As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Store Manager in the United States is $77,966 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Retail Store Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Retail Store Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Retail Store Manager'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 Store Department Manager | 0-3 years | $48,167 |
| Retail Store Manager Assistant | 3-5 years | $53,588 |
| Retail Store Manager | 5+ years | $77,966 |
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 Store Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.53% |
| Inventory Management | 1.9% |
| Food Service | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Sales Management
|
$82,644 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$81,085 |
4%
|
|
Cost Control
|
$80,305 |
3%
|
|
Motivating
|
$80,305 |
3%
|
|
Guest Service
|
$80,305 |
3%
|
|
Inventory Control
|
$79,525 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Retail Store Managers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Retail Store Manager with a No Diploma is between $72,273 and $81,005).
Retail Store Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.5% |
| High School | 32.3% |
| Associates | 15.5% |
| Bachelors | 44.1% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Retail Store Manager'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.
Last Updated on February 01, 2026
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A Retail Store Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Retail Store Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Retail Store Manager is $98,339.
The highest pay for Retail Store Manager is $98,064.
The lowest pay for Retail Store Manager is $56,716.
Manages the day-to-day operations of a retail store. Has responsibility of staffing, store compliance, inventory management, and promotion. Maintains and oversees accuracy of records associated with cash, receipts, inventories, and employee attendance. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a senior manager. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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