What is a merchandiser and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A merchandiser is responsible for managing the products sold by a company. Their main task is to ensure that products are displayed in a way that maximizes sales. This involves analyzing market trends, forecasting demand, negotiating with suppliers, and designing product displays. Merchandisers work closely with other departments to develop effective strategies for promoting their products. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and a keen eye for design are essential qualities for success in this field.

ScoreMerchandiserUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $31,051

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.1

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.01%

Asian 6.42%

Black or African American 9.81%

Hispanic or Latino 19.71%

Unknown 5.62%

White 57.43%

Gender

female 42.01%

male 57.99%

Age - 35
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35
Stress Level
7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.4

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Merchandiser?

Pros

  • Opportunity to be creative with product displays

  • Ability to work independently

  • Potential for travel and visiting different stores/locations

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Opportunities for growth and advancement

Cons

  • Physical demands of setting up displays and moving heavy products

  • High-pressure deadlines and fast-paced work environment

  • Inconsistent or unpredictable work schedules

  • Low job security due to the nature of project-based work

  • Limited benefits and job perks compared to other industries

  • Limited opportunities for creativity depending on company guidelines

Merchandiser career paths

Key steps to become a merchandiser

  1. Explore merchandiser education requirements

    Most common merchandiser degrees

    Bachelor's

    32.9 %

    High School Diploma

    32.4 %

    Associate

    21.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific merchandiser skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service19.88%
    PET7.92%
    Pallets5.18%
    Back Room5.03%
    POS4.53%
  3. Complete relevant merchandiser training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New merchandisers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a merchandiser based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real merchandiser resumes.
  4. Research merchandiser duties and responsibilities

    • Consult customers on Scotts products and educate them concerning the advantage and benefits over competitive products.
    • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
    • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
    • Google Adwords, SEO, etc.
  5. Prepare your merchandiser resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your merchandiser resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a merchandiser resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Merchandiser Resume templates

    Build a professional Merchandiser resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Merchandiser resume.
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    Merchandiser Resume
  6. Apply for merchandiser jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a merchandiser job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Merchandiser Job

Zippi

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Average merchandiser salary

The average Merchandiser salary in the United States is $31,051 per year or $15 per hour. Merchandiser salaries range between $24,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average Merchandiser Salary
$31,051 Yearly
$14.93 hourly

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How do merchandisers rate their job?

4.4/5

Based On 5 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Merchandiser reviews

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

Product if the stock is not available the buyer not happy they will not return, I go in do the job then I move on.

Cons

Can't say anything I buy the product that sells or does not a sale makes me profit. Always liked inventory.


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5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Flexible schedule

Cons

Finding enough opportunities in my local area to sustain 32 hours.


profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2022
Pros

Working by myself and traveling

Cons

Pay is usually not that good Most of the management of these companies is a complete joke


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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