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SOC 7125 Sales occupations

Visual merchandisers and related occupations Salary

Median salary £25,488 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £25,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For visual merchandisers and related occupations, £25,845 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -34% versus the national average.

About this role

Merchandisers and window dressers plan and create visual displays in retail environments to maximise product appeal and sales. They arrange products, install displays, manage store layouts and implement brand visual merchandising standards.

Key responsibilities

  • Planning and implementing visual merchandising displays
  • Arranging products and creating window displays
  • Following brand guidelines and planograms
  • Ensuring stock presentation meets company standards
  • Installing promotional and seasonal displays

Qualifications and entry routes

No specific qualifications required, though visual merchandising qualifications (Level 2/3 Diploma) are valued. A portfolio demonstrating creative ability is important for senior roles. Fashion or design education is common.

Career outlook

Retail visual merchandising remains important for brand differentiation. Digital display integration and experiential retail are creating new creative opportunities.

Key skills

Visual creativity Space planning Colour and design sense Attention to detail Physical stamina

Common industries

  • Fashion retail
  • Department stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Visual merchandising agencies
  • Exhibition design

Data coverage

SOC code 7125
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2021–2025

Median Salary

£25,488

Mean Salary

£23,750

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: --Median: £25kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£25,488

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +9.8%Real growth: +5.8%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 2.2%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£25,488

Full-time Only

£25,845

Full-time premium: +£357

Visual merchandisers and related occupations salary: common questions

How much do visual merchandisers and related occupations earn in the UK?
Visual merchandisers and related occupations earn a median of £25,845 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £25,845 a good salary in the UK?
For visual merchandisers and related occupations, £25,845 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -34% versus the national average.
Have visual merchandisers and related occupations salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2023, median visual merchandisers and related occupations pay has risen from £21,851 to £25,845 — +18% in cash terms, or +10% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.
Is there a gender pay gap for visual merchandisers and related occupations?
Male visual merchandisers and related occupations earn a median £25,996 and female visual merchandisers and related occupations £25,434 — a gap of +2.0% in 2025.

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