Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management equips students with the strategic insight and practical expertise needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern retail and consumer markets. This program emphasizes the science and art of aligning products, services, and marketing initiatives with the evolving needs and behaviors of individual and household consumers.
- Applied Market Research: Learn to gather, analyze, and interpret consumer data to inform business decisions and drive targeted marketing strategies.
- Consumer Behavior Analysis: Explore psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence purchasing decisions across diverse demographic segments.
- Product Sourcing and Distribution: Develop skills in identifying and securing high-quality goods while optimizing supply chain logistics for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Profitability Management: Master financial modeling and margin analysis to ensure sustainable business performance in competitive retail environments.
- Customer Feedback and Evaluation: Implement systematic approaches to collect and assess consumer input, using insights to refine offerings and enhance satisfaction.
- Promotion and Retail Campaign Development: Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns that build brand awareness and drive in-store and digital engagement.
- Domestic and International Market Applications: Apply core principles to real-world contexts across regional, national, and global consumer markets with distinct cultural and economic dynamics.
Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management degrees, including Marketing Managers, Sales Managers and Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,973,250 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers 11-2021 | $161,030 | $81,900 - $239,200 | 384,980 | $77.42 |
| Sales Managers 11-2022 | $138,060 | $66,910 - $239,200 | 603,710 | $66.38 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 13-1161 | $76,950 | $42,070 - $144,610 | 861,140 | $37.00 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 41-1011 | $47,320 | $31,120 - $76,560 | 1,113,160 | $22.75 |
Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,416 in West Virginia to $127,393 in Massachusetts—a 84% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,973,250 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management is found at Syracuse University (28 graduates), Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) (27 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (25 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (24 graduates), and Oklahoma State University (OSU), Main Campus (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 126 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) |
Other Award
|
27 | Alexandria, Minnesota | Public | alextech.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Master's
|
12 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Master's
|
6 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management programs
How much can I earn with a Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management degree?
Salaries for Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management graduates vary by role and location. Marketing Managers earn a median of $161,030 annually, while Sales Managers earn around $138,060. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $127,393 compared to $69,416 in West Virginia. Approximately 2,973,250 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Syracuse University (28 graduates), Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) (27 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (25 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 110 in 2010 to a peak of 185 in 2020, before declining slightly to 126 in 2023-24. This represents a 15% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Consumer Merchandising and Retail Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Marketing Managers, Sales Managers, and Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 2,973,250 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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