Retail Sales Associate Salary in Arlington {} JSON

Market Intelligence

The salary distribution for Retail Sales Associates in Arlington, VA reveals a significant gap between the lower and upper ends of the pay scale, with the 10th percentile earning around $20,000 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $140,000. This disparity is driven by factors such as the level of experience required, the size and reputation of the hiring companies, as well as the increasing demand for skilled sales personnel in a competitive retail environment. New hires can realistically expect to start at the lower end of this spectrum, typically around $20,000, especially given the high number of entry-level positions available.

What This Market Is Signaling

• The wide P10–P90 spread ($20,000–$140,000) reflects the diverse range of roles within retail sales, from basic entry-level positions to specialized or managerial roles requiring significant experience and skill.
• The concentration of large employers like Wegmans and Best Buy in Arlington increases competition for qualified candidates, which can lead to higher salaries for those with relevant experience or specialized skills.
• The relatively high number of open positions (120) indicates a strong demand for retail sales associates in Arlington, but the majority of roles are situated at the lower end of the pay scale, which limits upward mobility for new entrants.
• The difference between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and the 75th percentile ($40,000) highlights the varied levels of experience and expertise among applicants, with companies willing to pay significantly more for candidates who possess proven sales skills or strong product knowledge.
• Cost of living pressures in Arlington may compel employers to offer competitive wages, particularly to attract talent away from other sectors, though the bulk of available positions still reflect entry-level pay.