Advertising Sales Agents vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Advertising Sales Agents out-earn Retail Salespersons by $29K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Advertising Sales Agents land at $64,820 and Retail Salespersons at $35,410. The education gap is real: advertising sales agent programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Advertising Sales Agents is Washington ($101,320); for Retail Salespersons it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Advertising Sales Agents median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Advertising Sales Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Advertising Sales Agents earn more nationally. The median is $64,820 for Advertising Sales Agents versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersons, a difference of $29K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Advertising Sales Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons has the better 10-year outlook at -0.5% projected growth, compared to -6.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Advertising Sales Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Advertising Sales Agents typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Advertising Sales Agents get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Advertising Sales Agents at $101,320/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Advertising Sales Agents vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Advertising Sales Agents earn $101,320 vs. $39,560 for Retail Salespersons. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.