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Visual Merchandiser I Salary in the United States

How much does a Visual Merchandiser I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Visual Merchandiser I in the United States is $45,242 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Visual Merchandiser I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,096
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,769 to $49,353
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,786
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Visual Merchandiser I Salaries

A Visual Merchandiser I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Visual Merchandiser I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Visual Merchandiser I'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:

  • Visual Merchandiser I (0-2 years): $45,242
  • Visual Merchandiser II (2-4 years): $64,446
  • Visual Merchandising Manager (4-5 years): $102,024
  • Visual Merchandising Director (5+ years): $163,054
  • VP of Visual Merchandising (5+ years): $256,875
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Visual Merchandiser I0-2 years$45,242
Visual Merchandiser II2-4 years$64,446
Visual Merchandising Manager4-5 years$102,024
Visual Merchandising Director5+ years$163,054
VP of Visual Merchandising5+ years$256,875
View as Graph

How Do Visual Merchandiser Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Visual Merchandiser Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $50,092.
  • California: $49,902.
  • Massachusetts: $49,237.

Top Paying Cities for Visual Merchandiser I

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:

  • San Jose: $57,064
  • San Francisco: $56,439
  • Oakland: $55,250

What Skills Can Increase a Visual Merchandiser I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 10.88% Job Postings): Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
  • Point of Sale (Mentioned in 1.69% Job Postings): Accepting payments from customers for goods and services either in person or online.
  • Inventory Management (Mentioned in 1.04% Job Postings): Overseeing and controlling supplies and stock to ensure that an organization maintains an adequate stock quantity.
Skills Demand Percentage
Presentation 10.88%
Point of Sale 1.69%
Inventory Management 1.04%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Visual Merchandiser I's salary.

  • Team Management: Can increase your salary by up to 30%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Point of Sale: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Management $58,815
30%
Decision Making $56,553
25%
Point of Sale $50,219
11%
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Visual Merchandiser I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Visual Merchandiser I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,087. While startup companies pay approximate $41,525.

Visual Merchandiser I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,525
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,922
Established 501~5000 $47,406
Enterprise 5000+ $49,087

Visual Merchandiser I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Visual Merchandiser I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Hospitality & Leisure and Media sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Visual Merchandiser positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Visual Merchandiser I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Visual Merchandiser I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure$49,766$24.010%
Media$47,504$23.05%

Visual Merchandiser I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Visual Merchandiser I'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 August 01, 2026
$39,769
Average $45,242/year
$49,353
$3,314
Average $3,770/month
$4,113
$765
Average $870/week
$949
$19
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,353 $4,113 $949 $24
Average $45,242 $3,770 $870 $22
25th Percentile $39,769 $3,314 $765 $19

Visual Merchandiser I Salary Growth & Career Path

Visual Merchandiser I

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Advancement

For a Visual Merchandiser I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Visual Merchandiser II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $64,446 - a projected growth of 42% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Visual Merchandiser I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Visual Merchandiser I

Here are companies hiring for Visual Merchandiser I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Visual Merchandiser I

1. Where can a Visual Merchandiser I earn the most?

A Visual Merchandiser I'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 Visual Merchandiser I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Visual Merchandiser I is $57,064.

2. What is the highest pay for Visual Merchandiser I?

The highest pay for Visual Merchandiser I is $53,096.

3. What is the lowest pay for Visual Merchandiser I?

The lowest pay for Visual Merchandiser I is $34,786.

4. What are the responsibilities of Visual Merchandiser I?

Designs and executes in-store displays, layouts, and window arrangements for retail goods in accordance with company standards and product strategies. Creates effective displays to optimize the shopping experience, maximize customer engagement, and drive sales. Assembles, maintains, and updates product presentation, signage, and fixtures to ensure visual consistency, appeal, and upkeep. Monitors store presentation to improve the visual impact and ensure information about products, sales, clearance, or special events is clearly displayed and communicated. Collaborates with store teams to support promotions, seasonal changes, and product launches. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Visual Merchandiser I?

The Hospitality & Leisure industry offers the highest average compensation for Visual Merchandiser I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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