16 of the highest-paid retail jobs in the US

Lowe's Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $12.22

Glassdoor reports show that Lowe's associates also make around $12. The hardware store has been around since 1946.

Nordstrom Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $12.44

Originally founded as a "small Seattle shoe shop," Nordstrom is a leading department store today. Glassdoor reported that sales associates make an average of $12.44 per hour.

Coach Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $12.47

The American luxury brand was founded in 146; Glassdoor findings show sales associates make almost $12.50 an hour.

Jared Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $12.58

As of 2018, Jared employs associates in 274 stores across 41 states. According to Glassdoor, these sales associates earn average hourly wages of over $12.50 an hour.

Saks Fifth Avenue Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $12.74

Another high-end department store, Saks Fifth Avenue originated in Manhattan in the early 1900s. Today, Glassdoor found that sales associates earn almost $12.75.

REI Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $13

A popular outdoor equipment store, REI — which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc. — pays its sales associates $13 on average (according to Glassdoor).

Bloomingdale's Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $13.33

Like Saks, Bloomingdale's is another high-end department store founded in New York City. Glassdoor lists its sales associates as one of the highest earners, averaging over $13 an hour.

The Penny Hoarder reported that sales associates earn around $12.25.

Dillard's Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $13.41

Glassdoor reported the department store's associates earn $13.41 on average. According to the company's website, the brand has 291 stores in the US.

Trader Joe's Crew Member Average Hourly Pay: $13.41

Glassdoor's reported salaries show that Trader Joe's crew members earn averages of $15 on average. Additionally, The Penny Hoarder reported that "Trader Joe's pays the folks who create their hand-drawn signs almost $14 an hour."

The Container Store Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $13.91

Glassdoor reported that The Container Store's sales associates earn average hourly wages of almost $14 an hour. The company originated in Dallas, Texas in 1978.

Amazon Worker Average Hourly Pay: $15

Investopedia reported, "No company has disrupted the retail industry as much as Amazon.com Inc., which surpassed $100 billion in sales for the first time in 2015. In addition to paying its workers $15 an hour (a wage increase that was implemented by CEO Jeff Bezos in November 2018), Amazon offers a full range of health and retirement benefits, along with equity in the company through a restricted stock units program."

Safeway Grocery Clerk Average Hourly Pay: $16.34

The Penny Hoarder reported high Safeway salaries, with grocery clerks earning $16.34 per hour. Safeway was founded in 1915 in American Falls, Idaho. Today, the supermarket chain has storefronts in 35 states.

Target Warehouse Worker Average Hourly Pay: $19.40

The Penny Hoarder reported that warehouse workers at Target earn averages of $19.40 an hour. Last year, Target opened a store in its 50th state and raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour in March.

Shane Co. Sales Associate Average Hourly Pay: $20.88

Glassdoor reported that Shane Co. — a jewelry chain still owned and operated by the founding Shane family — pays its sales associates almost $21 an hour on average.

Costco Employee Average Hourly Pay: $23

Finally, averages on Investopedia show that Costco Wholesale pays its employees average hourly rates of $23. Costco raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour in March, joining Target and other high-paying retailers.