Career comparison
Retail Store Manager vs. Salon Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Salon managers earn more at the median ($48,590 vs. $48,520), while retail store managers usually get to work faster (2–5 years of retail experience of training). Retail store managers lead retail teams and run stores that hit their sales goals. Salon managers run salons and spas: staff, schedules, sales and client experience.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Retail Store Manager | Salon Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $48,520 ($23.33/hr) | $48,590 ($23.36/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,120 – $77,080 | $34,010 – $75,330 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.7% (a projected decline) | +6.3% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 113,500 | 12,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 2–5 years of retail experience | 2–5 years of salon experience |
| Key credential | NRF Foundation retail certifications | Cosmetology or esthetics license |
| Work setting | Managers work on the sales floor and in back offices, standing and walking much of the day.. | Managers work in salons and spas, moving between the front desk, stations and office.. |
What each job does
Retail Store Manager
- Hire, train and schedule staff
- Set and track sales goals
- Coach associates on service and selling
- Manage inventory, ordering and shrink
- Maintain visual and merchandising standards
Salon Manager
- Hire, train and schedule staff
- Manage client experience and complaints
- Track sales and retail goals
- Order products and manage inventory
- Run promotions and marketing
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, teamwork, indoor work, and high responsibility. They sit in different fields, sales & retail and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as leadership and leadership.
Which should you choose?
Choose retail store manager if…
- I like leading teams
- I enjoy hitting goals
- I’m comfortable with numbers
Choose salon manager if…
- I love the beauty industry
- I like leading teams
- I’m comfortable with sales goals
Still torn? Take the Retail Store Manager fit quiz and the Salon Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, retail store manager or salon manager?
Salon Managers earn more at the median: $48,590 versus $48,520 for retail store managers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Retail Store Managers typically train faster (2–5 years of retail experience) than salon managers (2–5 years of salon experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects salon managers to grow +6.3% from 2025–35, compared with -3.7% for retail store managers.