High-Paying Retail Jobs That Don't Require a Degree
Retail as a Long-term Career Path
Early in life, many see retail as a short-term job designed for students to work at minimum wage. Retail is a great industry for entry-level jobs, perfect for people who are just starting their careers — but that’s not where the industry ends!
As you move up the career ladder, you’ll notice diverse avenues for fulfilling retail positions that are long-term and pay well.
If you don’t have a degree, but are interested in landing a high-paying retail job in the future, keep reading to find out what career paths are available!
What Retail Jobs are High-Paying?
Executive-level positions are typically the highest paying in the retail industry. They offer promising compensation packages that typically include bonuses, benefits, and stock options.
Lower management positions are also higher pay than entry level as they involve larger responsibilities.
High-Paying Retail Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree in Canada
Retail Store Manager
Average Salary: $80,000
What the role involves: Retail Store Managers oversee the daily operations of a retail store. The role involves managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, maintaining inventory, and meeting sales targets. They are responsible for creating a positive shopping experience and implementing strategies to increase sales and productivity.
Why it pays well: This role requires strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of retail operations, and the ability to drive sales performance. The impact on the business’s bottom line justifies a higher salary.
Basic qualifications needed: Typically requires several years (3-5) of retail experience, with demonstrated success in a leadership role. Strong communication and organizational skills will also help.
Sales Manager
Average Salary: $50,000-$80,000 depending on experience
What the role involves: Sales Managers lead sales associates in a retail environment, setting performance goals, developing training programs, and analyzing sales reporting to improve sales performance.
Why it pays well: The role directly affects sales revenue, and effective leadership in this area can single-handedly boost a company’s profits. As a result, skilled Sales Managers are in high demand.
Basic qualifications needed: Past experience as a sales associate or in another sales-related role is crucial. You should have a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
Loss Prevention Manager
Average Salary: $65,000-$80,000
What the role involves: Loss Prevention Managers are tasked with minimizing theft and fraud in retail stores. They implement security measures, monitor surveillance systems, conduct investigations, and train staff on loss prevention techniques.
Why it pays well: By reducing income loss caused by theft, having a loss prevention manager can be very profitable if they’re effective. These managers protect company assets which justifies a higher salary.
Basic qualifications needed: Experience in retail security or loss prevention is typically required, along with strong observational and analytical skills. Certification in loss prevention is an easy way to build strong qualifications.
E-Commerce Manager
Average Salary: $60,000-$100,000
What the role involves: E-Commerce Managers oversee online retail stores, implementing digital sales strategies to drive profit. The role involves web design work for editing and adding to the online storefront, managing online marketing campaigns, and analyzing sales metrics to improve performance.
Why it pays well: With the continuous growth of online shopping, the expertise in managing e-commerce operations is crucial for a retailer's success, and the role demands specialized skills in digital marketing and analytics.
Basic qualifications needed: Previous experience in e-commerce or digital marketing is essential. Knowledge of SEO, online advertising, and website management is usually required.
Warehouse Manager
Average Salary: $75,000-$80,000
What the role involves: Warehouse Managers coordinate all activities within a warehouse, including inventory management, shipping and receiving, and leading staff. They ensure efficient operations and compliance with safety regulations.
Why it pays well: This role plays a vital part in the supply chain, and effective management can lead to significant cost savings and improved productivity.
Basic qualifications needed: Experience in warehouse operations is key, typically accompanied by leadership experience. Skills in logistics, inventory management, and a strong understanding of safety protocols are important as well.
Get a Job That Suits Your Goals
Canada is at the center of a highly competitive job market right now, which is why standing out is more important than ever before.
Every job seeker knows that your way into a certain career path isn’t always skills-based, sometimes it’s who you know.
We’ve spent years building our network of leaders in the executive retail industry— and they’re always on the lookout for fresh talent.
When we work with candidates to help them find a job, we take advantage of this close network to help drive success in your job search. No networking required on your part!
Don’t settle for the first job that gives you an offer. With Campbell Morden, you get personalized expert support designed to land you in a job that matches your current goals, regardless of if you have a degree.
Let’s have a quick chat about how we can help!