Also called: Store Manager
Runs a store: hiring, scheduling, sales, inventory and keeping customers happy.
You open the store, check the sales goal, and rearrange staff because two people called in sick. Then you unload a delivery, deal with a return dispute and train a new cashier.
Managers of big-box stores can earn $80k-$120k+ with bonuses.
High school diploma, about 2 years after high school. High school diploma plus retail experience; many big chains promote from within.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Retail Management, Business Administration.
Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). Retail supervisors are flat to slightly shrinking.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Self-checkout and inventory AI change the store and some stores close; hiring and leading staff stays human.
Classes: Business elective, Accounting, Speech and debate.
Official data: O*NET occupation 41-1011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.