FAQ
Retail Store Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a retail store manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a retail store manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about retail store managers
Do store managers need a degree?
Usually not; experience matters more.
What’s next after store manager?
District and regional management.
Are hours long?
Often, especially around holidays.
How much does a retail store manager make?
The median annual wage for retail store managers was $48,520 ($23.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,120 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,080.
How long does it take to become a retail store manager?
Most people need about 2–5 years of retail experience of training. A high school diploma plus retail experience is typical. Some managers have business or retail management degrees.
Do you need a degree to be a retail store manager?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
Is retail store manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.7% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 113,500 openings each year. Upsides include leadership without a degree; a common challenge is that long hours and weekends.
What skills does a retail store manager need?
Key technical skills include sales management, scheduling and payroll, inventory and shrink control, and merchandising. Employers also value leadership, coaching, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for retail store managers?
Common credentials include NRF Foundation retail certifications, Loss prevention training, Leadership training, and Business or retail management degree. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Retail Store Manager fit quiz, compare with Retail Sales Associate, or explore Retail Store Manager training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-1011 (First-line supervisors of retail sales workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for First-line supervisors of retail sales workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.