Merchandiser

About this occupation

Merchandisers are responsible for positioning goods following standards and procedures.

• Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
• Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
• Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
• Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
• Consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine appropriate placement of displays or products.
• Maintain props, products, or mannequins, inspecting them for imperfections, doing touch-ups, cleaning up after customers, or applying preservative coatings as necessary.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Artistic, Realistic, Enterprising

Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, Social Perceptiveness

US median pay: US$39,390 a year (2025), 165,220 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.