Retail Salespersons Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $43,040 +24.5% vs national
Median hourly $20.69
10th percentile $38,730
90th percentile $58,720
Employed locally 17,420
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
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San Jose, CA
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    In San Jose, CA, retail salespersons earn a median annual salary of $43,040, or approximately $20.69 per hour, which is notably higher than the national median of $34,580 for this occupation. This reflects the elevated cost of living in San Jose compared to other parts of the country. When considering local economic conditions, the area's median household income stands at $157,444, indicating that retail salespersons earn roughly 27% of a typical household's income. Despite their relatively modest earnings within the broader context of local incomes, retail salespersons in San Jose benefit from higher compensation compared to many other regions in the United States.

    The salary structure for retail salespersons in San Jose reveals significant variation based on experience levels. At the entry-level 10th percentile, these workers earn approximately $38,730 annually, while those at the mid-career 25th percentile see earnings of about $40,290. In contrast, more experienced individuals within the 75th percentile can expect to make around $45,780 per year, with top earners in the 90th percentile reaching up to $58,720. This disparity is driven by several factors, including tenure, performance, store location within San Jose, and additional responsibilities that often come with longer employment durations. These elements combined highlight a progression from entry-level positions to more advanced roles requiring greater skill and commitment.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,730
    25th
    $40,290
    50th (median)
    $43,040
    75th
    $45,780
    90th
    $58,720

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 27% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 73% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in San Jose, CA is $20.69, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.03 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in San Jose, CA is 24.5% 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 San Jose?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $38,730 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,290.