Highest Paying Jobs In Retail

Highest Paying Jobs In Retail

Retail salaries are not necessarily the highest of all sectors but this does not mean that you won’t find high paying jobs in the UK. Management and consultation-based roles pay well, with many of the highest-paying retail jobs requiring specialist skills or qualifications.

Here we look at the average salaries for retail jobs in the UK and highlight the benefits and responsibilities that each position provides.

Quick Links:

Highlights And Key Takeaways:

  1. The best paid retail jobs are Wholesale Manager and Furniture Arranger.
  2. The next highest paid retail jobs include Branch Manager and Retail Manager.

High Paid Retail Jobs In The UK

We have collected and analysed the average salary data from 1,000s of retail stores advertising retail jobs for retail industry professionals. So, our average salary data will help inform your next move and find job satisfaction. Whether you are already a Sales Associate with proven ability moving up the career ladder or a student considering a retail bachelor’s degree, or a Customer Service Manager making a career change, our retail sector salary data is essential reading.

Highest Paying Retail Jobs By Average Salary:

Retail Average Annual Salary

Here are the high-paying retail jobs by average salary.

1. WHOLESALE MANAGER

The average salary of a Wholesale Manager is £51,200 per year. Your responsibilities will include overseeing a sales team and implementing strategies to ensure sales and business growth. Three significant parts of the role include managing staff, control expenditure, and building sales.

You can move into a Wholesale Manager position without qualifications if you have relevant leadership, sales, finance, or business administration experience. The job is found rewarding by individuals who can make quick decisions, motivate a team, solve problems, and prioritise tasks.

Search Wholesale Manager Jobs

2. FURNITURE ARRANGER

The average salary of a Furniture Arranger is £44,600 per year. As a Furniture Arranger, your duties will include planning, designing, and furnishing internal spaces in homes, offices, or retail units. You will ultimately be responsible for ensuring the physical layout facilitates the purpose and aesthetic aspirations of the room.

Depending on the role's focus, a degree in interior design, building, and construction, psychology, or similar will set you up for a successful career that maximises your earning potential.

Search Furniture Arranger Jobs

3. BRANCH MANAGER

The average salary of a Branch Manager is £37,500 per year. Working for a bank or building society, a Branch Manager oversees operational activities, including staff hiring and training, legal compliance, customer satisfaction, security, meeting sales goals, and setting financial objectives.

A business administration degree may secure you the position of Branch Manager. However, most successful candidates have previously earned a CAIA, CFA, CISI, ICA, or CQF certified qualification. Preferential borrowing rates and other financial benefits are often a perk of the job.

Search Branch Manager Jobs

4. RETAIL MANAGER

The average salary of a Retail Manager is £38,300 per year. Many professionals love working as Retail Managers because they work with products or services that hold personal interest. The responsibilities of a Retail Manager include motivating staff to achieve sales targets, ensuring stock accuracy, analysing performance, monitoring competitors, handling complaints, and organising point of sale marketing.

Working in an office, industrial unit, or shop, you can work your way up the career ladder. Alternatively, a business retail management or retail marketing degree will qualify you for job interviews.

Search Retail Manager Jobs

5. STORE MANAGER

The average salary of a Store Manager is £35,300 per year. They have many of the responsibilities of small business owners, overseeing staff development, sales & customer satisfaction strategies, maintaining visual standards, hitting KPI targets, and motivating store employees.

Most organisations prefer supervisory or managerial experience, but recruiters will consider individuals with a business administration or similar degree. To succeed in the role, you will need to have the drive to hit targets and the diplomacy to resolve customer complaints or staff grievances.

Search Store Manager Jobs

6. AUDIO-VISUAL AND MULTIMEDIA COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST

The average salary of an Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialist is £34,600 per year. The responsibilities of this retail job might include building relationships with clients, overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring customers pay for services, and managing any inventory.

To become an Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialist, you will need to answer job interview questions proficiently, promote your soft skills, and begin with an entry-level salary, if you have no previous industry or career experience.

Search Audio-Visual And Multimedia Collections Specialist Jobs

7. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL BUYER

The average salary of a Wholesale and Retail Buyer is £31,200 per year. The job responsibilities include purchasing products for retailers at the best possible prices, overseeing quality, and reporting to a Buying Manager or General Manager.

You might work in a retail location or regional office and to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer, you will need purchasing qualifications or a relevant degree.

Search Wholesale And Retail Buyer Jobs

8. ASSISTANT BUYER

The average salary of an Assistant Buyer is £29,900 per year. The duties of an Assistant Buyer include creating and tracking purchase orders, evaluating the product line as a whole to ensure an appropriate mix, and negotiating with suppliers. 

If you enjoy building professional relationships, getting the best price, and working with budgets and forecasts, then an Assistant Buyer position will be rewarding. An economics, business, or marketing degree can help you get your foot in the door of your dream employer.

Search Assistant Buyer Jobs

9. BUSINESS TRAVEL CONSULTANT

The average salary of a Business Travel consultant is £30,300 per year. The role of Business Travel Consultant is exciting with few days looking the same. Your duties will include making all travel arrangements for company executives or clients, covering flights, accommodation, and itinerary planning.

A travel agent, tourism, hospitality, or language degree or certification will help you secure a Business Travel Consultant job. Comprehensive business, geography, and planning knowledge could put you ahead of your competition and guarantee you a high-paying position.

Search Business Travel Consultant Jobs

10. PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHINE OPERATOR

The average salary of a Photographic Processing Machine Operator is £30,500 per year. A Photographic Processing Machine Operator is responsible for transforming photograph negatives or digital media into slides or prints, overseeing quality and production.

To become a Photographic Processing Machine Operator, you will need relevant soft skills and a degree or diploma, although many retail workers enter the career path through on-the-job training.

Search Photographic Processing Machine Operator Jobs

Most Popular High Paying Retail Jobs:

Best Retail Jobs

After viewing our list of highest-paying retail jobs, you might be wondering which high-paying retail jobs are most popular.

1. LOCKSMITH

Locksmiths earn an average annual salary of £28,400 per year. Your duties as a Locksmith will include clarifying the identity of clients, gaining access to premises with damaged locks or lost keys, and servicing and installing a range of locks, potentially on homes, businesses, and vehicles.

You can enter a career without qualifications in an apprenticeship position. You will need a full UK driving license to attend commercial and residential premises, and a security background check will be conducted.

Locksmith Salary | Search Locksmith Jobs

2. WHOLESALE MANAGER

Wholesale Managers earn an average annual salary of £51,200 per year.

Wholesale Manager Salary | Search Wholesale Manager Jobs

3. FURNITURE ARRANGER

Furniture Arrangers earn an average annual salary of £44,600 per year.

Furniture Arranger Salary | Search Furniture Arranger Jobs

4. BUSINESS TRAVEL CONSULTANT

Business Travel Consultants earn an average annual salary of £30,300 per year.

Business Travel Consultant Salary | Search Business Travel Consultant Jobs

5. BRANCH MANAGER

Branch Managers earn an average annual salary of £37,500 per year.

Branch Manager Salary | Search Branch Manager Jobs

6. RETAIL MANAGER

Retail Managers earn an average annual salary of £38,300 per year.

Retail Manager Salary | Search Retail Manager Jobs

7. STORE MANAGER

Store Managers earn an average annual salary of £35,300 per year.

Store Manager Salary | Search Store Manager Jobs

8. PERSONAL SHOPPER

Personal Shoppers earn an average annual salary of £25,000 per year. They have outstanding interpersonal skills and meet with customers to identify their likes and dislikes. Your responsibilities will include selecting appropriate products or clothing, hitting sales targets, and keeping up-to-date customer records.

A Personal Shopper with the right experience and qualifications will command the highest salary. A degree or diploma in fashion, retail skills, or customer service will help your career progress. Work history, including sales or customer service, will help you secure a job interview.

Personal Shopper Salary | Search Personal Shopper Jobs

9. ASSISTANT BUYER

Assistant Buyers earn an average annual salary of £29,900 per year.

Assistant Buyer Salary | Search Assistant Buyer Jobs

10. SUPERMARKET MANAGER

Supermarket Managers earn an average annual salary of £25,100 per year. A Supermarket Manager is in charge of many moving parts, from recruiting permanent, temporary, and seasonal staff to managing the inventory and ensuring health and safety. Your responsibilities will include setting financial budgets, achieving sales and growth, and enforcing company policies.

Previous experience and a marketing or retail management degree will put you in an excellent position to get your first Supermarket Manager job. This role will be fulfilling if your skills toolkit includes effective communication, organisation, leadership, and commerce awareness.

Supermarket Manager Salary | Search Supermarket Manager Jobs

Top 45 Highest Paying Retail Jobs

Best Paying Retail Jobs

So, what are all the highest paying retail jobs? These are the top 45 highest paid retail roles by average salary:

  1. Wholesale Manager Salary | Search Wholesale Manager Jobs

  2. Furniture Arranger Salary | Search Furniture Arranger Jobs

  3. Branch Manager Salary | Search Branch Manager Jobs

  4. Retail Manager Salary | Search Retail Manager Jobs

  5. Store Manager Salary | Search Store Manager Jobs

  6. Audio-Visual And Multimedia Collections Specialist Salary | Search Audio-Visual And Multimedia Collections Specialist Jobs

  7. Wholesale And Retail Buyer Salary | Search Wholesale And Retail Buyer Jobs

  8. Assistant Buyer Salary | Search Assistant Buyer Jobs

  9. Business Travel Consultant Salary | Search Business Travel Consultant Jobs

  10. Photographic Processing Machine Operator Salary | Search Photographic Processing Machine Operator Jobs

  11. Window Trimmer Salary | Search Window Trimmer Jobs

  12. Locksmith Salary | Search Locksmith Jobs

  13. Merchandiser Salary | Search Merchandiser Jobs

  14. Showroom Design Consultant Salary | Search Showroom Design Consultant Jobs

  15. Luxury Travel Consultant Salary | Search Luxury Travel Consultant Jobs

  16. Cruise Consultant Salary | Search Cruise Consultant Jobs

  17. Wholesale Merchandiser Salary | Search Wholesale Merchandiser Jobs

  18. Promotional Merchandiser Salary | Search Promotional Merchandiser Jobs

  19. Personal Shopper Salary | Search Personal Shopper Jobs

  20. Supermarket Manager Salary | Search Supermarket Manager Jobs

  21. Butcher Salary | Search Butcher Jobs

  22. Retail Sales Manager Salary | Search Retail Sales Manager Jobs

  23. Food Store Manager Salary | Search Food Store Manager Jobs

  24. Department Manager Salary | Search Department Manager Jobs

  25. Camera And Photographic Equipment Repairer Salary | Search Camera And Photographic Equipment Repairer Jobs

  26. Concessions Manager Salary | Search Concessions Manager Jobs

  27. Newspaper Deliverer Salary | Search Newspaper Deliverer Jobs

  28. Retail Store Manager Salary | Search Retail Store Manager Jobs

  29. Floor Manager Salary | Search Floor Manager Jobs

  30. Store Person Salary | Search Store Person Jobs

  31. Slot Supervisor Salary | Search Slot Supervisor Jobs

  32. Stock Controller Salary | Search Stock Controller Jobs

  33. Retail Sales Administrator Salary | Search Retail Sales Administrator Jobs

  34. Stock Clerk Salary | Search Stock Clerk Jobs

  35. Mystery Shopper Salary | Search Mystery Shopper Jobs

  36. Vending Operator Salary | Search Vending Operator Jobs

  37. Showroom Designer Salary | Search Showroom Designer Jobs

  38. Retail Salesperson Salary | Search Retail Salesperson Jobs

  39. Stock Taker Salary | Search Stock Taker Jobs

  40. Store Clerk Salary | Search Store Clerk Jobs

  41. Retail Customer Service Salary | Search Retail Customer Service Jobs

  42. Engraver Salary | Search Engraver Jobs

  43. Retail Supervisor Salary | Search Retail Supervisor Jobs

  44. Merchandise Displayer Salary | Search Merchandise Displayer Jobs

  45. Shop Assistant Salary | Search Shop Assistant Jobs

Other high-paying jobs with retail experience include Sales Associates and Merchandise Planner, each offering unique pathways to harness the skills honed in the retail sector.

Sales Associates are the lifeblood of the retail industry, serving as the direct link between customers and the products they seek. In this role, individuals leverage their in-depth product knowledge and exceptional customer service skills to drive sales and build lasting customer relationships. Sales Associates often work in a fast-paced environment, where their ability to quickly adapt to customer needs and preferences is key. The role is not just about making sales; it's about creating an experience that customers remember and appreciate, leading to repeat business and brand loyalty. Check the Sales Associates salary here.

Merchandise Planners, on the other hand, operate behind the scenes but play a critical role in the success of retail operations. These professionals use their analytical skills and market insights to forecast trends, manage inventory, and ensure the right products are available at the right time. A Merchandise Planner's strategic decisions directly impact sales performance and profitability. Their role requires a blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving, as they balance customer demand with business objectives. Check the Merchandise Planners salary here.

Both roles offer promising career prospects. Sales Associates can progress to managerial positions or specialise in areas such as luxury retail or technology, where their expertise can command higher salaries. For Merchandise Planners, career advancement can lead to senior roles in buying, category management, or even executive positions within the retail sector.

In conclusion, careers as Sales Associates and Merchandise Planners are not only financially rewarding but also offer the satisfaction of directly contributing to the success of a retail business. These roles provide a platform for professional growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the dynamic world of retail.

What Are Retail Sector Jobs Like?

In the bustling landscape of UK retail jobs, a multitude of opportunities awaits for those eager to embark on a career in this dynamic sector. Retail sector jobs are as diverse as the many retail companies that constitute this vibrant industry. From high street chains to independent boutiques, each retail environment offers a unique experience.

Retail jobs are often considered an excellent choice for a first job, offering a platform to develop customer service skills, product knowledge, and sales techniques. Generally speaking, these roles involve interacting with customers, managing inventory, and ensuring a pleasant shopping experience. For those with a passion for luxury fashion, working in a high-end retail environment can be particularly rewarding, offering the chance to immerse oneself in the world of designer brands and exclusive products.

While it's true that some retail positions start at minimum wage, it's important to note that many retailers pay higher salaries, especially for roles that require specialised knowledge or advanced skills. The average salary in retail varies widely depending on the position, location, and the employer. For ambitious individuals, career progression in retail can lead to roles with the highest salaries in the sector. In some cases, experienced retail professionals, particularly those in management or specialised roles, can earn six figures.

Moreover, a career in retail can also open doors to entrepreneurial opportunities. Many successful retail professionals, including co-founders of renowned retail brands, started their journey in entry-level retail positions. Their experiences in the retail sector provided them with invaluable insights into consumer behaviour, market trends, and business operations, which they leveraged to build successful businesses.

In summary, retail sector jobs in the UK offer a dynamic and varied career path. From entry-level positions to high-ranking roles, the retail industry provides a platform for professional growth, learning, and potentially lucrative opportunities. Whether you're drawn to the allure of luxury fashion or the fast-paced environment of a major retail chain, a career in retail promises both challenges and rewards.

Average Salary Resources

You may also be interested in reading our similar salary research articles:

High Paying Retail Job FAQs

Next we answer your questions on the best paying retail jobs.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHEST PAYING RETAIL JOBS?

The highest paying retail jobs go to Wholesale Managers, closely followed by Furniture Arrangers.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY OF RETAIL POSITIONS?

You can view the average retail salaries here for retail sector job titles such as Retail Account Manager, Retail Store Manager, Purchasing Manager, Sales Associate, Regional Manager, and General Manager.

WHAT JOBS ARE SIMILAR TO A RETAIL JOB?

If you are moving in or out of the retail industry, jobs with similar skills and qualifications include Customer Service Managers, Customer Service Representatives, and Warehouse Workers, and we provide the salaries per hour and annually for these industry roles.


About the Author: Daniel Aldridge

Daniel is driven by the conviction that comprehensive salary data should be accessible to everyone, ensuring empowered and informed career decisions at every stage. From fresh graduates to those contemplating a job switch or relocation, Daniel advocates for arming individuals with this vital knowledge to foster smarter choices.



Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified of new blog posts from Check-a-Salary