Some costume jewelry pieces are replicas of necklaces, brooches and earrings worn by movie stars that create massive demand among women of all ages. Costume jewelry is much cheaper than fine jewelry, which enables women to purchase multiple pieces for various social events. If fashion jewelry fascinates you and you want to help women accessorize their outfits, a career as a costume jewelry salesman may be perfect for you. You can expect to earn a relatively low base salary compared to most occupations, however.
Salary and Qualifications
Costume jewelry salesmen earned average annual base salaries of $30,000 in 2013, according to the job site Simply Hired. To become a costume jewelry salesman, you need at least a high school degree and an interest in sales. You'll get retail sales training mostly on the job. If you work as a wholesale costume jewelry sales rep, you may need to train for up to a year. Other essential qualifications include a professional appearance, outgoing personality, stamina, persistence and communication, closing and customer service skills.
Salary by Region
In 2013, average base salaries for costume jewelry salesmen varied significantly in one U.S. region. In the South region, they earned the highest salaries of $47,000 in Washington, D.C., and the lowest of $23,000 in Mississippi, according to Simply Hired. Those in the Northeast made between $27,000 and $36,000 per year, in Maine and Massachusetts. If you worked in the West, you'd make the most in Alaska and California and the least in Montana -- $34,000 or $24,000, respectively. In the Midwest, you'd earn $23,000 in South Dakota and $32,000 in Minnesota, which were the lowest and highest salaries in that region.
Contributing Factors
You may earn a higher base salary in certain industries as a costume jewelry salesman. Retail sales persons earned slightly more in department stores than clothing stores as of May 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -- $22,440 versus $21,540. You may also earn more in department stores in this job. Your salary as a costume jewelry would also be higher in Boston or California because of higher living and housing costs. For example, if you made $30,000 in Columbus, Ohio, you'd need to make $45,614 in Boston to enjoy the same living standard, according to CNN Money's cost of living calculator. In Los Angeles, you'd need to earn $44,119 per year.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't forecast jobs for costume jewelry salesmen. It does project a 17-percent increase in jobs for retail sales workers and a 16-percent increase for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, statistically about average compared to other occupations. Population increases and an improving economy may increase job opportunities for costume jewelry salesmen. If you work for a wholesaler or manufacturer, you may find more jobs with companies that are expanding their product lines.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Retail Sales Workers: Job Outlook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives: Job Outlook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Retail Salespersons
- Simply Hired: Average Costume Jewelry Sales Salaries
- Simply Hired: Average Costume Jewelry Sales Salaries in ME, NY and MA
- Simply Hired: Average Costume Jewelry Sales Salaries in MT, AK and CA
- Simply Hired: Average Costume Jewelry Sales Salaries in MS and DC
- Simply Hired: Average Costume Jewelry Sales Salaries in SD, IL and MN
- CNN Money: Cost of living: How Far Will My Salary Go In Another City?