Retail Salespersons vs Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary
1,072,540 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education professionals earn $30,000 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 86.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Retail Salespersons earns $47,930 compared to $104,670 for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Retail Salespersons | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25,600 | $47,330 | $-21,730 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,140 | $57,800 | $-28,660 |
| Median (50th) | $34,580 | $64,580 | $-30,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,850 | $83,010 | $-45,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $47,930 | $104,670 | $-56,740 |
| Mean (Average) | $37,150 | $73,700 | $-36,550 |
Employment Numbers
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
1,072,540
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $103,640 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $103,640 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $99,840 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $99,740 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Retail Salespersons or Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
What is the salary range for Retail Salespersons?
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
How many Retail Salespersons and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education to Retail Salespersons?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS