What Retail Jobs Pay The Most: The Ultimate Guide For 2025
- Stephanie Jackson
- Mar 30, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: May 6
Looking for a retail job that pays more than just the basics? You’re not alone. Whether you're already working in the retail sector or just starting out, this guide covers the highest paying retail jobs in the UK, from entry-level roles to six-figure salaries in senior management.
We'll walk you through the most competitive retail positions, what they actually pay, the skills you’ll need, and where to find the best job opportunities in 2025.
Table Of Contents
What Is Retail?
Before we dive into which retail jobs pay the most, let’s quickly cover what we mean by retail. It’s a wide-reaching industry that covers everything from your local boutique shops to luxury retail chains like Selfridges and Harrods, and increasingly, ecommerce giants like Amazon.
According to Statista, over 3.1 million people are employed across the UK retail industry, working as sales associates, cashiers, store managers, and beyond.
While the landscape has shifted, with tech, supply chain systems, and buying and merchandising evolving, one thing remains constant: people still shop. That means brands still need great teams. And for those with the right soft skills, experience, and ambition, the retail sector can offer high paying roles, on-the-job training, and even higher salaries than many expect.
Job Roles And Salaries
So, what are the best paying jobs in retail right now? Here’s a breakdown of some of the highest-paying roles in the retail industry, from entry-level positions to management roles that come with serious earning potential.
Temporary sales support £12-£13.85 per hour.
If you’re just getting started or looking for short-term work, temporary sales support roles can be a solid option. You’ll likely be helping out on the shop floor, assisting with stock, customer service, and merchandising.
The average hourly pay for this type of role is around £12–£13.85, but can vary depending on the retailer and location. Luxury retailers or a busy retail store in a major city tend to offer higher hourly rates compared to smaller, regional retail shops.
CRM Specialist - £25,000-30,000 Per Year
If you've got a knack for data and communication, a role as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) specialist could be for you. These roles often sit within head office teams, helping retailers manage customer relationships, analyse buying patterns, and improve engagement.
It’s a great stepping stone if you’re interested in ecommerce or general merchandise marketing. Salaries for CRM specialists usually start around £25,000, but can rise with experience.
Cashier - £28,000- 32,000 Per Year
Being a cashier is often seen as an entry-level role, but in luxury retail, the pay can be surprisingly competitive. Brands that place a premium on interacting with customers and delivering a high-end service are willing to offer more.
At the higher end, cashiers in flagship or designer stores can earn up to £32,000 a year, well above the national average salary for similar roles. Add in perks like bonuses, benefits packages, or flexible schedules, and it becomes a genuinely appealing career start.
Department Manager - £40,000-£52,000 per year
£40,000–£52,000 per year
Department managers are often promoted from within, and with good reason. They know the product, understand the team, and know how to build relationships with both staff and customers.
You’ll be overseeing stock, people, sales targets and on-the-job training, all while juggling the fast-paced nature of the retail floor. The role typically pays £40,000–£52,000, depending on the size of the store and the retailer's brand.
Store Manager- £35,000-£120,000
Here’s where things can start to get very interesting financially. Store managers are responsible for just about everything: from staff performance and recruitment processes, to sales, inventory, and profit margins.
In smaller stores, you might earn in the £35,000–£50,000 range. But with a few years of experience and the right retailer (think luxury brands, retail chains, or high-growth ecommerce companies), six-figure manager salaries aren’t unheard of, especially when bonuses are added on top.
General Manager- £120,000- £160,000 Per Year
£120,000–£160,000 per year
At the top of the game, General Managers often oversee multiple stores, large teams, and even regional operations. It’s a role that demands serious commercial awareness, team leadership, and operational expertise.
Many have a degree in business or equivalent experience, and they’re usually involved in long-term planning, brand expansion, and performance across multiple territories.
It’s one of the highest-paying jobs in the retail sector, with salaries reaching £160,000, plus bonuses this year could push that even higher, depending on performance.
Where To Find High-Paying Retail Roles?
If you're serious about finding a high paying retail job, knowing where to look can make all the difference.
The obvious starting point is the big job boards, sites like Indeed, Reed, and Glassdoor. They’re great for browsing openings across the retail sector, and most let you filter by salary, job title, or even hourly pay rates. That’s ideal if you’re aiming for something above the average salary.
But here's the thing, the highest-paying retail jobs aren’t always public. Roles with competitive salaries at luxury retailers, or fast-growing retail chains, are often filled through internal referrals or recruitment agencies with industry connections.
If you're targeting a role with higher salaries, it’s worth reaching out to a specialist recruiter. Agencies like SJR London work directly with some of the top names in the retail industry, from global fashion houses to niche ecommerce brands. These are the types of employers who value experience, soft skills, and ambition, and are willing to pay for it.
So whether you're looking to step into store management, break into buying and merchandising, or explore roles in general management, make sure you're tapping into the networks that give you access to the best paying retail job opportunities, not just the most visible ones.
Benefits And Perks
While some people still think of retail as just a “stopgap job”, the truth is it can offer far more than just a monthly wage, especially if you're with the right retailer.
One of the biggest draws? Career progression. Many of the most successful leaders in the retail industry started on the shop floor. With a bit of graft and the right attitude, it’s entirely possible to work your way up from sales associate to store manager and get fantastic pay rises along the way, or even into head office roles like merchandising or general management.
And with each step comes not just a higher salary, but a stronger benefits package too. We're talking commission bonuses, performance incentives, staff discounts, and in some cases, flexible schedules that help you balance work with life.
Plenty of retail organisations also invest in their staff with on-the-job training, giving you the chance to gain new skills and move into more specialised areas. If you're working for luxury brands, you might also find perks like seasonal gifts, early access to collections, or even brand trips and experiences.
Ultimately, the highest salaries in retail don’t just come with a number, they come with the potential to grow within a business, build a strong CV, and enjoy some very real financial and lifestyle rewards along the way.
Challenges Of Working In Retail
Retail can be hugely rewarding, but let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and commission cheques.
One of the most common challenges is dealing with difficult customers. Whether it's someone unhappy about a return policy or simply having a bad day, retail staff are often the first to take the brunt of it. Staying calm, professional, and polite under pressure takes real skill, and a thick skin.
Then there’s the target culture. In many retail jobs, especially those with bonuses or performance pay, you'll be expected to hit sales targets, upsell, or keep customer feedback scores high. That can be motivating for some, but overwhelming for others, especially in busy stores or when things are out of your control.
The work itself can be physically tough too. Long hours on your feet, repetitive tasks like folding stock or unpacking deliveries, and back-to-back shifts can all take their toll especially during peak seasons. And in some retail positions, the hours can be unpredictable, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
That said, the best retail employers recognise these challenges and offer things like rest breaks, wellness initiatives, and proper rotas to help their teams stay healthy and motivated.
Retail isn't always easy, but if you can handle the pace, pressure, and people, it can still be one of the most high-paying, fast-moving industries to grow your career in.
Skills Needed For Success
Despite what some might think, working in retail isn’t just about folding clothes or running a till. The best people in this industry have a real mix of practical know-how and people skills, and that’s often what sets them apart.
First off, communication is key. Whether you're explaining a returns policy to a customer or reporting sales figures to your manager, you’ve got to be clear, confident, and able to listen as well as speak. It's all about building relationships not just with shoppers, but with colleagues and suppliers too.
Adaptability is another big one. No two days in retail are the same. One shift you’re smashing targets, the next you're short-staffed and the card machine’s gone down. Being able to stay calm, adjust on the fly, and keep the team moving makes a huge difference.
Retail staff who do well also tend to have good problem-solving skills. That might mean finding a creative way to hit a tough sales target, or sorting out a customer issue before it escalates. The best employees don’t wait for someone else to step in, they crack on and find a fix.
And let’s not forget resilience. This industry can be full-on, long hours, tricky customers, unexpected changes. But those who stick with it, learn from every challenge, and take the rough with the smooth are often the ones who climb the ladder the fastest.
So if you're thinking of a career in retail, especially one of the higher paying ones it’s these soft skills that’ll take you far. A degree helps in some roles, but on-the-job training and the right mindset are just as valuable. And while some people still ask is retail a dead end job, those thriving in the industry prove it can lead to real career growth.
Conclusion
So, what have we learnt? The retail industry isn’t just about minimum wage shifts and folding jumpers, not anymore. If you’re in the right place, with the right skills and a bit of drive, retail can open the door to some of the highest-paying jobs on the high street and beyond.
From temporary roles that offer a flexible start, to management positions that pay into the six figures, there’s a clear path for those who want to grow within the sector. Add in things like bonuses, a decent benefits package, and the chance to work with exciting retail companies, and it’s no wonder so many people are building serious careers here.
Of course, it’s not without its challenges, long hours, targets, and tricky customers are part of the deal. But if you’ve got solid soft skills, enjoy interacting with customers, and don’t mind thinking on your feet, retail can be more than just a job, it can be your route to something bigger.
Still not sure where to start? If you're looking for temporary or permanent work in the retail sector, give us a ring on 0208 245 1192, one of our consultants will be happy to help you find a role that pays well and suits your goals.
