Show me the money...

What are typical merchandise coordinator salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

I find that many companies want you to have a four years degree.. I have a two year and lots of experience .. doesn't that mean anything today, I have just enrolled in online courses to enhance my resume further. Does anyone else find this happening to them?

I live in Doylestown, Pa. not Reston, Va.

Yes your right about the degree. It so happens that more and more companies are hiring outside contractors to help ease the salary situation a bit and only spend the minimum for their expertise. It does not matter on experience any more there just hiring who ever and give them the least amount per hour today. There attitude is pretty sick but they want more than they can get out of one person. I should know I am going hrough this right now. I have over 10 years and AA degree too. Just think about it. There are courses that gives a college student a grade to be one for about 3-6 months (intern) and they higher someone who does not know everything about merchandising just to fill a position temporarily.

Salaries range from $20,000-$50,000. An AA is great - but a 4-year degree makes it much easier to land that coordinating position and move on within your given industry.

Vendors tend to pay the most and often look for education and experience. These jobs are often posted as Coordinators or Field Reps.

Retailers hire coordinators, who usually work for a buying office, and merchandisers, who usually work for a specific store. In this case, coordinators make more money and have more responsibility.

There are also companies that specialize in merchandising. They'll hire someone at an average salary and give them a specific vendor (who is paying them for field representation) and territory.

What you want to do is get your foot in the door and start building your resume. Sticking with a specific field is also an easy way to build a reputation. Good luck.

For the visual end of the business, I agree on the 20,000 on the low end and 50,000 on the high end. It really depends on experience and I would suggest a specialized program such as an Associates of Art in Merchandise Marketing and Management from schools like FIT in New York or FIDM in California... a degree from places that carry a lot of weight in the retail industry beats any 4 year degree from your average 4 year school.

I work in the fashion industry in the buying department as a merchandise coordinator in San Francisco. My salary stink, I have a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising and many years of retail experience. I don't even make 30k.
The company I work for know they can find a hard working girl that is willing to work for less in this much sought after position. Everyone wants to be in the buying department or in the fashion industry.
In my opinion a merchandise coordinator working in the buying department should not be making below 35k.

Girl M in SAN FRANCISCO, California said: I work in the fashion industry in the buying department as a merchandise coordinator in San Francisco. My salary stink, I have a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising and many years of retail experience. I don't even make 30k.
The company I work for know they can find a hard working girl that is willing to work for less in this much sought after position. Everyone wants to be in the buying department or in the fashion industry.
In my opinion a merchandise coordinator working in the buying department should not be making below 35k.

let me guess San Fran.-- Levi? TH, Polo, Nautica would never start a "newbie" at 30. These companies want seasoned hirers though- its important. 40 minimum . 50 to start with 5-6 years experience, no doubt. Especially in high cost living cities( and especially San fran)
it's funny, everyone likes these jobs, but reality is , you can't make a living or pay your bills. oh well...
my 2 cents- oh.. and your opinion is RIGHT ON.

unemployeed in Atlanta, Georgia said: let me guess San Fran.-- Levi? TH, Polo, Nautica would never start a "newbie" at 30. These companies want seasoned hirers though- its important. 40 minimum . 50 to start with 5-6 years experience, no doubt. Especially in high cost living cities( and especially San fran)
it's funny, everyone likes these jobs, but reality is , you can't make a living or pay your bills. oh well...
my 2 cents- oh.. and your opinion is RIGHT ON.

I agree. Pay is awful at Levi.