Department stores are known for their high turnover, but there are positions within these companies that offer high salaries and the potential to advance quickly.
Finding those job openings and landing them can ensure you get everything you’re looking for out of your career in retail.
Department and specialty stores are good sources of jobs with high wages and good growth prospects, but competition is fierce to land even part-time positions at these establishments.
However, there’re several ways to build your resume, earn valuable skills and experience, and line yourself up for better future department or specialty retail job opportunities.
This article will give you seven of the best-paying jobs in department/specialty retail stores that you can pursue now to help you get started on your future career path.
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7 Best Paying Jobs in Department/Specialty Retail Stores
1. Retail Store Manager
If you’re looking for a high-paying job, look no further. A retail Store Manager is the best of the best in paying.
These people manage and oversee a store’s employees, operations, and customer service.
They will also be responsible for all sales, marketing, and inventory control aspects at the store level.
This position can be hard work and quite stressful, but it’s worth it because they get paid well.
Salary: $65,000+ per year;
Average Hourly Wage: $35.73 per hour.
2. Retail Sales Associate
The Retail Sales Associate position is one of the most popular careers among recent graduates.
Retail Sales Associates are responsible for providing customers with product knowledge and serving their needs.
They do this by accurately locating the desired items on the sales floor, ringing up purchases, and completing related tasks.
In addition to a competitive salary, Retail Sales Associates also receive full health benefits, 401(k) retirement plan contributions, and time off.
Salary: $14-$25 per hour; $31,200-$63,600 per year.
3. Stocker
A Stocker is responsible for the neat merchandise display on store shelves, so customers can easily find what they’re looking for.
They also have to restock products that run out and ensure that the shelves are clean and organized.
The key to this position is flexibility: you may be asked to do a little bit of everything, but there’s no guarantee of how long you’ll spend on each task.
Sometimes your shift might start at 8 AM or end at 10, PM-whatever’s needed.
Salary: $10 – $13 per hour.
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4. Cashier
The cashier’s role is to process payments and provide information to customers.
Cashiers are expected to greet customers, answer product questions, complete transactions and ensure a positive customer experience.
They also must maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene and professionalism, as they will be required to interact with customers regularly.
Salary: $10.00 per hour or $20,800 annually;
5. Retail Salesperson
Retail salespeople work at department or specialty stores and can sell almost anything from clothing to jewelry.
They promote specific products by providing demonstrations or information about their features and benefits.
Additionally, they answer questions about the merchandise, describe related accessories or services, accept returns for refunds or exchanges, and provide recommendations for purchase based on customer needs.
Their salary ranges from $9.00-$18.00 hourly to $37,000 yearly.
6. District Manager
A District Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a specific area.
The District Manager will work with the Assistant Store Managers and Sales Associates to ensure that all objectives are met.
They may also be responsible for ordering, merchandising, displaying, and conducting training sessions.
You will need at least two years of experience working in the industry to qualify for this position.
Salary: $72,000 per year
7. Appraisal Manager
An appraisal manager is responsible for managing an appraisal process, typically with a team of appraisers.
Appraisal managers are often employed by banks, lenders, or mortgage brokers.
They typically have a broad knowledge of real estate values and how to determine their value through the appraisal process.
Salary: $118,000 to $154,000+ Median Bonus: $18,900
Median Sign-on Bonus: $25,000.
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Conclusion
Selling fur coats may be one of the best-paying jobs in department/specialty retail stores, but most people probably don’t see that as an option.
With so many options for which types of positions are on offer and what it takes to land them, prospective workers have a much better chance of securing a well-paying job.