Retail Salesperson Salary in Washington
Based on 85K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$39,560
$19.02/hr
vs National Average
$34,032
+16.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $55K
85K employed in Washington
The median Retail Salesperson salary in Washington is $39,560 per year, which translates to approximately $19 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with Washington-based sales positions earning about 16.2% more. With 84,850 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant sector of the Washington workforce.
Several factors can influence the Retail Salesperson salary in Washington. These include the specific retail sector (e.g., electronics, apparel, or furniture), the location within the state (urban centers typically offer higher pay), years of experience, and whether the role includes commission or performance-based bonuses. Understanding these variables can help in assessing earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Retail Salesperson in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,860 |
| 25th percentile | $37,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,560 |
| 75th percentile | $45,170 |
| 90th percentile | $54,660 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,747 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,560 | $34,032 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,747 | $35,053 |
Retail Salesperson Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,660 |
Retail Salesperson Salary in Other States
Related Retail Salesperson Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Retail Salesperson ($39,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Retail Salesperson | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier in WA | $38,720 | -2.1% | $18.62/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in WA | $37,710 | -4.7% | $18.13/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in WA | $44,620 | +12.8% | $21.45/hr |
| Receptionist in WA | $44,710 | +13.0% | $21.50/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in WA | $46,800 | +18.3% | $22.50/hr |
| Security Guard in WA | $47,100 | +19.1% | $22.64/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in WA | $47,730 | +20.7% | $22.95/hr |
| Tutor in WA | $48,020 | +21.4% | $23.09/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in WA | $49,180 | +24.3% | $23.64/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in WA | $50,330 | +27.2% | $24.20/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in WA | $56,130 | +41.9% | $26.99/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in WA | $57,270 | +44.8% | $27.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Retail Salesperson in Washington?
- The salary range for a Retail Salesperson in Washington generally falls between $35,860 and $54,660 annually. This means that while the median is $39,560, many individuals earn either less than or more than this amount depending on various contributing factors.
How does the average Retail Salesperson salary in Washington compare to the rest of the country?
- Retail Salespersons in Washington earn significantly more than their national counterparts. The average salary in Washington is approximately 16.2% higher than the national average, reflecting a stronger earning potential within the state for this profession.
What hourly wage can a Retail Salesperson expect in Washington?
- Based on the median annual salary of $39,560, a Retail Salesperson in Washington can expect to earn around $19 per hour. This hourly rate provides a good baseline for understanding daily or weekly earnings.
Is the earning potential for a Retail Salesperson in Washington above the national median?
- Yes, the earning potential for a Retail Salesperson in Washington is notably above the national median. With a median salary of $39,560, they are earning 16.2% more than the national average, indicating a more favorable compensation landscape.