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LIVE · ONS ASHE 2025 SYNCED
00:00:00 UTC
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC TRADES N.E.C.▲ 65% /10yrBUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS N.E.C.▲ 60% /10yrFINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS▲ 55% /10yrASSEMBLERS (VEHICLES AND METAL GOODS)▼ 1% /10yrHIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING PROFESSIONALS▲ 5% /10yrSOFTWARE ENGINEER£55,000▲ 38% /5yrCYBER SECURITY ANALYST£62,000▲ 35% /5yr
SOC 3553Business and public service associate professionals

Merchandisers Salary

QUOTE · MERCHANDISERSUK · 2025
£26,554
▼ 32% vs UK median (£39,039)
2021–2025 median▲ 35%

Median salary £26,554 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £27,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For merchandisers, £32,155 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -18% versus the national average. Experienced merchandisers (top 25%) earn over £34,480.

WINDOW: PROFILE

About this role

Merchandisers plan and manage product ranges, stock levels and visual presentation in retail environments. They analyse sales data, forecast demand, allocate stock to stores and work with buyers to optimise the commercial performance of product categories.

Key responsibilities

  • Analysing sales data and forecasting demand
  • Planning stock allocation and replenishment
  • Monitoring product performance and margin
  • Coordinating with buyers on range planning
  • Managing markdowns and promotional pricing

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in merchandising, business, fashion buying or a related field. Many enter through graduate retail schemes. Experience in retail analytics and planning systems is essential.

Career outlook

Data-driven merchandising is in demand. AI-powered demand forecasting and omnichannel retail create opportunities for analytically skilled merchandisers.

Key skills

Data analysisCommercial awarenessForecastingExcel and planning systemsAttention to detail

Common industries

  • Fashion retail
  • Grocery retail
  • Department stores
  • E-commerce
  • Home and lifestyle retail

Data coverage

SOC code3553
Data sourceONS ASHE
Years available2021–2025
Estimated jobs19,000
WINDOW: DATA
Mean Salary
£26,671
Top 10% Earn
N/A
Jobs (000s)
19k
Data Years
5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: --Median: £27kP75: £34kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£26,554

3-7 years

Senior

£34,480

8-15 years

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +35.1%Real growth: +9.2%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees
£26,554
Full-time Only
£32,155

Full-time premium: +£5,601

WINDOW: FAQ

Merchandisers salary: common questions

How much do merchandisers earn in the UK?
Merchandisers earn a median of £32,155 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £26,767 and £34,480.
Is £32,155 a good salary in the UK?
For merchandisers, £32,155 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -18% versus the national average. Experienced merchandisers (top 25%) earn over £34,480.
What is the starting salary for merchandisers?
Entry-level merchandisers typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £26,767, though this varies by employer and region.
Have merchandisers salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2021, median merchandisers pay has risen from £24,026 to £32,155 — +34% in cash terms, or +8.0% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).

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