and correspondence, managing staff schedules, and developing strategies to increase sales and boost customer satisfaction. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, as a store manager trainee, it is essential to understand and implement the store's policies and regulations.

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.

Store manager trainee vs store associate salary

Store managers trainee and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Store Manager TraineeStore Associate
Average salary$67,389$29,543
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $88,000Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityProvidence, RINew York, NY
Highest paying stateRhode IslandNew York
Best paying companyWalmartPro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industryHealth CareRetail

Differences between store manager trainee and store associate education

There are a few differences between a store manager trainee and a store associate in terms of educational background:

Store Manager TraineeStore Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at Delhi-

Store manager trainee vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between store managers trainee' and store associates' demographics:

Store Manager TraineeStore Associate
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 61.1% Female, 38.9%Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage9%7%

Differences between store manager trainee and store associate duties and responsibilities

Store manager trainee example responsibilities.

  • Manage restaurant for cost, profitability, quality, service, cleanliness, and consistency.
  • Manage the office including A/R, A/P, balance checking accounts and are responsible for weekly payroll.
  • Monitor and manage inventory with excel and QuickBooks.
  • Perform daily deposits, sales reports, A/R and A/P.
  • Cash management POS opening and closing procedures.
  • Set up and run facebook page for the store.
  • Show more

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

Store manager trainee vs store associate skills

Common store manager trainee skills
  • Store Management, 14%
  • Training Programs, 11%
  • Human Resources, 9%
  • Inventory Management, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Loss Prevention, 7%
Common store associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 25%
  • Retail Store, 12%
  • Inventory Management, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Strong Customer Service, 5%