SOC 3553 Business and public service associate professionals

Merchandisers Salary

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.

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 analysis Commercial awareness Forecasting Excel and planning systems Attention to detail

Common industries

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

Data coverage

SOC code 3553

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2021–2025

Estimated jobs 19,000

Median Salary

£26,554

Mean Salary

£26,671

Jobs (000s)

19k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £26,554P75: £34,480

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)

Adjust for inflation

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

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?

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).