Retail employers are facing challenges in finding and retaining workers, driving up wages across the industry. Entry-level retail employees now find jobs paying over $17 an hour, a significant increase from the $7.25 an hour federal minimum wage that has remained unchanged since 2009.
To identify the highest-paying entry-level retail jobs in the US, Business Insider asked Glassdoor to compile a list based on data from the past year. Glassdoor's averages were calculated using hourly wage information submitted by the platform's users between January 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 for sales associates and related roles such as cashiers and retail representatives.
To be included in the analysis, companies had to have at least 1,000 employees, and all entries on the list had a minimum of 30 employees. The list showcases the 15 highest-paying entry-level retail jobs in the US, highlighting companies that are leading the way in offering competitive salaries for entry-level positions.
Patagonia continues to top the list as one of the highest paying retail employers, setting the standard for other companies in the industry. Retail wages are steadily rising as employers recognize the importance of attracting and retaining quality workers in a competitive labor market.