Retail Salespersons vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $98,500 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 284.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Retail Salespersons earns $47,930 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$25,600$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Retail Salespersons | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $25,600 | $79,850 | $-54,250 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,140 | $103,050 | $-73,910 |
| Median (50th) | $34,580 | $133,080 | $-98,500 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,850 | $169,000 | $-131,150 |
| 90th Percentile | $47,930 | $211,450 | $-163,520 |
| Mean (Average) | $37,150 | $144,570 | $-107,420 |
Employment Numbers
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
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 Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Retail Salespersons or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $98,500 (284.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Retail Salespersons and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers to Retail Salespersons?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Retail Salespersons has a median salary of $34,580 while Software Developers earns $133,080. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS