Retail Salesperson Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 5K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$38,500
$18.51/hr
vs National Average
$34,032
+13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $50K
5K employed in District of Columbia
The median Retail Salesperson salary in District of Columbia is $38,500 per year, which translates to approximately $19 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, sitting at 13.1% above what retail salespersons earn across the United States. Currently, around 4,660 individuals are employed in this role within the District.
Several factors can influence the actual Retail Salesperson salary in District of Columbia. Experience level, specific retail sector (e.g., luxury goods vs. general merchandise), and the employer's location within the District can all play a role in compensation. Performance-based bonuses and commission structures may also contribute to variations in take-home pay for individuals in this profession.
Salary Distribution — Retail Salesperson in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,400 |
| 25th percentile | $37,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,500 |
| 75th percentile | $44,230 |
| 90th percentile | $49,530 |
Top-Paying Industries for Retail Salesperson (U.S.)
Which industries pay Retail Salespersons the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Retail Salespersons in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $43,680 | 80 |
| Construction | $42,380 | 9K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $40,950 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $39,210 | 11K |
| Wholesale Trade | $38,830 | 61K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Retail Salesperson in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,655 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,500 | $34,032 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,655 | $35,053 |
Retail Salesperson Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $44,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $49,530 |
Retail Salesperson Salary in Other States
Related Retail Salesperson Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Retail Salesperson ($38,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Retail Salesperson | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier in DC | $38,880 | +1.0% | $18.69/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in DC | $37,430 | -2.8% | $18.00/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in DC | $39,640 | +3.0% | $19.06/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in DC | $42,700 | +10.9% | $20.53/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in DC | $46,130 | +19.8% | $22.18/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in DC | $47,410 | +23.1% | $22.79/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DC | $47,700 | +23.9% | $22.93/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in DC | $47,850 | +24.3% | $23.00/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | +25.3% | $23.20/hr |
| Receptionist in DC | $49,060 | +27.4% | $23.59/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in DC | $49,680 | +29.0% | $23.88/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | +29.9% | $24.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Retail Salesperson in the District of Columbia?
- The salary range for a Retail Salesperson in the District of Columbia typically falls between $36,400 and $49,530 annually. This means that while the median is $38,500, some individuals earn less and others can earn significantly more.
How does the average Retail Salesperson salary in DC compare to the rest of the country?
- The average Retail Salesperson salary in the District of Columbia is 13.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that the cost of living or demand for retail services in DC may contribute to higher wages compared to other areas.
What is the hourly wage for a Retail Salesperson in Washington D.C. based on the median salary?
- Based on the median annual salary of $38,500, a Retail Salesperson in Washington D.C. can expect to earn approximately $19 per hour. This provides a useful benchmark for hourly earnings in this role within the District.
Is the median salary for Retail Salespersons in DC higher than the national median?
- Yes, the median salary for Retail Salespersons in the District of Columbia is higher than the national median. The median in DC is $38,500 per year, which is 13.1% above the national average salary for this profession.