Telemarketers vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Telemarketers out-earn Retail Salespersons by $40 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Telemarketers land at $35,450 and Retail Salespersons at $35,410. The education gap is real: telemarketer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Telemarketers is Kansas ($48,010); for Retail Salespersons it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Telemarketers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Telemarketers or Retail Salespersons?
Telemarketers earn more nationally. The median is $35,450 for Telemarketers versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersons, a difference of $40. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Telemarketers or Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons has the better 10-year outlook at -0.5% projected growth, compared to -22.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Telemarketers or Retail Salespersons?
Telemarketers 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 Telemarketers get paid the most?
Kansas is the top-paying state for Telemarketers at $48,010/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Telemarketers vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Colorado, Telemarketers earn $47,670 vs. $37,950 for Retail Salespersons. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.