How much does a store clerk make?
Answer: A typical store clerk in the United States makes $35,410 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 3.9 million people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Store clerk pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,210 | $35,410 | $47,890 | about 3.9 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $39,560 | about 85,000 |
| District of Columbia | $38,500 | about 5,000 |
| California | $38,440 | about 376,000 |
| Colorado | $37,950 | about 77,000 |
| Hawaii | $37,790 | about 19,000 |
Why does pay differ?
Pay in the U.S. can vary with experience, store type and location, hours or shifts, and whether sales commissions or bonuses are offered. Know-how about complex products—and a license for some car-sales jobs—can also help.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a store clerk do?
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers. Excludes “Cashiers” (41-2011).
What's a typical day like?
They greet shoppers, ask what they need, suggest items, explain how products work, and ring up purchases. Between customers, they may restock shelves, arrange displays, handle returns, or tidy the store.
How to get this job
Most U.S. store-clerk jobs need no diploma or experience; employers teach you customer service, products, and checkout. Federal rules generally allow nonfarm jobs from age 14, with limits for teens; some car-sales jobs need a state license.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In 2025, U.S. retail salespersons spent an average of 83% of their workday standing—so a store shift can be a real workout!
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Sales jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/retail-salespersons.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-2031.00
- webapps.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/028.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY