Looking for best paying jobs in clothing, shoe, and accessory stores?
Working in a clothing, shoe, or accessory store can be an exciting and rewarding career.
Helping customers find the perfect outfit or pair of shoes is enjoyable. Many retail jobs also come with employee discounts, allowing you to expand your own wardrobe.
While retail often gets a bad rap for low pay and long hours, apparel shops offer well-paying roles.
The key is finding positions that match your skills and interests. Management and specialized sales jobs tend to offer higher wages.
Read on for 18 of the best paying jobs at clothing, shoe, and accessory stores this year.
The salary information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
18 Best Paying Jobs in Clothing, Shoe, and Accessory Stores in 2024
Here are the best paying jobs in the clothing, shoe and accessory stores:
1. Store Manager
As a store manager, you will be responsible for all daily operations, from scheduling employees to merchandising.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. Retail management experience is preferred.
The average annual pay for a retail store manager is $58,430. With experience, you could earn over $70,000 per year.
2. Assistant Store Manager
Assistant store managers support the store manager in overseeing operations.
Key duties include supervising staff, enforcing policies, and reporting on sales activity and inventory. You’ll step in as an acting store manager when needed.
The average salary for an assistant retail store manager is $44,490 per year. With a few years of experience, you can expect to earn over $50,000 annually.
3. Visual Merchandiser
Visual merchandisers use design principles to showcase products attractively in-store.
This role involves creating eye-catching window displays, signage, and product arrangements on the sales floor.
An artistic eye and ability to translate concepts into 3D spaces is crucial.
On average, visual merchandisers earn $42,550 per year. Experienced visual stylists at high-end retailers can make over $60,000 annually.
4. Fashion Buyer
As a buyer, you will plan and purchase inventory to match customer demand. Strong trend forecasting abilities, data analysis skills, and industry knowledge are key for this role.
Expect frequent travel to meet with vendors and preview merchandise. The average annual income for a clothing buyer is $72,830. Senior buyers can earn $100,000+ per year.
5. Store Department Manager
Department managers oversee specific product categories, like menswear, shoes, or jewelry.
Your duties include setting budgets, measuring performance, training employees, and motivating your team to achieve sales goals. Leadership and communication abilities are vital.
The average pay for a retail department manager is $46,560 per year. Those managing high-grossing departments can earn upwards of $60,000 annually.
6. Brand Ambassador
Brand ambassadors represent companies at events, trade shows, and in-store. As the face of the brand, you will interact with customers to promote products and services.
An outgoing personality and product knowledge are essential for this role.
Brand ambassadors average approximately $50,400 per year. With a few years of experience, you can expect earnings of $60,000+ annually.
7. Multi-Unit Manager
Multi-unit managers oversee several retail locations for a company. This involves ensuring stores meet corporate sales goals through coaching district managers.
You’ll analyze performance data and develop improvement strategies. Extensive management experience is required.
The average salary for a multi-unit retail manager is $65,960. Those with proven success driving profits can earn over $80,000 per year.
8. Alterations Manager
The alterations manager leads a team of tailors to repair, adjust, and customize clothing for customers.
You’ll manage the workflow and quality control for all alteration services. Superior sewing skills and staff leadership abilities are necessary.
Alterations managers earn approximately $42,050 on average. Senior managers at high-end retailers can make over $50,000 annually.
9. SEO/SEM Manager
SEO/SEM managers develop and execute search engine optimization and pay-per-click strategies.
You’ll analyze metrics to improve site traffic, conversions, and sales. Extensive digital marketing knowledge is essential for this career.
The average annual income for an SEO/SEM manager is $71,950. Those working for significant retailers can earn over $100,000 per year.
10. Fraud Prevention Analyst
Fraud analysts monitor for suspicious transactions and mitigate losses from fraud. You’ll review unusual activity, perform investigations, and resolve cases. Analytical thinking and attention to detail are vital for this role.
On average, fraud analysts earn $54,890 per year. Senior-level analysts at major companies can make upwards of $75,000 annually.
11. Marketing Manager
As a marketing manager, you will develop and execute campaigns to promote the brand and drive sales.
Responsibilities range from market research to producing ad campaigns and email newsletters. Leadership, creativity, and analytical abilities are key.
The average annual pay for a marketing manager is $142,170. Those with extensive experience managing multifaceted campaigns earn $175,000+ per year.
12. Distribution Center Manager
Distribution managers coordinate operations within warehouses and fulfillment centers.
You’ll oversee inventory accuracy, shipping and receiving, staffing, and safety. Strong logistics and supply chain knowledge is essential.
The average annual salary for a distribution center manager is $74,590. Those managing major facilities earn over $90,000 per year.
13. Loss Prevention Manager
Loss prevention managers develop and implement policies to prevent inventory shrinkage due to shoplifting, employee theft, or errors.
You’ll use surveillance technology and training protocols to minimize losses. Analytical abilities and attention to detail are crucial.
On average, loss prevention managers earn $58,860 per year. Those with senior-level experience can make upwards of $80,000 annually.
14. E-commerce Manager
As an e-commerce manager, you will lead a team to operate and optimize the retailer’s online store.
Key tasks include monitoring web performance, developing promotions, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. Digital marketing expertise is preferred.
The average pay for an e-commerce manager is $99,370 annually. Those overseeing high-traffic sites can earn $130,000+ per year.
15. District Sales Manager
District sales managers lead teams across multiple store locations. You’ll set regional sales goals, train store managers, monitor performance, and develop improvement initiatives. Extensive retail leadership experience is required.
On average, district retail managers earn approximately $87,650 per year. Those managing major metropolitan areas can make over $120,000 annually.
16. Customer Insights Manager
Customer insight managers use quantitative and qualitative data to identify shopper behavior trends.
You’ll communicate findings with the executive team and product developers to inform merchandising decisions. Analytical skills and marketing savvy are essential.
The average annual income for an insights manager is $107,480. Those with senior roles at major companies earn upwards of $150,000 per year.
17. Payroll Manager
Payroll managers oversee compensation and benefits programs for all employees.
This involves managing timesheet processing, maintaining records, ensuring legal compliance, and resolving payroll issues. HR experience and strong data skills are required.
On average, payroll managers earn $64,170 annually. Senior-level managers at large companies can make over $80,000 per year.
18. Training Manager
Training managers create development programs for new and existing employees.
You’ll assess learning needs, design curriculums, facilitate training sessions, and evaluate program outcomes. Superior communication and leadership skills are crucial.
The average annual pay for a retail training manager is $62,270. Those with expertise in developing e-learning platforms can earn over $75,000 annually.
Conclusion
Many high-paying careers are beyond entry-level sales associates in clothing, shoe, and accessory stores.
Management roles, specialized sales jobs, and corporate positions offer salaries averaging between $50,000 to $100,000+ annually.
With the right skills and experience, retail can provide lucrative long-term career potential.
Whether you enjoy working directly with customers, leading a team, or analyzing data, there are well-compensated roles to pursue your passion.
