Retail Administration Careers

Career Outlook

A retail career is ideal if you enjoy working with people, products and pricing in a dynamic industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, of almost all occupations, retail sales will have the greatest number of job openings through 2018. Job candidates with retail experience and a college degree will have the best opportunities for rising to retail store manager or retail supervisor. The Department of Labor reports a median annual salary of $35,310 for supervisors of retail sales workers. And education may increase the chances for advancement and promotion to higher pay.

Career Opportunities

Supervisors who display leadership and team-building skills, self-confidence, motivation, and decisiveness become candidates for promotion. In the typical retail career, managers are promoted from within the company. Larger chains may offer the opportunity to transfer to another store or to the central office and require relocation.

Who is Hiring?

Retail careers exist in retail marketing and advertising departments; in the areas of finance and human resources; and of course for entrepreneurs who want to manage their own retail venture. Here are median annual wages for retail sales supervisors in the industries where retail administration careers are most prevalent...

• Building material and supplies dealers $37,710
• Grocery stores $35,140
• Clothing stores $34,180
• Other general merchandise stores $30,590
• Department stores $30,480

What you might do in a retail administration career...

• Oversee staff
• Interview, hire, and train employees
• Prepare work schedules
• Focus on broad managerial issues of planning and strategy
• Ensure customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods
• Handle purchasing, budgeting and accounting

Ready to get started on your Retail Administration degree? Enroll online or call 1-800-957-5412 to speak with an Admissions Advisor.

• What You Get
• Program Outline
• Career Profile
• Tuition