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Retail salespersons numbered 4.3 million, earned $29,360 on average in 2019

January 06, 2021

In 2019, there were 4.3 million retail salespersons in the United States, and they earned an average of $29,360 per year. Fast food and counter workers numbered 4.0 million, with average wages of $23,250. These two occupations were among several large occupations that had annual mean wages significantly below the average for all occupations of $53,490.

Employment and annual mean wages by occupation, May 2019
Occupation Annual mean wage Employment

All Occupations

$53,490 146,875,480

Management Occupations

122,480 8,054,120

Chief Executives

193,850 205,890

General and Operations Managers

123,030 2,400,280

Legislators

49,440 52,280

Advertising and Promotions Managers

141,890 25,100

Marketing Managers

149,200 263,680

Sales Managers

141,690 402,600

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

132,630 79,160

Administrative Services and Facilities Managers

106,550 307,280

Computer and Information Systems Managers

156,390 433,960

Financial Managers

147,530 654,790

Industrial Production Managers

115,110 185,790

Purchasing Managers

128,400 72,100

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

103,320 132,040

Compensation and Benefits Managers

134,210 16,900

Human Resources Managers

129,570 154,800

Training and Development Managers

123,470 38,510

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

80,360 5,060

Construction Managers

105,000 293,380

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

53,690 52,360

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

100,340 271,020

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

112,400 144,880

Education Administrators, All Other

92,150 44,550

Architectural and Engineering Managers

152,930 194,250

Food Service Managers

59,820 235,470

Gambling Managers

84,700 4,450

Lodging Managers

63,570 38,340

Medical and Health Services Managers

115,160 394,910

Natural Sciences Managers

145,450 67,720

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

78,220 13,850

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

71,720 220,750

Social and Community Service Managers

72,900 156,460

Emergency Management Directors

82,530 10,060

Funeral Home Managers

95,220 9,400

Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other

118,710 472,060

Business and Financial Operations Occupations

78,130 8,183,750

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

97,170 17,060

Buyers and Purchasing Agents

69,680 421,280

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

68,940 287,960

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

66,240 13,750

Compliance Officers

72,850 317,600

Cost Estimators

71,350 210,000

Human Resources Specialists

67,760 633,040

Farm Labor Contractors

62,060 160

Labor Relations Specialists

71,870 75,580

Logisticians

78,680 182,050

Management Analysts

95,560 709,750

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

54,880 117,610

Fundraisers

62,830 81,660

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

69,840 89,300

Training and Development Specialists

65,640 312,450

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

71,570 678,500

Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other

80,220 1,279,390

Accountants and Auditors

79,520 1,280,700

Property Appraisers and Assessors

63,610 56,320

Budget Analysts

80,300 51,460

Credit Analysts

84,930 73,930

Personal Financial Advisors

119,290 210,190

Insurance Underwriters

77,640 100,050

Financial Examiners

92,330 64,550

Credit Counselors

50,230 32,110

Loan Officers

76,200 308,370

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

60,960 53,760

Tax Preparers

49,550 66,670

Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other

94,160 458,510

Computer and Mathematical Occupations

93,760 4,552,880

Computer Systems Analysts

96,160 589,060

Information Security Analysts

104,210 125,570

Computer and Information Research Scientists

127,460 30,780

Computer Network Support Specialists

68,860 185,430

Computer User Support Specialists

56,550 647,330

Computer Network Architects

115,110 152,420

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

88,410 354,450

Database Administrators and Architects

96,110 125,460

Computer Programmers

92,610 199,540

Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

111,620 1,406,870

Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers

82,370 148,340

Computer Occupations, All Other

92,410 393,160

Actuaries

120,970 22,260

Mathematicians

107,280 2,630

Operations Research Analysts

90,600 99,680

Statisticians

95,680 39,090

Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other

100,560 30,810

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

88,800 2,592,680

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

89,560 105,850

Landscape Architects

73,970 20,280

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

69,790 11,300

Surveyors

67,920 45,220

Aerospace Engineers

119,220 63,200

Agricultural Engineers

98,290 1,550

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

97,090 19,780

Chemical Engineers

117,090 30,120

Civil Engineers

94,360 310,850

Computer Hardware Engineers

123,030 67,880

Electrical Engineers

103,480 185,570

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

110,210 128,800

Environmental Engineers

94,220 53,150

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

94,810 25,860

Industrial Engineers

92,660 291,710

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

98,730 11,360

Materials Engineers

97,890 26,820

Mechanical Engineers

93,540 306,990

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

96,990 6,280

Nuclear Engineers

120,700 15,850

Petroleum Engineers

156,780 32,620

Engineers, All Other

102,460 152,340

Architectural and Civil Drafters

58,080 98,800

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

65,720 24,140

Mechanical Drafters

60,500 55,210

Drafters, All Other

54,840 14,600

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

68,340 11,540

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

55,480 68,870

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

66,240 122,550

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

61,420 14,290

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

54,740 18,010

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

59,400 67,110

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

59,160 42,820

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

48,500 53,030

Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

65,940 88,330

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

77,540 1,288,920

Animal Scientists

68,570 2,690

Food Scientists and Technologists

76,190 13,460

Soil and Plant Scientists

69,860 14,150

Biochemists and Biophysicists

108,180 31,360

Microbiologists

82,760 18,270

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

67,200 19,250

Biological Scientists, All Other

87,590 40,100

Conservation Scientists

67,040 22,070

Foresters

63,270 9,510

Epidemiologists

78,290 7,410

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

98,770 127,180

Life Scientists, All Other

85,890 6,450

Astronomers

122,270 2,070

Physicists

131,080 16,730

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

97,160 9,290

Chemists

84,150 83,530

Materials Scientists

100,430 6,710

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

77,940 84,290

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

108,350 29,200

Hydrologists

86,330 6,440

Physical Scientists, All Other

112,070 17,550

Economists

116,630 19,000

Survey Researchers

65,760 9,930

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

87,450 113,270

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

111,150 630

Psychologists, All Other

98,230 14,220

Sociologists

90,590 2,630

Urban and Regional Planners

77,750 38,560

Anthropologists and Archeologists

66,810 6,720

Geographers

81,970 1,400

Historians

68,690 3,040

Political Scientists

120,260 6,010

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

87,690 33,690

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

44,440 21,870

Biological Technicians

49,110 79,530

Chemical Technicians

52,910 65,760

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

50,760 32,620

Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

60,800 17,110

Nuclear Technicians

82,710 6,420

Social Science Research Assistants

51,340 35,580

Forest and Conservation Technicians

45,860 19,060

Forensic Science Technicians

63,170 16,520

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

53,670 64,260

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

76,290 92,780

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

56,470 20,580

Community and Social Service Occupations

50,480 2,244,310

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

61,000 296,460

Marriage and Family Therapists

54,590 59,050

Rehabilitation Counselors

40,160 109,040

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

49,950 283,540

Counselors, All Other

48,800 25,420

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

51,030 327,710

Healthcare Social Workers

59,300 174,890

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

51,670 117,770

Social Workers, All Other

61,750 58,410

Health Education Specialists

60,500 58,590

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

59,910 88,120

Social and Human Service Assistants

37,050 404,450

Community Health Workers

44,390 58,950

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

46,900 97,480

Clergy

55,190 53,180

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

50,490 21,820

Religious Workers, All Other

39,830 9,450

Legal Occupations

109,630 1,150,780

Lawyers

145,300 657,170

Judicial Law Clerks

59,890 16,630

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

100,230 14,380

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

73,720 6,090

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

128,550 28,670

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

55,020 329,870

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

52,050 52,890

Legal Support Workers, All Other

70,840 45,080

Educational Instruction and Library Occupations

57,710 8,886,600

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

105,440 83,920

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

98,430 31,800

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

86,330 51,150

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

98,980 6,780

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

112,110 36,080

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

89,320 9,470

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

98,700 53,090

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

90,940 1,770

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

102,690 11,020

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

92,650 21,380

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

93,450 6,060

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

101,110 13,780

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

95,140 5,850

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

88,410 10,600

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

119,160 13,270

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

86,540 3,970

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

102,290 15,750

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

87,530 37,480

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

85,240 13,850

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

85,390 16,830

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

121,620 201,920

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

83,160 59,680

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

74,560 61,300

Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary

77,170 4,390

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

72,980 14,070

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

129,950 16,180

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

77,910 13,640

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

83,220 94,060

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

79,830 29,120

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

80,180 67,930

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

80,170 24,860

History Teachers, Postsecondary

84,210 21,030

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

88,970 23,490

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

85,270 2,150

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

73,720 15,880

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

60,420 112,210

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

80,720 201,320

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

34,650 431,350

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

60,210 124,290

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

63,930 1,430,480

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

63,550 622,330

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School

64,900 11,860

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

65,930 1,035,850

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

64,800 74,520

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

67,060 22,340

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

64,420 193,830

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

65,740 85,840

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

65,710 143,170

Special Education Teachers, All Other

65,350 35,600

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

58,980 51,950

Self-Enrichment Teachers

46,120 252,780

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term

32,460 587,120

Tutors and Teachers and Instructors, All Other

48,700 320,250

Archivists

57,500 6,560

Curators

59,130 12,890

Museum Technicians and Conservators

48,030 13,190

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

61,920 135,690

Library Technicians

36,950 88,720

Farm and Home Management Educators

52,720 8,720

Instructional Coordinators

69,180 176,690

Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

36,460 137,500

Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary

29,640 1,346,910

Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other

45,970 129,040

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations

61,960 2,017,810

Art Directors

109,600 42,890

Craft Artists

38,740 4,640

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

63,030 12,350

Special Effects Artists and Animators

84,780 29,340

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

67,750 7,550

Commercial and Industrial Designers

73,820 32,770

Fashion Designers

86,110 22,030

Floral Designers

29,760 41,770

Graphic Designers

56,510 215,930

Interior Designers

60,990 60,650

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

32,940 140,850

Set and Exhibit Designers

62,480 12,040

Designers, All Other

73,510 10,610

Actors

* 52,620

Producers and Directors

93,940 129,210

Athletes and Sports Competitors

93,140 11,330

Coaches and Scouts

44,910 241,390

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

38,810 20,120

Dancers

* 9,690

Choreographers

53,590 4,630

Music Directors and Composers

64,670 10,580

Musicians and Singers

* 41,130

Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers

* 15,840

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

53,580 29,230

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

62,400 44,100

Public Relations Specialists

70,190 244,730

Editors

71,910 95,970

Technical Writers

76,860 50,760

Writers and Authors

73,860 45,860

Interpreters and Translators

57,000 58,870

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

64,990 14,530

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

53,060 25,160

Audio and Video Technicians

51,260 73,960

Broadcast Technicians

46,800 28,650

Sound Engineering Technicians

67,090 12,890

Photographers

45,440 50,620

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

64,960 21,500

Film and Video Editors

87,300 27,570

Lighting Technicians and Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other

73,700 23,440

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

83,640 8,673,140

Chiropractors

85,010 35,010

Dentists, General

178,260 110,730

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

237,570 4,650

Orthodontists

230,830 5,990

Prosthodontists

220,840 490

Dentists, All Other Specialists

178,040 5,330

Dietitians and Nutritionists

62,330 67,670

Optometrists

122,980 39,420

Pharmacists

125,510 311,200

Physician Assistants

112,410 120,090

Podiatrists

142,680 9,770

Occupational Therapists

86,210 133,570

Physical Therapists

90,170 233,350

Radiation Therapists

91,620 17,860

Recreational Therapists

51,130 19,070

Respiratory Therapists

63,950 132,090

Speech-Language Pathologists

82,000 154,360

Exercise Physiologists

54,750 7,280

Therapists, All Other

58,600 12,170

Veterinarians

104,820 74,540

Registered Nurses

77,460 2,982,280

Nurse Anesthetists

181,040 43,570

Nurse Midwives

108,810 6,930

Nurse Practitioners

111,840 200,600

Audiologists

83,900 13,590

Anesthesiologists

261,730 31,010

Family Medicine Physicians

213,270 109,370

General Internal Medicine Physicians

201,440 44,610

Obstetricians and Gynecologists

233,610 18,620

Pediatricians, General

184,410 29,740

Psychiatrists

220,430 25,530

Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

203,450 390,680

Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists

252,040 36,270

Dental Hygienists

77,230 221,560

Acupuncturists and Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other

89,060 36,500

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

54,780 326,020

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

59,600 56,110

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

75,780 72,790

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

80,240 18,110

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

63,120 207,360

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

74,270 37,900

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

38,830 260,600

Dietetic Technicians

31,180 29,230

Pharmacy Technicians

35,250 417,780

Psychiatric Technicians

37,550 78,470

Surgical Technologists

50,110 109,000

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

36,670 110,650

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

38,760 58,600

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

48,500 697,510

Opticians, Dispensing

40,730 72,330

Orthotists and Prosthetists

72,810 9,830

Hearing Aid Specialists

55,360 8,210

Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Records Specialists, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

46,590 331,790

Athletic Trainers

50,540 28,600

Genetic Counselors

84,310 2,390

Health Information Technologists, Medical Registrars, Surgical Assistants, and Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other

58,600 54,350

Healthcare Support Occupations

31,010 6,521,790

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

26,440 3,161,500

Nursing Assistants

30,720 1,419,920

Orderlies

30,710 46,990

Psychiatric Aides

32,590 55,020

Occupational Therapy Assistants

61,880 44,990

Occupational Therapy Aides

34,310 7,560

Physical Therapist Assistants

58,520 96,840

Physical Therapist Aides

29,180 49,270

Massage Therapists

47,180 107,240

Dental Assistants

41,170 351,470

Medical Assistants

35,720 712,430

Medical Equipment Preparers

39,530 56,900

Medical Transcriptionists

35,210 55,780

Pharmacy Aides

30,490 37,280

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

29,690 97,030

Phlebotomists

36,480 128,290

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

40,010 93,270

Protective Service Occupations

49,880 3,498,800

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

69,000 46,430

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

94,950 121,340

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

82,010 69,590

Miscellaneous First-Line Supervisors, Protective Service Workers

53,210 82,590

Firefighters

54,650 324,620

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

64,730 13,710

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

53,350 2,160

Bailiffs

51,840 19,650

Correctional Officers and Jailers

50,130 423,050

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

86,030 105,620

Fish and Game Wardens

57,690 6,800

Parking Enforcement Workers

43,420 7,650

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

67,600 665,280

Transit and Railroad Police

71,120 4,690

Animal Control Workers

39,710 11,980

Private Detectives and Investigators

57,000 35,000

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

38,030 10,280

Security Guards

33,030 1,126,370

Crossing Guards and Flaggers

32,920 84,920

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

25,380 143,940

Transportation Security Screeners

42,310 46,730

School Bus Monitors and Protective Service Workers, All Other

34,880 146,390

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

26,670 13,494,590

Chefs and Head Cooks

56,310 128,190

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

36,960 1,011,100

Cooks, Fast Food

23,530 527,220

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

29,030 402,480

Cooks, Private Household

45,600 390

Cooks, Restaurant

28,700 1,401,890

Cooks, Short Order

26,240 152,670

Cooks, All Other

32,240 19,340

Food Preparation Workers

25,820 863,740

Bartenders

28,000 646,850

Fast Food and Counter Workers

23,250 3,996,820

Waiters and Waitresses

26,800 2,579,020

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

26,080 277,580

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

25,020 477,270

Dishwashers

24,410 514,330

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop

24,010 423,380

Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other

26,510 72,300

Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations

31,250 4,429,100

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers

44,160 155,550

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

52,340 103,580

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

30,010 2,145,450

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

26,810 926,960

Building Cleaning Workers, All Other

35,270 18,150

Pest Control Workers

39,910 79,450

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

32,360 912,660

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

39,230 25,780

Tree Trimmers and Pruners

42,510 47,210

Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other

37,870 14,310

Personal Care and Service Occupations

31,260 3,303,200

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

51,850 29,420

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service and Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services

43,400 217,680

Animal Trainers

36,240 16,530

Animal Caretakers

27,060 212,450

Gambling Dealers

23,980 98,890

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners

27,830 9,970

Gambling Service Workers, All Other

32,000 10,470

Motion Picture Projectionists

29,890 4,540

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers

24,870 138,160

Amusement and Recreation Attendants

24,330 338,110

Costume Attendants

48,970 7,460

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants

28,230 15,990

Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other

31,790 4,500

Embalmers

50,100 3,890

Funeral Attendants

29,830 34,370

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers

58,360 25,440

Barbers

35,190 20,030

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

31,530 385,960

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

81,600 3,400

Manicurists and Pedicurists

27,390 111,780

Shampooers

22,910 12,120

Skincare Specialists

38,970 56,660

Baggage Porters and Bellhops

28,230 39,790

Concierges

34,290 41,670

Tour and Travel Guides

30,670 48,710

Childcare Workers

25,510 561,520

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

45,110 325,500

Recreation Workers

29,330 358,750

Residential Advisors

31,610 107,930

Crematory Operators and Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other

29,190 61,510

Sales and Related Occupations

43,060 14,371,410

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

45,830 1,171,900

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

86,180 249,090

Cashiers

24,370 3,596,630

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers

28,010 21,290

Counter and Rental Clerks

32,600 411,560

Parts Salespersons

35,220 256,170

Retail Salespersons

29,360 4,317,950

Advertising Sales Agents

64,660 129,740

Insurance Sales Agents

67,780 410,050

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

93,090 437,880

Travel Agents

44,690 66,670

Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

66,760 1,039,670

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

92,980 306,980

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

71,110 1,344,530

Demonstrators and Product Promoters

35,320 77,760

Models

36,430 2,320

Real Estate Brokers

81,450 42,730

Real Estate Sales Agents

62,060 162,330

Sales Engineers

112,780 63,550

Telemarketers

29,770 134,800

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers

35,150 8,930

Sales and Related Workers, All Other

40,620 118,910

Office and Administrative Support Occupations

41,040 19,528,250

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

60,130 1,487,870

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

33,030 68,050

Telephone Operators

37,940 4,740

Communications Equipment Operators, All Other

46,050 3,240

Bill and Account Collectors

39,300 235,870

Billing and Posting Clerks

40,620 466,450

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

42,960 1,512,660

Gambling Cage Workers

29,600 14,330

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

47,390 142,700

Procurement Clerks

43,980 66,030

Tellers

31,660 442,120

Financial Clerks, All Other

44,740 30,500

Brokerage Clerks

55,190 47,990

Correspondence Clerks

39,570 6,250

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

42,030 154,020

Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

41,880 26,700

Customer Service Representatives

37,320 2,919,230

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

47,110 139,780

File Clerks

34,610 102,300

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks

25,950 267,940

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

36,390 188,570

Library Assistants, Clerical

29,820 85,910

Loan Interviewers and Clerks

41,960 208,530

New Accounts Clerks

38,490 43,420

Order Clerks

36,600 137,180

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

42,620 117,340

Receptionists and Information Clerks

31,250 1,057,370

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks

44,390 123,660

Information and Record Clerks, All Other

42,410 153,850

Cargo and Freight Agents

46,770 95,810

Couriers and Messengers

31,640 74,720

Public Safety Telecommunicators

44,310 95,320

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance

44,100 199,360

Meter Readers, Utilities

46,250 30,450

Postal Service Clerks

50,610 81,170

Postal Service Mail Carriers

52,180 339,650

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

51,190 102,390

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

50,640 370,380

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

36,030 704,910

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping

36,650 60,920

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

62,920 542,690

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

50,900 168,140

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

38,090 604,780

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

39,180 2,038,340

Data Entry Keyers

34,820 159,930

Word Processors and Typists

41,880 47,460

Desktop Publishers

48,740 8,740

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

43,280 257,000

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

32,620 83,580

Office Clerks, General

36,360 2,956,060

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer

35,150 45,960

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

43,200 7,730

Statistical Assistants

51,640 9,810

Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other

38,290 188,360

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

31,340 484,750

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

52,520 22,560

Agricultural Inspectors

47,160 13,760

Animal Breeders

46,420 1,610

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

27,570 34,340

Agricultural Equipment Operators

33,300 26,990

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse

27,780 295,520

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

29,880 36,630

Agricultural Workers, All Other

33,930 6,540

Forest and Conservation Workers

32,790 6,760

Fallers

49,670 4,890

Logging Equipment Operators

42,060 26,030

Log Graders and Scalers

39,110 3,300

Logging Workers, All Other

40,390 3,750

Construction and Extraction Occupations

52,580 6,194,140

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

71,440 626,180

Boilermakers

65,040 15,820

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

56,470 60,650

Stonemasons

48,070 12,390

Carpenters

52,850 734,170

Carpet Installers

45,320 26,010

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles

48,610 16,290

Floor Sanders and Finishers

42,300 4,940

Tile and Stone Setters

47,300 40,470

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

48,330 196,120

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

56,340 2,970

Construction Laborers

41,730 1,020,350

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

44,630 45,770

Pile Driver Operators

70,230 3,540

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

54,210 405,750

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

50,560 102,850

Tapers

61,550 17,970

Electricians

60,370 688,620

Glaziers

49,810 52,400

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

45,100 33,550

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

54,120 26,670

Painters, Construction and Maintenance

44,640 232,760

Paperhangers

44,470 3,380

Pipelayers

43,600 36,270

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

59,800 442,870

Plasterers and Stucco Masons

49,710 27,360

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

54,650 18,870

Roofers

45,820 129,690

Sheet Metal Workers

54,480 131,300

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

59,170 76,570

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

46,850 11,080

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

38,440 23,480

Helpers--Carpenters

33,830 32,920

Helpers--Electricians

34,300 79,260

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

32,930 10,850

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

33,750 58,400

Helpers--Roofers

33,350 8,960

Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other

33,400 28,530

Construction and Building Inspectors

64,390 110,420

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

83,250 28,350

Fence Erectors

38,600 25,900

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

47,740 44,240

Highway Maintenance Workers

42,410 150,860

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

57,160 16,180

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

42,760 29,750

Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers

44,030 32,040

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

48,030 12,110

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

57,070 21,010

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas

51,390 51,760

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

48,580 44,090

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

56,530 14,630

Roof Bolters, Mining

59,560 3,140

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

53,730 4,200

Rock Splitters, Quarry

37,390 5,080

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

41,280 58,930

Helpers--Extraction Workers

38,390 16,700

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas; and Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

48,890 24,940

Underground Mining Machine Operators and Extraction Workers, All Other

52,280 13,790

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

50,130 5,713,450

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

70,550 485,700

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

42,070 98,260

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

57,820 14,370

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

58,560 208,480

Avionics Technicians

66,970 21,750

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

46,620 15,890

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

63,670 9,790

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

60,360 58,930

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

81,280 22,650

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

38,910 10,310

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers

42,130 25,590

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

50,210 71,600

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

67,110 133,310

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

47,390 144,180

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

37,440 19,410

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

44,890 655,330

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

50,360 266,330

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

43,630 36,290

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

54,840 147,800

Rail Car Repairers

56,810 25,930

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

43,440 22,940

Motorcycle Mechanics

39,970 15,590

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

37,670 32,160

Bicycle Repairers

31,360 13,190

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians

41,660 15,580

Tire Repairers and Changers

30,350 110,880

Mechanical Door Repairers

43,740 23,050

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

59,920 52,270

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

51,420 342,040

Home Appliance Repairers

42,400 31,100

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

55,320 387,630

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

49,450 72,890

Millwrights

57,050 47,320

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

55,750 820

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

71,960 111,660

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

59,670 120,900

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

40,720 3,620

Medical Equipment Repairers

53,130 46,370

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners

39,750 8,020

Watch and Clock Repairers

45,280 2,780

Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other

59,940 10,570

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

41,960 1,418,990

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

56,700 5,960

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers

37,380 31,370

Commercial Divers

67,100 3,420

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

44,460 17,010

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers

34,300 2,810

Riggers

52,420 23,000

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

72,690 6,860

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

32,570 99,460

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other

43,800 161,290

Production Occupations

40,140 9,158,980

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

65,220 631,100

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

56,460 42,940

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

38,760 12,690

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

36,930 285,190

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

46,570 45,980

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

43,000 76,890

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators

36,970 20,010

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

38,110 1,260

Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators

34,800 1,371,920

Bakers

29,630 184,990

Butchers and Meat Cutters

34,010 136,770

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers

28,810 153,990

Slaughterers and Meat Packers

29,600 73,390

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

33,880 20,830

Food Batchmakers

33,120 159,390

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

32,320 30,030

Food Processing Workers, All Other

28,820 42,890

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

37,770 76,940

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

41,200 16,320

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

41,920 32,470

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

37,310 195,040

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

42,630 10,870

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

37,860 76,810

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

41,990 28,070

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

44,820 18,730

Machinists

46,120 383,470

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

43,280 17,150

Pourers and Casters, Metal

40,850 8,010

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

57,420 4,300

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

48,050 3,010

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

36,920 17,590

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

34,670 172,520

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

38,410 146,950

Tool and Die Makers

54,980 70,770

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

45,190 410,750

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

40,240 35,110

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

39,840 19,560

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

48,900 8,150

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

35,640 41,810

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

41,970 6,440

Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other

37,790 24,340

Prepress Technicians and Workers

42,540 30,270

Printing Press Operators

39,100 173,430

Print Binding and Finishing Workers

35,130 45,600

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

25,420 209,330

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

24,820 38,070

Sewing Machine Operators

28,000 133,410

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

30,580 8,760

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

30,540 5,020

Sewers, Hand

31,020 4,770

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

34,530 24,110

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders

30,810 8,690

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

29,660 13,210

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

31,300 21,130

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

30,740 31,190

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

37,760 18,230

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

52,740 5,870

Upholsterers

36,640 29,420

Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other

30,710 18,060

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

37,620 99,400

Furniture Finishers

34,350 16,220

Model Makers, Wood

57,320 810

Patternmakers, Wood

63,490 370

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

32,150 50,730

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

32,180 78,850

Woodworkers, All Other

35,270 6,700

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

100,990 5,050

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

88,910 10,770

Power Plant Operators

79,370 33,620

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

65,970 32,520

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

50,490 123,730

Chemical Plant and System Operators

62,710 28,840

Gas Plant Operators

71,050 14,410

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

73,830 40,370

Plant and System Operators, All Other

59,500 12,950

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

51,540 87,120

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

45,370 51,160

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

39,270 33,360

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

33,060 29,170

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

39,920 125,340

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand

32,340 9,670

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

36,750 57,960

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

37,240 71,850

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

41,350 18,970

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

43,000 576,950

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

45,950 23,590

Dental Laboratory Technicians

44,330 34,460

Medical Appliance Technicians

44,200 14,130

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

34,800 29,150

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

33,590 390,540

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

35,600 12,430

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

41,260 146,350

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

41,950 27,680

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

36,890 11,940

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

43,170 151,700

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

59,730 25,570

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

36,010 13,890

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

34,230 16,410

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

37,010 8,740

Etchers and Engravers

33,770 10,310

Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

36,000 44,890

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

40,980 100,290

Tire Builders

45,010 20,790

Helpers--Production Workers

30,540 303,030

Production Workers, All Other

33,830 222,230

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

37,920 12,532,030

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

57,960 9,500

First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

57,840 455,390

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

174,870 84,520

Commercial Pilots

102,870 37,830

Air Traffic Controllers

120,140 22,090

Airfield Operations Specialists

57,620 10,680

Flight Attendants

56,230 120,840

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

29,600 14,740

Driver/Sales Workers

30,230 444,660

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

46,850 1,856,130

Light Truck Drivers

38,520 923,050

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

45,830 179,510

Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

33,210 700,030

Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other

37,300 56,590

Locomotive Engineers

71,570 35,520

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

52,690 5,400

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

62,380 11,080

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

68,350 45,710

Subway and Streetcar Operators

63,770 10,730

Rail Transportation Workers, All Other

54,170 2,650

Sailors and Marine Oilers

53,250 31,290

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

87,420 33,370

Motorboat Operators

49,030 2,120

Ship Engineers

79,540 8,410

Bridge and Lock Tenders

47,880 3,150

Parking Attendants

26,450 147,390

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants

26,860 117,670

Traffic Technicians

52,590 7,470

Transportation Inspectors

77,530 30,020

Passenger Attendants

29,420 28,200

Aircraft Service Attendants and Transportation Workers, All Other

42,940 34,940

Conveyor Operators and Tenders

36,150 24,050

Crane and Tower Operators

60,530 45,480

Dredge Operators

51,340 1,550

Hoist and Winch Operators

62,690 4,800

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

37,930 629,270

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

27,940 382,670

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

32,130 2,953,170

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

33,010 63,280

Packers and Packagers, Hand

27,680 633,640

Stockers and Order Fillers

29,660 2,135,850

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

62,710 3,440

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers

49,120 10,000

Wellhead Pumpers

55,080 12,970

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

41,400 121,330

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

47,580 11,620

Material Moving Workers, All Other

36,530 28,240

Note: Occupations for which annual wage estimates are not available because workers do not generally work year-round, full time (Dancers; Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers; Musicians and Singers; and Actors) are not shown in the chart.

Only 2 large occupations had above-average wages: registered nurses, with employment of 3.0 million and annual average wages of $77,460, and general and operations managers, with employment of 2.4 million and wages of $123,030, on average.

There were over 9.3 million workers employed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) occupations in 2019. The highest paying STEM occupations were petroleum engineers (employment 33,000, average wages $156,780 per year) and the three STEM-related management occupations: computer and information systems managers (employment 434,000, average wages $156,390), architectural and engineering managers (employment 194,000, average wages $152,930), and natural sciences managers (employment 68,000, average wages $145,450). The lowest paying STEM occupations were agricultural and food science technicians (employment 22,000, average wages $44,440) and forest and conservation technicians (employment 19,000, average wages $45,860).

These data are from the Occupational Employment Statistics program. See "Occupational Employment and Wages — May 2019" to learn more. These estimates do not include the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers, or unpaid family workers.

SUGGESTED CITATION

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Retail salespersons numbered 4.3 million, earned $29,360 on average in 2019 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/retail-salespersons-numbered-4-3-million-earned-29360-on-average-in-2019.htm (visited March 28, 2024).

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