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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Sales Associate in Tennessee is $36,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Retail Sales Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Retail Sales Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $39,600 | $3,300 | $762 | $19 |
| Average | $36,900 | $3,075 | $710 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,400 | $2,783 | $642 | $16 |
Licker & Whine Pet Market - Murfreesboro, TN
The Spice & Tea Exchange Spartanburg - Nashville, TN
Quality Talent Group - Cordova, TN
Quality Talent Group - Memphis, TN
A Retail Sales Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Retail Sales Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Customer Experience Representative | 0-1 years | $32,948 |
| Retail Sales Associate | 1-3 years | $36,831 |
| Retail Opener/Closer Keyholder | 3-5 years | $40,896 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Retail Sales Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Retail Sales Associate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $40,627. While startup companies pay approximate $34,388.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $34,388 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $36,364 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $39,239 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $40,627 |
For Retail Sales Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Retail Sales Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Retail Sales Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,280 | $21.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $42,435 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $40,590 | $20.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Retail Sales Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $39,600 | $3,300 | $762 | $19 |
| Average | $36,900 | $3,075 | $710 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,400 | $2,783 | $642 | $16 |
For a Retail Sales Associate, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Retail Opener/Closer Keyholder role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $40,900 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Retail Sales Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
American Freight Management Company
Chattanooga, TN
American Freight Management Company | Chattanooga, TN
Job Description. Job Description. The Retail Sales Associate is responsible for enhancing the experience of customers and driving profitable sales by provi... more
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Vuori, Inc
Franklin, TN
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Quality Talent Group
Jackson, TN
Quality Talent Group | Jackson, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Retail Sales Associate Overview. Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems... more
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Quality Talent Group
Nashville, TN
Quality Talent Group | Nashville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Retail Sales Associate Overview. Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems... more
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Quality Talent Group
Chattanooga, TN
Quality Talent Group | Chattanooga, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Retail Sales Associate Overview. Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems... more
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Quality Talent Group
Antioch, TN
Quality Talent Group | Antioch, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Retail Sales Associate Overview. Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems... more
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