Store worker vs store associate

The differences between store workers and store 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 $26,528 average annual salary of a store worker.

The top three skills for a store worker include safety rules, strong work ethic and customer service. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Store worker vs store associate overview

	Store Worker	Store Associate
Yearly salary	$26,528	$29,543
Hourly rate	$12.75	$14.20
Growth rate	6%	-
Number of jobs	60,185	495,423
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	40	41
Years of experience	-	-

What does a store worker do?

A store worker maintains the daily material concerns of a store. They show hospitality to customers and provide assistance in finding products. They also maintain their store by stocking the shelves, maintaining organization, and cleaning. They may also be responsible for ringing up purchases.

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 worker vs store associate salary

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

	Store Worker	Store Associate
Average salary	$26,528	$29,543
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $39,000	Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	New York
Best paying company	University of California, Berkeley	Pro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between store worker and store associate education

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

	Store Worker	Store Associate
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Store worker vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between store workers' and store associates' demographics:

	Store Worker	Store Associate
Average age	40	41
Gender ratio	Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7%	Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	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 Percentage	5%	7%

Differences between store worker and store associate duties and responsibilities

Store worker example responsibilities.

Utilize the POS system for accurate inventory.
Perform first-in, first-out (FIFO) procedures in merchandise storing coolers.
Use cardboard baler, electric hydraulic/hand-operate pallet jacks, weigh scale, POS.
Process debit, credit, checks, WIC, and food stamp transactions.
Ensure product are properly store using FIFO method to prevent loss to the government.
Reconcile cash, checks, money orders, WIC, ATM debits and credit card transactions.

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.

Store worker vs store associate skills

Common store worker skills

Safety Rules, 17%
Strong Work Ethic, 17%
Customer Service, 16%
Stock Shelves, 12%
Basic Math, 9%
Commissary, 5%

Common store associate skills

Sales Floor, 25%
Retail Store, 12%
Inventory Management, 9%
Cleanliness, 7%
Math, 5%
Strong Customer Service, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Store Worker
Store Worker vs Store Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

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