Retail Management involves Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, Store Supervisors, and Keyholders at the top of the experience hierarchy. Department Managers, Grocery Managers, Retail Shift Managers, and Department Supervisors typically do not have other managers or supervisors reporting to them. Instead, they are responsible for overseeing the entry-level staff or associates. If you are looking to grow a career in Retail Management, below, you will find popular positions detailing education, experience, skills, and salary expectations and requirements.
Assistant Store Manager
A retail Assistant Store Manager (ASM) assists the Store Manager in the day-to-day operations of a retail store. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, speaking with and assisting customers, and executing management and store owner orders. They may also cover for the Store Manager when they are unable to work. They frequently have a broader function, performing extra activities as needed to improve corporate performance and customer satisfaction.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; retail experience and training can be substituted; others may require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Experience: Assistant Store Manager positions typically require at least 1+ years of retail experience, with three years of experience and some leadership experience preferred.
Skills: Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Time Management
Salary (Nationwide): An Assistant Store Manager makes an average base pay of $33K per year or $16 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $41,500 | $3,458 | $798 | $20 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18 |
| Average | $33,102 | $2,758 | $637 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $538 | $13 |
Store Manager
A Store Manager, also known as a Retail Store Manager, is in charge of supervising a team of Sales Associates that help consumers with their purchases. Their responsibilities include hiring and training qualified staff, taking inventory of merchandise or scheduling orders as needed, and assisting Sales Associates with customer questions or complaints.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; some employers require a Bachelor’s Degree, however, retail experience can often be substituted.
Experience: Store Manager positions typically require at least 2+ years of retail experience.
Skills: Accounting, Budgeting, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, and Retail Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Store Manager makes an average base pay of $40K per year or $20 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $56,000 | $4,666 | $1,076 | $27 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,500 | $3,875 | $894 | $22 |
| Average | $40,887 | $3,407 | $786 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 | $605 | $15 |
Store Supervisor
A Store Supervisor, also known as Retail Store Supervisor, is in charge of monitoring the day-to-day operations of a retail store, including product availability and pricing. Their responsibilities include staff management and customer service, as well as financial planning. They may also be in charge of hiring and training new staff, as well as scheduling shifts.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; some employers require a bachelor’s degree or prefer equivalent qualifications.
Experience: Store Supervisor positions typically require 2-3+ years of related experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication, Customer Service, Finance, and Leadership Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Store Supervisor makes an average base pay of $37K per year or $18 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18 |
| Average | $37,575 | $3,131 | $723 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $500 | $12 |
Department Manager
A Department Manager, also known as a Retail Department Manager, is in charge of overseeing and coordinating retail activities in a specific area of a store. They ensure that their store operates smoothly with excellent communication between staff. Their responsibilities include managing and supervising retail staff, training new employees, overseeing customer service, and inventory control.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; many have advanced degrees in management or a related degree, as well as certification requirements.
Experience: Department Manager positions typically require 2-3+ years of retail experience.
Skills: Customer Service, Communication, Leadership, Merchandising, Organizational Skills, and Soft Sales Skills
Salary (Nationwide): A Department Manager makes an average base pay of $50K per year or $24 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $82,500 | $6,875 | $1,586 | $40 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,000 | $4,916 | $1,134 | $28 |
| Average | $50,919 | $4,243 | $979 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,500 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
Department Supervisor
A retail Department Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their area and developing departmental strategy, and leading their team members. Their responsibilities include training new employees, handling finances, setting company goals, managing stock, and keeping the department’s performance in accordance with company expectations.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; some employers prefer a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree related to business management.
Experience: Department Supervisor positions typically require 3-5+ years of work experience.
Skills: Leadership, Problem-Solving, Decision-making, Department, Business and Personnel Management, and Communication
Salary (Nationwide): A Department Supervisor makes an average base pay of $45K per year or $22 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $68,500 | $5,708 | $1,317 | $33 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,000 | $4,583 | $1,057 | $26 |
| Average | $45,433 | $3,786 | $873 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $634 | $16 |
Retail Shift Manager
A Retail Shift Manager, also known as a Retail Shift Lead, is in charge of managing business processes, assigning duties to team members, and resolving issues during their shift. Their responsibilities include stocking merchandise, balancing the cash register, and organizing staff roles to increase efficiency for their customers.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; some employers may require or prefer a bachelor’s or associate’s degree related to the industry.
Experience: Retail Shift Manager positions typically require 3+ years of experience in any type of industry.
Skills: Communication, Customer Service, Leadership Management, and Organizational Skills
Salary (Nationwide): A Retail Shift Manager makes an average base pay of $27K per year or $13 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $36,000 | $3,000 | $692 | $17 |
| 75th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $577 | $14 |
| Average | $27,835 | $2,320 | $535 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $481 | $12 |
Store Manager Trainee
A Store Manager Trainee, also known as a Retail Store Manager Trainee, works under the supervision of a Store Manager to learn how to run and manage a store. They must attend management training to prepare for the position, and their responsibilities typically include managing operations, staff employees, and inventory.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; some employers will hire students directly into a management program; others require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Experience: Store Manager Trainee positions typically requires 2+ years of related experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication, Leadership, Organizational Skills, and Problem-solving
Salary (Nationwide): A Store Manager Trainee makes an average base pay of $38K per year or $18 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $51,000 | $4,250 | $980 | $25 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $865 | $22 |
| Average | $38,202 | $3,183 | $734 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,500 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
Keyholder
A Keyholder, also known as a Retail Keyholder or Store Supervisors, opens and closes a store, fills in for the store manager when needed, and performs other administrative functions. Their responsibilities include helping customers, keeping the store organized, setting employee schedules, and ensuring the store’s security system is functioning properly.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; on-the-job training is usually provided; other qualified certifications are beneficial.
Experience: Keyholder positions typically require 3+ years of retail work experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, and Time Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Keyholder makes an average base pay of $27K per year or $13 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18 |
| 75th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
| Average | $27,487 | $2,291 | $529 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,000 | $1,833 | $423 | $11 |
Grocery Manager
A Grocery Manager, also known as a Department Manager, is in charge of the day-to-day operations of grocery stores and major retailers with grocery departments. Grocery managers are hired full-time, and their responsibilities typically include managing and training staff, running the cash register, inspecting store inventory, and addressing customer complaints.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; past experience in management is highly preferred.
Experience: Grocery Manager positions typically require
Skills: Communication, Customer Service, Leadership, and Personnel Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Grocery Manager makes an average base pay of $36K per year or $19 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $55,000 | $4,583 | $1,058 | $26 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,500 | $3,958 | $913 | $23 |
| Average | $39,990 | $3,332 | $769 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 | $606 | $15 |
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