Retail Salespersons Salary in Boston, MA-NH
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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In Boston, MA-NH, retail salespersons earn a median annual salary of $36,570, which is slightly higher than the national median of $34,580 for this occupation. This positions their earnings below the local area median household income of $112,484, indicating that typical workers in this role may contribute significantly to household finances but often require supplementary income sources for many households to meet or exceed the local median household income level. The estimated employment figure stands at 62,540 individuals, suggesting a substantial presence within the local job market, which is supported by a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.70% in the area.
For retail salespersons entering the workforce, salaries start around the 10th percentile mark at $33,340 annually, whereas those with more experience and potentially additional responsibilities can earn up to $50,280 per year at the 90th percentile. The progression from entry-level to experienced positions is driven by factors such as tenure, performance, acquired skills, and possibly advancement into supervisory roles or specialized sales areas within retail. As workers gain experience and demonstrate proficiency, their ability to negotiate higher wages improves, contributing significantly to the wage gap observed between new entrants and seasoned professionals in this field.
Salary percentile breakdown
Boston economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Boston?
The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Boston, MA-NH is $17.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.20 or more per hour.
Is Boston above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?
The median Retail Salespersons salary in Boston, MA-NH is 5.8% above the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Boston?
Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $33,340 per year in Boston, MA-NH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,930.