Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Retail Salespersons: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn $133,160 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 385.1% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Architectural and Engineering Managers$111,450 – N/A
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$111,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $111,450 | $25,600 | +$85,850 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,930 | $29,140 | +$105,790 |
| Median (50th) | $167,740 | $34,580 | +$133,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,210 | $37,850 | +$169,360 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $47,930 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $175,710 | $37,150 | +$138,560 |
Employment Numbers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
210,340
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Architectural and Engineering Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $226,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $208,580 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $189,270 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $185,550 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $183,640 |
Best Cities for Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Retail Salespersons?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $133,160 (385.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Architectural and Engineering Managers salaries range from $111,450 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $167,740.
What is the salary range for Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Architectural and Engineering Managers and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 210,340 Architectural and Engineering Managers positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons to Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Architectural and Engineering Managers has a median salary of $167,740 while Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS