Retail Salespersons Salary in Reading, PA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Reading, PA

Median annual salary $32,300 -6.6% vs national
Median hourly $15.53
10th percentile $22,950
90th percentile $46,360
Employed locally 4,170
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
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Reading, PA
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    In Reading, PA, retail salespersons earn a median annual salary of $32,300, which is slightly below the national median for this occupation at $34,580. When compared to local economic conditions, the earnings of these workers represent approximately 41.6% of the area's median household income, which stands at $77,684. This indicates that retail salespersons in Reading earn less than half of what an average household in the area takes home annually. With a local unemployment rate of 3.70%, this occupation forms a significant part of the employment landscape, accommodating approximately 4,170 individuals.

    Entry-level retail salespersons typically fall within the lower percentiles of income distribution, often earning around $22,950, which corresponds to the 10th percentile. As workers gain experience and possibly advance through roles or receive performance-based raises, their earnings can increase significantly. Those in the 75th percentile earn about $36,750 annually, while top earners at the 90th percentile make approximately $46,360 per year. The differences in salaries are driven by a combination of factors including years of experience, skill level, geographic location within Reading, and performance-related incentives or bonuses. As retail salespersons progress in their careers, they often develop specialized skills or take on supervisory roles that justify higher pay, reflecting the value added to their employers over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,950
    25th
    $27,810
    50th (median)
    $32,300
    75th
    $36,750
    90th
    $46,360

    Reading economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $77,684 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 42% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 58% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Reading?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Reading, PA is $15.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.23 or more per hour.

    Is Reading above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Reading, PA is 6.6% below 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 Reading?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $22,950 per year in Reading, PA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,810.