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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Assistant in California is $55,766 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Retail Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Retail Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,882 | $5,074 | $1,171 | $29 |
| Average | $55,766 | $4,647 | $1,072 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,695 | $4,141 | $956 | $24 |
Crossroads Trading - Santa Monica, CA
SKECHERS - Pismo Beach, CA
SKECHERS - Carlsbad, CA
SKECHERS - San Jose, CA
A Retail Assistant'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 Assistant'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Ass... Level Retail Assistant | $49,940 |
| Retail As... Level Retail Assistant | $56,187 |
| Sales Ass... Level Retail Assistant | $64,690 |
| Sales Ass... Level Retail Assistant | $86,144 |
| Sales Sup... Level Retail Assistant | $98,916 |
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 Assistants. 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:
For Retail Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Retail Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Retail Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $64,130 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $61,342 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $58,554 | $28.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Retail Assistant'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 | $60,882 | $5,074 | $1,171 | $29 |
| Average | $55,766 | $4,647 | $1,072 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,695 | $4,141 | $956 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Retail Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SKECHERS
Alpine, CA
SKECHERS | Alpine, CA
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SKECHERS
Rancho Cordova, CA
SKECHERS | Rancho Cordova, CA
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DELTA GALIL USA INC
Cabazon, CA
DELTA GALIL USA INC | Cabazon, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Assistant Store Manager (Full-Time). Join 7 For All Mankind, the first company to bring premium denim to the... more
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New Balance
Santa Monica, CA
New Balance | Santa Monica, CA
Job Opportunity At New Balance. Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities aroun... more
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DELTA GALIL USA INC
Carlsbad, CA
DELTA GALIL USA INC | Carlsbad, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Assistant Store Manager (Full-Time). Join 7 For All Mankind, the first company to bring premium denim to the... more
5 Days Ago
Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc | Lake Arrowhead, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We own a wonderful story, one that our Pendleton Ambassadors should always be telling, where the customer and the product... more
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