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TRADE, INCLUDING WHOLESALE & RETAIL

AT A GLANCE

The trade industries of Seattle-King County involve the buying and selling of goods to businesses and consumers, from wholesale distribution to online retail and the local mall. In the past several years, there has been tremendous growth in online shopping, but Seattle-King County’s brick and mortar businesses have remained resilient in spite of these changes in shopping habits.

Trade Overview

OPPORTUNITY IN
WHOLESALE & RETAIL TRADE

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NOW

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12,623

businesses in Seattle-King County

222,043

jobs in Seattle-King County

$103,250

average annual earnings

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2028

Plus
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20%

increase in wholesale & retail job demand

47%

Market Research Analyst

plus
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plus

38%

Customer Service Representative

plus

35%

Warehouse Manager

plus

21%

Stock Clerk & Order Filler

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TRADE PROPERTIES

WORK AREAS

Grocery

Department

Specialty

Warehouse

Mail or internet-based

Corporate headquarters

Communication

Business
awareness

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Customer service

Math skills

Attention to
detail

POPULATION BASICS

TRADE WORKERS BY AGE

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2018

19-24 (12%)

25-34 (29%)

35-44 (22%)

45-54 (18%)

55-64 (13%)

65+ (5%)

14-18 (2%)

TRADE WORKERS BY EDUCATION

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Less than HS (10%)

HS or equivalent (25%)

Some college or Associate's (32%)

Bachelor's or Advanced (33%)

2017

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TRANSFER SKILLS BETWEEN

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Public Sector

Transportation

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

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Entry-level (may require certification
Less than Associate's degree and/or some experience
Associate's or Bachelor's degree and/or moderate experience
Advanced degree and/or significant experience
Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2018), Emsi

- Cashier

- Material Mover

- Packer & Packager

- Janitor & Cleaner

- Help Desk

$13 - $21

START

Information Technology

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

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Healthcare

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CAREER MAP

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This map includes some of the most in-demand wholesale and retail trade jobs in Seattle-King County. There are many occupations centered around the buying, selling, and storage of goods; wholesalers purchase bulk products from production facilities and warehouses, retail buyers purchase those goods, and salespeople promote them to consumers. There are many career pathways available in wholesale and retail trade, most leading to management roles.

Heavy & Tractor Trailer Truck Driver (CDL)

$18 - $28

Delivery Service Driver

$14 - $23

Dispatcher

$16 - $30

Warehouse Worker/ Associate

$13 - $19

Fork Lift Operator

$15 - $26

Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

$21 - $28

Warehouse Manager

$36 - $48

Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerk

$16 - $24

Accountant 

& Auditor

$34 - $47

Sales Representative

$18 - $47

Sales

Manager

$26 - $56

Regional

Sales

Manager

$51 - $70

Customer Service Representative

$14 - $23

Customer Service

Manager

$40 - $51

Secretary & Administrative Assistant

$16 - $25

Stock Clerk & Order Filler

$13 - $21

Merchandiser

$15 - $18

Market Research Analyst 

$23 - $52

Software Development Engineer

$40 - $74

Computer & Information Systems Manager

$50 - $88

Visual Merchandiser

$18 - $25

Assistant Buyer

$23 - $33

Buyer & Purchasing Agent

$29 - $44

Retail Salesperson

$12 - $21

First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers

$16 - $32

District Manager

$31 - $60

Store Manager

$21 - $40

Trade Map
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