- SJR London
What Retail Jobs Pay The Most: The Ultimate Guide
Updated: May 23
Are you looking for a retail job that pays well? If so, you’re in the right place! This ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about what retail jobs pay the most.
We’ll look at different types of retail jobs and their corresponding salaries – from entry-level job positions to managerial ones.
You’ll also learn how to get one of these higher-paying retail jobs and the skills required for success.
Table Of Contents
What Is Retail?
Let's take a moment to discuss what retail even is before we discover what retail jobs pay the most. Retail is a very broad industry.
For example, According to Statista, approximately 3.1 million people are directly employed by the retail industry in the UK in roles ranging from sales associates, department managers, cashiers, store managers and many more.
The retail industry has evolved significantly over the past few decades with the advent of new technologies and changing consumer behaviours.
One thing that remains constant, however, is that people will always need goods and services to fulfill their everyday needs. This makes retail an integral part of our economy and society as a whole, and with certain roles paying high salaries, it can be an appealing career option.
Job Roles And Salaries
Temporary sales support £11-£12 per hour.
As Temporary Sales support, you are essential to any retail business. You will be assisting with inventory management, customer service, and product displays.
While these positions may be temporary or seasonal, they can still provide a great source of income. In fact, according to our salary survey at SJR, sales support positions pay an average hourly rate of £10-12 per hour.
This salary range varies depending on the company and the location of the job. For example, retail sales positions in London may earn more than those in rural areas due to the cost of living difference.
CRM Specialist - £25,000-30,000 Per Year
As a CRM specialist, your responsibilities will range from managing and analyzing customer data to improving sales and customer satisfaction. Additionally, you will also need strong communication skills to collaborate with other members of your team.
The average salary for a CRM specialist in London is around £25,000-30,000 per year.
Cashier - £28,000- 32,000 Per Year
Cashiering is an attractive job for many reasons. First, it often requires minimal experience or education, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for part-time or flexible work schedules, making it a good option for those who need to balance work with other commitments.
However, it's worth noting that the salary ranges widely depending on factors such as location and employer type.
For instance, cashiers working at luxury brands in big cities such as London can earn between £28,000-£32,000, whereas those employed in rural areas or small towns at normal high street retailers will earn less.
Department Manager - £40,000-£52,000 per year
Department managers oversee the day-to-day operations of their respective departments within a store.
They are responsible for managing and training employees, ensuring that inventory is stocked correctly, and creating sales strategies to increase profits.
While the salary range for this role may not be the highest-paying in the industry overall, it's important to note that department managers typically do not require advanced degrees or extensive experience.
Instead, most employers look for candidates who have strong leadership skills and previous experience in retail management roles.
Store Manager- £35,000-£120,000
As a Store manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a retail store, including sales, customer service, inventory management and training for your employees.
You will need to have excellent communication skills as you will be interacting with customers and employees on a daily basis.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, store managers also work closely with upper management to develop strategies for increasing profits and expanding the business.
While the responsibilities of a store manager can be demanding, the potential for high earnings makes it an attractive career choice for those looking to succeed in retail.
General Manager- £120,000- £160,000 Per Year
General Managers in retail typically oversee the operations of an entire store or chain of stores.
They are responsible for managing staff, setting sales goals and targets, ensuring customer satisfaction, and overseeing financial performance.
With so much responsibility on their shoulders, it's no surprise that General Managers are among the highest-paid employees in the retail industry.
In fact, according to our salary survey, General Managers can expect to earn anywhere from £120,000 to £160,000 per year depending on experience and the size of the company they work for.
Where To Find High Paying Retail Roles?
One great place to start your search is with job boards. Many of these sites allow you to filter your search based on location, salary range, and other important factors. Some popular options include Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, and Simply Hired.
Another option is to contact a specialist fashion recruitment agency like SJR London. We have built lasting relationships with many luxury retail brands who trust us to find their most important asset, people.
Benefits and Perks
As we've discussed, many retail jobs offer very competitive pay rates and advancement opportunities.
Employees may have the chance to move up within the company or take on additional responsibilities over time.
You can start as a customer service representative or a sales associate and work your way up to senior positions, which will lead to higher salaries, increased job security, and greater job satisfaction.
Another perk of working in retail is employee discounts on products. Companies and brands offer this as an added incentive for working with them, and they also offer commission bonuses for sales driven individuals.
Challenges of Working in Retail
Working in retail can provide a great opportunity to learn customer service skills, develop sales techniques, and gain valuable work experience. Nonetheless, it does come with its fair share of challenges.
One major challenge is dealing with difficult customers who may be unhappy with the product or service they received or simply have an unfavourable attitude towards employees.
Another challenge in retail jobs is meeting demanding targets for sales or customer satisfaction. For example, employees may be pressured to sell a certain number of products each day or maintain a high level of positive reviews from customers.
This pressure can lead to stress and burnout among workers who feel like they are under constant scrutiny.
Additionally, working in retail often involves long hours on your feet and dealing with repetitive tasks such as stocking shelves or folding clothes.
These physical demands can take a toll on the body over time and lead to fatigue and discomfort for workers.
Skills Needed for Success
Retail jobs are a crucial part of the economy, with millions of people around the world working in this sector.
However, not just anyone can succeed in a retail job. There are specific skills that individuals must have to thrive and make an impact in this industry.
One key skill needed for success is effective communication. Retail workers need to be able to communicate clearly with customers, colleagues, and senior team members such as managers and directors.
They should be able to listen actively and understand what people want or need from them so they can provide excellent service.
Another critical skill required for success in retail is adaptability. The retail environment can be unpredictable, so employees must be flexible and adaptable to deal with unexpected situations or changes effectively.
This includes thinking on their feet and being a good problem solver while maintaining a positive attitude towards customers and colleagues alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the retail industry offers a wide range of job opportunities with varying levels of compensation.
It's important to keep in mind that salaries can vary greatly depending on location, company size, and specific job responsibilities. However, it's clear that some positions within the industry tend to pay higher than others.
For those seeking a highly-paid retail job, management positions such as department or store managers are often the most lucrative. These roles require significant experience and expertise in the field but can offer six-figure salaries and benefits packages.
Overall, while there are certainly high-paying opportunities within the retail industry, it's important to consider one's individual goals and priorities when applying for your dream retail job.
Whether looking for a high salary or work-life balance, there is likely a role within the vast world of retail that will meet those needs.
If you are looking for temporary or permanent work, call us on 0208 245 1192, and one of of our consultants will be happy to assist you.