What is the highest paying job at The Difference?

Based on our latest data, the highest paying role at The Difference is Sales Associate, earning approximately $87,823 annually.

Where is The Difference located?

The Difference is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, but may have operations in other locations within the Retail & Wholesale sector.

What does The Difference do?

According to the company's overview, At The Difference, we've been granting wishes like that since 1984.

What industry is The Difference in?

The Difference operates in the Retail & Wholesale industry.

The Difference Average Salary, Pay Ranges & Benefits

The Difference Salary

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Salary at The Difference

How Much Does The Difference Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at The Difference. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Sales Associate, with an annual salary of $87,823. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Sales Associate

$87,823 / year

Salary Range: $77,175 - $99,193

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Current Job Openings at The Difference

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at The Difference. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is The Difference’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The Difference's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.

Competitor / Benchmark	Avg. Salary	Variance	Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
475 High Performance Building Supply	$107,516	+14.6%	Driven by niche technical certifications required for 475 High Performance Building Supply's specialized projects.
J&B Trophy Co	$86,610	-7.7%	Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Jones Apparel Group	$101,809	+8.5%	Supported by Jones Apparel Group's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Sorghum Checkoff	$81,641	-13.0%	Sorghum Checkoff operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Retail & Wholesale Industry	$123,318	+31.4%	Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.

Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

How The Difference's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at The Difference. Click a company name to learn more.

475 High Performance Building Supply

$107,516 / year

Salary Range: $94,558 - $121,585

Brooklyn, NY

J&B Trophy Co

$86,610 / year

Salary Range: $76,176 - $97,941

Fort Worth, TX

Jones Apparel Group

$101,809 / year

Salary Range: $89,509 - $115,171

Rockville, MD

Sorghum Checkoff

$81,641 / year

Salary Range: $71,805 - $92,320

Lubbock, TX

Sacramento Computer Power Inc

$97,221 / year

Salary Range: $85,505 - $109,940

Sacramento, CA

Cyclamen

$90,407 / year

Salary Range: $79,512 - $102,221

PPX Reps

$98,582 / year

Salary Range: $86,696 - $111,477

San Diego, CA

Superior Sets Inc

$88,318 / year

Salary Range: $77,670 - $99,868

, GA

AzCHA

$81,568 / year

Salary Range: $71,732 - $92,235

Chino Valley, AZ

Employee Reviews: Working at The Difference

Considering a career at The Difference? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.

The office spaces (and stores) are well-maintained, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The company has a strong focus on employee development, offering regular training and mentorship. It’s a decent place to grow if you’re looking for steady employment in retail. The culture is energetic and supportive. Company cares about staff.

Commented in February 20, 2025

This company excels in fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace. Coworkers are cooperative, and management is fair. A stable option in the retail sector. The company culture is inclusive, and management is supportive. The team is close-knit, and the benefits are excellent.

Commented in August 04, 2024

Enjoy working here. Management is supportive and encourages career growth. Benefits are competitive, and the workload is manageable. The team is supportive, and the work is fulfilling. The company provides good training programs, and the benefits are solid.

Commented in June 12, 2024

The Difference Overview

Website

www.thedifferencepdx.com

Founded In

1984

Employees

<25 employees

Industry

Retail & Wholesale

Headquarter Address

17750 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Lake Oswego Oregon OR 97035

Revenue

<$5 Million

Phone Number

+1 5036364261

About The Difference

At The Difference, we've been granting wishes like that since 1984. Unlike department stores, we spend time getting to know you during your appointment. We consider your coloring, career, body type, and interest in fashion - then develop a plan for your look that reflects who you are and fits your budget and lifestyle. We teach you how to apply that plan, and help you keep it current when changes

What Benefits Does The Difference Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. The Difference offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:

Social Security

401(K)

Disability

Healthcare

Pension

Time Off (days)

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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Lake Oswego?

Understanding the cost of living near Lake Oswego is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The Difference.

Lake Oswego's Cost of Living Index is approximately 165.7 (65.7% more expensive than US average; 44.1% more than OR average). Affluent Portland suburb, excellent schools, extremely high housing costs. TriMet. When planning your budget based on a salary from The Difference, consider these typical monthly expenses:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent)	$2,200 - $3,300+	A significant portion of The Difference salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic)	$130 - $220	Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation	$100 (TriMet monthly pass)	Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person)	$480 - $720	Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure	$550 - $1,000+	Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual)	$430 - $800+	Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes)	$3,890 - $6,040+	This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of The Difference

1. What is the average salary for employees at The Difference?

The average annual total compensation for employees at The Difference is approximately $93,814. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $82,508 to $106,087, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does The Difference pay compared to 475 High Performance Building Supply?

The average annual salary at The Difference is $93,814, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to 475 High Performance Building Supply which pays $107,516 per year or $52 per hour.

3. How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at The Difference?

Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at The Difference for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.

4. Does The Difference offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Lake Oswego?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially The Difference, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.

5. What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at The Difference?

Most companies, likely including The Difference, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.