How much does a store clerk make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical store clerk in the United States makes $35,410 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,210 and $47,890How do you become one?
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.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($39,560), lowest in Mississippi ($28,640).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a store clerk averages $25,651. Store clerk salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers. Excludes “Cashiers” (41-2011).
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