CareerCast Releases New Report on Best Jobs in Retailing

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Jun 18, 2013, 06:00 ET

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Advertising managers, purchasing managers and logisticians are among the best jobs in retailing, according to a new report from CareerCast.com.

The retail sector has added 500,000 jobs in the past five years, nearly half of which have come in the past year, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a result, retailers are seeking employees with a vast array of disciplines and experience.

"New Census Bureau estimates show that both business spending and consumer confidence are at five-year highs," says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast.com. "More shoppers mean more revenue for retailers, which in turn means the need for more retail employees."

Sales employees fill more than 1.2 million jobs in the retail sector – a considerable number, but only 8% of the total workforce. That means other retail careers account for 92% of an industry that the BLS estimates employs more than 15 million Americans. From finance and human resources to marketing and merchandising -- people with a wide variety of skills and interests can find employment in retail.

Technology's impact on retail has been profound. The industry needs IT specialists and online advertising managers who tailor retailers' messages to web users, pushing content that appeals directly to the consumers' browsing and shopping history. Beyond IT, job seekers have an almost limitless variety of specialty retail fields in which to work, from fashion to electronics to sporting goods. They can pursue careers with such multinational corporations as Target, Wal-Mart and Macy's, or find opportunities with single outlet and niche retailers.

CareerCast's Jobs Rated list of the 10 best jobs in retailing:

ADVERTISING, PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER
Annual Median Wage: $88,590

CASHIER
Annual Median Wage: $18,970

COST ESTIMATOR
Annual Median Wage: $58,860

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Annual Median Wage: $30,580

LOGISTICIAN
Annual Median Wage: $72,780

ONLINE ADVERTISING AGENT
Annual Median Wage: $45,350

PURCHASING MANAGER
Annual Median Wage: $100,170

RETAIL SALES WORKER
Annual Median Wage: $36,820

SALES ENGINEER
Annual Median Wage: $91,830

WHOLESALE AND MANUFACTURING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Annual Median Wage: $54,230

To read CareerCast.com's full report, Best Jobs in Retailing, visit http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/best-jobs-retail