Wages, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$10.48
25th Percentile	$11.92
50th Percentile	$15.71
75th Percentile	$20.90

Wages, San Joaquin County

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$9.23
25th Percentile	$10.78
50th Percentile	$14.20
75th Percentile	$19.54

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Almost all Retail Store Managers get paid vacation; most get paid medical insurance and sick leave. Many have paid dental and retirement plans and life insurance. Many retailers, especially those in smaller stores, regularly work as many as 50 to 60 hours a week. Some stores have established a policy of the five-day week for executives, while others have arranged for managers to rotate duties so they have consecutive days off. Many managers, however, are still required to work weekends and nights.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998	185,000
Projected Employment 2008	230,400
Percent Change 1998-2008	24.5%
Separations 1998-2008	27,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999	2,240
Projected Employment 2006	2,720
Percent Change 1999-2006	21.4%
Separations 1999-2006	220

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Surroundings vary depending on the type and price of merchandise sold. High fashion specialty shops or jewelry stores may have a plush and quiet atmosphere, while grocery and retail outlet stores may be crowded and noisy. To provide a pleasant shopping environment for consumers, retail stores are generally clean, well lighted, and air-conditioned. Working conditions may include a considerable amount of walking and standing since the duties of managers may take them to every part of the store.

Advancement
Potential managers gain retailing experience through a series of progressively responsible assignments. Depending on the ability of the management candidate and the openings available, a typical career path may include work as a salesperson, assistant buyer, buyer, and ultimately, part of the management team. Once in management, such positions as branch and division manager may be offered. In stores such as grocery and retail outlets, the competent department manager is likely to be in line for the job of store manager.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Algunas firmas solicitan trabajadores nuevos en universidades; personas sin educacion universitaria pueden matricularse en un programa de entrenamiento a traves aplicacion directa a los empleadores. En firmas que no operan programas de entrenamiento, aplicantes pueden consiguir posiciones en ventas, compras o mercancia, mientras ganan experiencia para ascender despues a una posicion de gerencia. El California Employment Development Department puede tener informacion sobre vacantes. Anuncios en el periodico tambien pueden ser utiles. Gerentes con experiencia pueden usar publicaciones profesionales o contactos que tienen en sus industrias para encontrar trabajo.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Marketing courses leading to an Associate Degree are available in community or private colleges. Other courses likely to be helpful in preparing for a career in retail management include accounting, public speaking, and basic computer operations.

Many companies offer management development training programs. Training may be offered to employees who have demonstrated potential on the job or to those who have a suitable academic background. Training programs usually include classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

References
California Occupational Guide: #242

Related Occupations: Buyers (Retail Trade) , Retail Salesperson

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)