How much does a Store Manager make?
Becoming a Store Manager can lead to a rewarding career with a solid salary. The average yearly salary for Store Managers is around $41,829. This means many managers earn a decent income that helps support their families and personal goals.
Store Managers earn different amounts based on their experience and location. Early in their careers, managers might start around $26,000 per year. As they gain more experience, this number can rise. For those with a few years of experience, salaries can reach between $34,427 and $42,855 per year. The highest earners, with extensive experience, can make over $68,000 annually. This range shows that hard work and dedication can lead to higher earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Store Manager?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,973
Managing a store in San Francisco offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You'll work with high-end brands and cater to a diverse customer base. Overseeing operations at prominent tech companies can also be part of your role.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $54,114
In New Haven, running a store means you’ll engage with a community that values tradition and education. You can work with local businesses and colleges, offering a unique blend of retail experience.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $53,554
Seattle’s retail scene is vibrant and tech-driven. Managing a store here allows you to be part of the innovation hub, with opportunities to work with both local startups and major corporations.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $52,000
Boston offers a historic and bustling retail environment. You’ll have the chance to work with iconic brands and cater to a mix of tourists and locals, adding a unique charm to your daily tasks.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $51,713
In Santa Rosa, managing a store gives you a balance of suburban charm and rural peace. You’ll serve a loyal community and enjoy a slower pace while ensuring your store meets local needs.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $51,584
Washington, DC, provides a political and cosmopolitan retail landscape. You’ll interact with a diverse crowd, including government employees and tourists, making your role both challenging and rewarding.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $51,202
San Jose is part of Silicon Valley, offering a tech-focused retail experience. You’ll work in a cutting-edge environment with opportunities to serve a tech-savvy clientele and collaborate with innovative companies.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $50,626
Fort Collins offers a laid-back yet vibrant retail scene. You’ll work with a community that values outdoor activities and education, making for a unique store management experience.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $49,956
Fresno provides a warm and community-focused environment. Managing a store here means serving a diverse population with a strong emphasis on family and local businesses.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $49,573
San Diego’s retail scene is sunny and diverse. You’ll manage a store with a focus on tourism, outdoor activities, and a vibrant local culture, offering a dynamic work environment.
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What are the best companies a Store Manager can work for?

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Bray and Scarff
Average Salary: $100,000
Bray and Scarff is a prominent jewelry retailer. Store Managers here oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure smooth customer service. They work in locations across various states.
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Whole Foods Market
Average Salary: $89,760
Whole Foods Market values natural and organic products. Store Managers here lead teams, manage inventory, and promote a healthy shopping experience. Whole Foods operates in numerous locations across the U.S.
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WinCo Foods
Average Salary: $87,599
WinCo Foods offers a wide range of products at competitive prices. Store Managers oversee daily operations, ensure product quality, and maintain a positive shopping environment. Locations are available in multiple states.
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Primark
Average Salary: $86,145
Primark provides fashion and home goods at affordable prices. Store Managers here manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure a great shopping experience. Primark stores are located in various regions.
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The Save Mart Companies
Average Salary: $85,265
The Save Mart Companies operate grocery stores with a focus on quality and community. Store Managers ensure smooth operations, manage teams, and maintain store standards. They work in locations across California.
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Nike
Average Salary: $85,208
Nike is a leading athletic brand. Store Managers here manage sales, customer service, and inventory. They work in stores across major cities in the United States.
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Moon Valley Nursery Inc
Average Salary: $84,498
Moon Valley Nursery Inc. sells plants and gardening supplies. Store Managers oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure a pleasant shopping experience. Stores are located in multiple states.
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Kohl's
Average Salary: $80,592
Kohl's offers a variety of clothing, shoes, and home goods. Store Managers here manage teams, oversee operations, and ensure customer satisfaction. Kohl’s stores are available across many states.
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Giant Food
Average Salary: $80,124
Giant Food is a grocery chain known for fresh produce and quality products. Store Managers manage staff, handle inventory, and ensure excellent customer service. They work in stores located on the East Coast.
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Mollie Stone's Markets
Average Salary: $77,333
Mollie Stone's Markets focuses on high-quality natural and organic products. Store Managers here manage teams, ensure customer satisfaction, and oversee store operations. Locations are in California.
How to earn more as a Store Manager?
Becoming a Store Manager can lead to a rewarding career with the potential for higher earnings. Many factors can influence a Store Manager's salary, and understanding these can help you leverage opportunities for growth. Below are key factors to consider in enhancing your earnings potential.
First, gaining experience plays a crucial role. The more time a Store Manager spends managing a store, the better they understand the business and its operations. Experience often leads to promotions and higher-paying roles. Next, taking on additional responsibilities can increase your value to the company. Managers who handle budgets, special projects, or larger stores can see a salary increase. Certifications in retail management or leadership can also boost earning potential. These credentials show a commitment to the profession and can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry opens doors to new opportunities. Building relationships with other managers and retail leaders can result in job offers and salary raises. Lastly, performance matters greatly. A manager who consistently meets or exceeds sales targets and manages staff effectively can expect higher compensation.
Consider these factors when aiming to earn more as a Store Manager. Each step can bring you closer to your financial goals.
- Gain experience by managing a store for several years.
- Take on additional responsibilities, such as handling budgets or special projects.
- Earn certifications in retail management or leadership.
- Network with other professionals in the retail industry.
- Perform well by meeting or exceeding sales targets and managing staff effectively.



