Department and specialty retail stores are a great way to earn an income while developing your career. These types of businesses offer a variety of attractive opportunities, including the opportunity to work in a fun and social environment. Department and specialty retail stores typically employ individuals with experience working with customers or dealing with products.
Jobs in these types of businesses can range from sales clerks to managers, so if you’re interested in pursuing this career path, be sure you have strong customer service skills and product knowledge.
Because Department and specialty retail stores tend not to face the same level of competition that other industries do, they often enjoy higher wages than job postings elsewhere may indicate. Plus, many employees receive benefits such as paid vacation time and health insurance coverage through their employers.
Are you interested in working in a retail environment but don’t know where to start? Do you want to work in a department store but aren’t sure which one would be best for you? Retail is a growing industry, and there are many different types of retail stores that offer a variety of jobs. This article has compiled the top 22 best-paying jobs in department/specialty retail stores. We hope this list will help you find the proper position and help you understand what types of jobs are out there!
1. Cashier Assistant
The average annual salary for Cashier assistants in Department/Specialty Retail Stores is $25,000.
The role/duties of a cashier assistant include serving customers and taking their payments. This job typically requires no college degree and minimal experience.
Requirements for this position may include good customer service skills, organization ability, and the ability to handle tasks with minimal supervision.
Benefits offered to employees as part of their compensation package may include medical insurance, 401(k) plan options, paid vacation time and holidays, sick leave benefits, and more. Cashier assistants typically work full-time schedules that vary depending on the store location or type of retailer they are employed by.
2. Counter Attendants
The average annual salary for counter attendants in department/specialty retail stores is $ 27,000.
As a counter attendant, your roles include serving customers and taking their payments at the cash registers.
To win this job, you need some college education and experience in customer service or sales.
Other professional requirements include good organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and handling tasks with minimal supervision.
As a counter attendant, you should enjoy most employee benefits as part of their compensation package. For instance, your help would include medical insurance coverage (including dental & vision), 401(k) retirement plan options, paid vacation time and holidays, sick leave benefits, and more.
3. Data Entry Operators
As a data entry operator, the average salary is about $ 27,000.
A data entry operator’s role may include entering customer account information into databases or other software applications.
Requirements for this job include:
- Good typing accuracy.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Handling tasks with minimal supervision.
As a data entry operator, you would be eligible for many benefits. For instance, you would have the chance to enjoy health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans, paid vacation days and holidays, and other benefits like a 401(k) plan. Indeed, these benefits rank it on our list of the 22 best-paid professions in department and specialty retail stores.
4. Jeweler
Jewelry designers, experts in metalworking, stone setting, and other jewelry-making processes, are in high demand and can make an average salary of over $100K.
You would likely work in a department or specialty store as a jeweler. Your average annual salary can vary based on your experience and the region you are located in. A jeweler typically plays roles that include setting stones, working with metal, and making or repairing jewelry. Requirements for this job may consist of having excellent hand-eye coordination, reading fine print very well, holding a steady position while wearing heavy jewelry (which can be challenging), and being comfortable working with tools (such as saws). Benefits of this occupation may include opportunities for advancement, good healthcare coverage, including dental care and vision insurance plans, retirement benefits through the employer’s plan(s), paid vacation days & holidays plus company contributions towards those benefits., tuition reimbursement for training courses that align with your career path.
Given all these factors and an individual’s skill set, speaking directly to an employment counselor at one of our locations is crucial. This will help tailor an appropriate job search strategy specific to what you’re looking for.
5. Loss Prevention Specialist
As a loss prevention specialist, you may expect to earn an average annual salary of $51,000.
As a loss prevention specialist, your average annual salary will likely be relatively high. You may need less experience than in other retail jobs. Still, you will need solid criminal investigative skills and the ability to think on your feet. Some of the most common roles that LPSs fill include loss prevention manager, fraud investigator/law enforcement officer (FIO), shrink-wrap specialist/product protection officer (PPO), cargo theft analyst, and more.
As noted above, LPSs often require strong criminal investigative skills, including apprehending suspects or gathering evidence during investigations. They are also expected to be able to think on their feet to come up with creative solutions when faced with challenging situations. In addition to earning an hourly wage, POSDs typically receive comprehensive benefits such as 401(k) contributions and health insurance coverage.
6. Assistant Store Manager
Assistant store managers’ salaries vary greatly depending on where and who they work for, but the average is around $45,000. The role of an Assistant Store Manager includes general management duties such as overseeing employees, budgeting and organizing inventory, marketing initiatives, resolving disputes between customers and workers, or maintaining cleanliness within the store.
In addition to these managerial responsibilities – essential for a successful business -Assistant Store Managers usually have access to benefits such as health insurance (including dental coverage), retirement savings plans, and flexible working hours/schedules.
Assistant Store Manager jobs are some of the best paying in retail because they enjoy a high level of independence while also having close contact with customers.
7. Merchandise Manager
The average annual salary of a merchandise manager is $52,000.
A merchandise manager is responsible for managing a department or specialty retail store’s inventory and ensuring that all products comply with company policies and marketing strategies. In addition to earning an average salary of $52,000 annually, merchandise managers typically receive benefits such as health insurance, 401k retirement plans, profit-sharing agreements, and more.
Requirements for this position include excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and within a team environment. It is also essential to have experience in financial analysis or product tasting and salesmanship.
Merchandise managers often work alongside other departments, such as sales clerks or buyers, to streamline operations while meeting stringent customer demands. If you are passionate about merchandising and want your career path to be rewarding yet challenging, then a career in merchandising may be right for you!
8. Order Taker
A potential Order Taker could expect to earn an average annual salary of around $30,000.
As an order taker, you will be responsible for processing customer orders and fulfilling the merchandise needs of your store. You will need excellent communication and organizational skills and a passion for serving customers to qualify for this position. Additionally, order takers typically require experience in data entry or accounting.
Most order-taking positions are available in retail stores, such as department stores or clothing retailers. If you have good interpersonal skills, enjoy working with people, and can handle fast-paced work environments, then being an order taker may be your career path!
9. Bakery Worker
The average annual salary for a bakery worker is $27,760.
As a specialist in baking and pastries, you would have duties such as taking orders and making cake or pastry deliveries. The requirement for this job may include having knowledge of kitchen equipment and bakeware as well as being able to troubleshoot problems.
The benefits that are commonly offered to workers in this field include health insurance, 401k matching contributions, holidays off work (including weekends), paid vacation days, dental insurance coverage (+Dental Insurance Flexible Spending Account available, which allows you to use tax-deductible medical expenses towards your premium costs.), tuition reimbursement for courses related to the bakery trade (as long as either ABC Learning or ACEEDU accredits them), life insurance protection up to $500K per employee/$1M corporate policy limit with accidental death income continuation benefit upon termination of employment due.
10. Pantry Worker
A pantry worker could expect an average salary of $25,760 annually.
This is a high-paying job that typically requires a few hours per week. Further, it allows for flexibility in scheduling. It is also a demanding position that requires good facility management skills and the ability to deal with demanding customers.
The most common benefits include paid holidays, health insurance, and retirement plan options. In addition, many retail stores offer tuition assistance and other training programs so their employees can continue learning new skills throughout their careers.
11. Produce Manager
A product manager could expect to earn an average salary of $53,760 annually.
As a produce manager, you would be responsible for the overall profitability and quality of produce in your department or specialty retail store. This includes ensuring that the product is stored properly, merchandised attractively, and sold at a reasonable price. You would also be responsible for organizing labor schedules and issuing orders to suppliers.
In addition, product managers must have strong leadership skills as they are often in charge of their team’s productivity. Plus, it is essential to be knowledgeable about agriculture and storage techniques so that you can make informed decisions when it comes to stock management. Finally, a good Produce Manager should have excellent communication skills due to the high level of customer service required by this position.
Based on these requirements alone, it is safe to say that the average annual salary for someone with this role falls into the higher end of wages within department/specialty retail stores. So, if you’re interested in becoming a produce manager someday – now may be the time!
12. Cashier
As a cashier in Department/Specialty Retail Stores, the average annual salary is $23,000.
The role/duties of a cashier vary depending on the store and may include bagging groceries, ringing up sales transactions, or helping customers find what they’re looking for. Cashiers generally have relatively easy job requirements that do not require much training; however, some specialty stores may need more experience to qualify for certain positions.
The benefits of this position can include health insurance coverage (including dental and vision), 401(k) retirement plan participation, paid time off, including holidays and weekends, and generous maternity leave policies. In addition to these standard benefits, most employers offer additional discounts or bonuses based on company performance. As a result of all these variables together—such as overall income growth potential—the Cashier is among the best-paying jobs today!
13. Data Entry Specialist
Your average annual salary could depend on your experience and qualifications but usually ranges between $25K-$35K.
As a data entry specialist, you would likely be responsible for scanning and entering all customer information into the system. This may include name, address, contact details (e-mail and phone number), product purchased/returned, etc.
You would also need good typing skills as most data entry jobs require you to use keyboards extensively. Other required qualifications might include strong math skills (calculating percentages) and excellent attention to detail. In addition, some employers may require users to undergo training or certification to ensure quality artistry is provided every time customers enter information into their systems.
A significant benefit of working as a data entry specialist is job security; due to the increasing popularity of e-commerce stores, there will always be positions open at reputable companies that offer good benefits such as medical insurance coverage and retirement plans.
14. Department Head/Assistant Department Head
Assistant Department Head is one of the best-paying jobs in department/specialty retail stores, with an average annual salary of $80,550.
Assistant Department Heads are responsible for various tasks and responsibilities within their department/specialty retail store. These jobs often require long hours, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Some typical duties that Assistant Department Heads may be responsible for include leading team meetings, developing or executing sales plans, managing budgets; providing customer service; performing market research; ordering supplies, and merchandising items on behalf of the department head or management team. In addition, these employees may also have some degree of autonomy when making decisions about running day-to-day operations within their departments.
To qualify for this position, you will generally need at least two years of experience working in a customer service environment or similar field and good written & verbal communication skills. You should also be able to work independently while possessing strong organizational abilities.
15. Promotions Manager
Your average salary as a promotion manager could range from $50,000 to $70,000 based on your experience and qualifications.
As a Promotions Manager, you would work in a department/specialty retail store and be responsible for attracting new customers to the store with promotional products. You would need excellent communication skills and be able to think on your feet to create creative promotions that will catch the eye of potential customers.
Requirements may include sales experience or knowledge of marketing principles, but most importantly, you should have charisma and exceptional customer service skills. In addition to this wage-based salary, many employers offer incentives such as paid vacations. So, if you’re looking for an exciting career path where you can impact people’s lives, then investigate becoming a Promotions Manager!
16. Retail Salespersons
Suppose you have experience working in a retail environment or are currently enrolled in an associate degree program that prepares you for a career as a salesperson. In that case, your salary could be around $50,000 annually.
Roles and requirements may vary depending on the store location or department you work within. However, most people employed as retail salespeople typically need to be able to talk confidently and persuasively to customers while also taking detailed notes during interactions. In addition, they must be proficient in math skills (including adding/subtracting fractions) and understand basic accounting principles. Some stores also require employees to have good customer service skills and knowledge of merchandising concepts.
17. Security Guard
A security guard earns about $31,983 annually or $15.38 hourly.
As a security guard, you would be exposed to various risks, including theft and violence. However, this job comes with many benefits, including good pay, flexible hours, and the chance to work in various departments/specialty retail stores.
Most security guards must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check. In addition to maintaining law enforcement standards while on duty (e.g., communicating emergencies), security guards are expected to perform tasks such as patrolling store boundaries, issuing warnings or citations for violations such as loitering or trespassing, conducting inmate transports’, performing building inspections/checks for fire code compliance, etc.
If you have experience working in a customer service environment and enjoy interacting with people, this could be the perfect career for you!
18. Shift Lead Workers
The average salary for this role is $67,000 annually, and the requirements are minimal.
A Shift Lead Worker is a position that typically pays better than other jobs in department/specialty retail stores. This type of worker should be able to handle tasks such as customer service, stock replenishment, cash handling, and more. In addition to these duties, they would also need good communication and organizational skills because they are often responsible for multiple store areas at once.
While it may not be the highest-paying job right now (there’s always room for improvement!), Shift Lead Workers have many benefits, including earning potential growth over time and opportunities for advancement within their company or specialty retailer. So, if you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding career with excellent pay potential, look into becoming a Shift Lead Worker!
19. Stock Clerks
They typically have an average salary that ranges from $22,000 to $32,000 per year.
Stock clerks are responsible for performing various tasks, including organizing and stocking shelves, taking inventory, and filling orders. In addition to their regular paychecks, stock clerks may receive commissions on the sales they help make. Requirements for this position include good math skills and excellent customer service skills. They should also be able to handle stress well because frequent interruptions are common in department stores.
Many departments/specialty retail stores offer benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance options.
20. Stockperson
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The relevance of this job depends on the store you work for, your role in the store, and the requirements of that job. However, a typical stock person might earn an average salary of $27,000 annually.
These workers feature various roles, including stocking shelves, receiving and processing shipments from suppliers or manufacturers, organizing products on racks or displays, and filling customer orders. In addition to earning an excellent salary (which can increase depending on experience), stock persons may also receive health insurance coverage, flexible hours, and other benefits.
21. Store Leader/Assistant Manager
A Store Leader/Assistant Manager typically earns an average salary of $50,000-65,000 per year. They may be required to have a degree in retail or related management and significant experience working in the department store setting. These positions often come with increased responsibility and IRC responsibilities, such as leading team meetings, developing strategies for merchandising stores, maintaining inventory levels, and more. In addition to earning an above-average salary, these roles usually offer benefits such as stock options, employer-sponsored health insurance schemes (including dental), employee discounts on products and services provided by the company., paid vacation days, 401k contributions, sick leave, and more.
22. Meat Cutter
A meat cutter has an average annual salary of $40,213.
As a meat cutter, you would likely be responsible for cutting meat from various types of livestock. This may include beef, pork, lamb, poultry (chicken and turkey), duck or goose breasts, fish fillets, etc. You also need to know how to debone and portion meat, so it is ready for sale in the department/specialty retail store.
Your average annual salary as a meat cutter depends on your experience level and current employment situation. The roles and requirements vary depending on your department/specialty retail store. Still, they typically involve:
- being able to lift 50-70 pounds frequently,
- having excellent hand-eye coordination & agility when handling knives & other precision equipment,
- having good manual Dexterity (the ability to manipulate objects with your hands),
- working knowledge of basic food safety practices (such as sanitizing tools),
- having excellent customer service skills.
Benefits commonly offered to include:
- health insurance (including dental coverage),
- retirement savings plans (which may be Contributions Based or Defined Benefit Plans),
- paid time off;
- employee discounts at local restaurants
- 401K Matching Contribution Program.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed the top 22 best-paying jobs in department/specialty retail stores. Indeed, there are many opportunities for individuals with the right skills and abilities to find work in this sector. At the same time, not all these jobs require a degree, most call for experience in retail management or some related field. In addition, many of these positions offer excellent benefits packages, including employer-sponsored health insurance schemes (including dental coverage), 401k contributions, paid vacation days, sick leave, and more. Thus, if you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make an above-average income, consider a career in department/specialty retail stores!