Retail Salesperson Salary in the United States
Based on 3.9M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$34,032
$16.36/hr
Salary Range
$28K – $48K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
3.9M
workers nationwide
The median Retail Salesperson salary in the United States is $34,032 per year, which equates to approximately $16 per hour. This role is a cornerstone of the retail industry, with a substantial number of individuals employed nationwide, reflecting its broad economic impact.
Several factors can influence a Retail Salesperson salary in the United States. These include geographical location, with some states offering higher compensation, as well as the specific retailer, the salesperson's experience level, and any commission-based structures that may be in place, affecting the overall earning potential from the base salary range of $27,833 to $48,326.
Salary Distribution — Retail Salesperson
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,833 |
| 25th percentile | $30,475 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $34,032 |
| 75th percentile | $39,057 |
| 90th percentile | $48,326 |
Retail Salesperson Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Retail Salesperson
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $39,560 | +16.2% | 85K |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $38,500 | +13.1% | 5K |
| 3 | California | $38,440 | +13.0% | 376K |
| 4 | Colorado | $37,950 | +11.5% | 77K |
| 5 | Hawaii | $37,790 | +11.0% | 19K |
| 6 | New York | $37,720 | +10.8% | 239K |
| 7 | Vermont | $37,400 | +9.9% | 8K |
| 8 | Alaska | $37,290 | +9.6% | 8K |
| 9 | Oregon | $36,770 | +8.0% | 48K |
| 10 | Maine | $36,640 | +7.7% | 18K |
Retail Salesperson Salary by Industry
How much Retail Salespersons earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($43,680 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $43,680 | +28.3% | 80 |
| 2 | Construction | $42,380 | +24.5% | 9K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $40,950 | +20.3% | — |
| 4 | Transportation and Warehousing | $39,210 | +15.2% | 11K |
| 5 | Wholesale Trade | $38,830 | +14.1% | 61K |
| 6 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $38,760 | +13.9% | 340 |
| 7 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $38,120 | +12.0% | 8K |
| 8 | Finance and Insurance | $37,250 | +9.5% | 15K |
| 9 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,840 | +8.3% | 10K |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $36,800 | +8.1% | 16K |
| 11 | Educational Services | $36,580 | +7.5% | 4K |
| 12 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $36,340 | +6.8% | 12K |
| 13 | Administrative and Support Services | $36,270 | +6.6% | 35K |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $36,180 | +6.3% | 20K |
| 15 | Manufacturing | $35,520 | +4.4% | 42K |
| 16 | Retail Trade | $35,380 | +4.0% | 3.6M |
| 17 | Information | $34,980 | +2.8% | 8K |
| 18 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $34,010 | -0.1% | 23K |
| 19 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $32,970 | -3.1% | 49K |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $32,200 | -5.4% | 27K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Retail Salesperson
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,032 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,053 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Retail Salesperson Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,475 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $34,032 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,057 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $48,326 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Retail Salesperson in the US?
- The median salary for a Retail Salesperson in the United States is $34,032 annually, or about $16 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for this profession.
What is the salary range for Retail Salespersons?
- Retail Salespersons in the US can expect to earn within a range of $27,833 to $48,326 per year. This spread reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays Retail Salespersons the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for Retail Salespersons, with an average annual salary of $39,560. This indicates a higher demand or cost of living in that region.
How many Retail Salespersons are employed in the United States?
- There are a significant number of Retail Salespersons employed across the United States, totaling 3,897,850 individuals. This large workforce highlights the importance of this role in the economy.