Telemarketers vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Telemarketerss out-earn Retail Salespersonss by $40 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Telemarketerss land at $35,450 and Retail Salespersonss 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 Telemarketerss is Kansas ($48,010); for Retail Salespersonss 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, Telemarketerss or Retail Salespersonss?
Telemarketerss earn more nationally. The median is $35,450 for Telemarketerss versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersonss, a difference of $40. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Telemarketers or Retail Salespersons?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Telemarketerss get paid the most?
Kansas is the top-paying state for Telemarketerss 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, Telemarketerss earn $47,670 vs. $37,950 for Retail Salespersonss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.