Network and Computer Systems Administrators vs Retail Salespersons: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn $62,220 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 179.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $150,320 compared to $47,930 for Retail Salespersons.
Salary Range Comparison
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$150,320
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,320 | $25,600 | +$34,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,860 | $29,140 | +$46,720 |
| Median (50th) | $96,800 | $34,580 | +$62,220 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,390 | $37,850 | +$85,540 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,320 | $47,930 | +$102,390 |
| Mean (Average) | $101,190 | $37,150 | +$64,040 |
Employment Numbers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
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: Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Retail Salespersons?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $62,220 (179.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons to Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Network and Computer Systems Administrators has a median salary of $96,800 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