Retail Sales Workers

Most beginning sales workers start at the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 an hour. Wages vary greatly, depending primarily on the type of store and the degree of skill required. Businesses might offer higher wages to attract and retain workers.

Department stores or retail chains might pay more than smaller stores. Higher wages are paid for positions requiring a greater degree of skill. Many sales workers also receive a commission (often 4 to 8 percent) on their sales or are paid solely on commission. According to the Department of Labor, median hourly earnings of retail salespersons, including commission, were $12.14 in May 2019. A yearly salary for full-time work therefore averages $25,440. Wages ranged from less than $9.09 ($18,907 a year) to more than $20.57 an hour ($42,786 a year). Sales workers in building material and supplies dealers earned mean hourly wages of $14.97 ($31,130 a year); motor vehicle and parts dealers earned mean hourly wages of $22.61 ($47,030 a year); sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores earned mean hourly wages of $12.55 ($26,110 a year); and clothing and accessories stores earned mean hourly wages of $13.07 ($27,190 a year)

Salespeople in many retail stores are allowed a discount on their own purchases, ranging from 10 to 25 percent. This privilege is sometimes extended to the worker's family. Meals in the employee cafeterias maintained by large stores might be served at a price that is below cost. Many stores provide sick leave, medical and life insurance, and retirement benefits for full-time workers. Most stores give paid vacations.