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Retail Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Retail Associate

Nashville, TN

$14.75 - $17/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Murfreesboro, TN

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Memphis, TN

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Sevierville, TN

$13 - $14.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Memphis, TN

$14.75 - $17/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Nashville, TN

$14.75 - $17/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Spring Hill, TN

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Madison, TN · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Jackson, TN

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Hermitage, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Kingsport, TN

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Cordova, TN

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Knoxville, TN

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Retail Associate

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

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Retail Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$14

$16

How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Tennessee is $14.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A retail associate typically does not earn $10,000 a month without additional responsibilities or experience. High earnings at this level usually require advanced roles, management positions, or specialized skills; most retail associates earn significantly less. Achieving such income often involves career advancement, sales commissions, or owning a business rather than entry-level retail work.

What is the difference between Retail Associate vs Cashier?

AspectRetail AssociateCashier
Primary RoleAssisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining store displaysProcessing transactions and handling payments at checkout
Required SkillsCustomer service, product knowledge, communicationCash handling, basic math, customer service
Work EnvironmentSales floor, retail storeCheckout counters, retail store
Common CertificationsNone typically requiredCash handling certification optional

While both roles are essential in retail, a Retail Associate has broader responsibilities including customer assistance and stock management, whereas a Cashier primarily focuses on transaction processing. Retail Associates often engage with customers throughout the store, while Cashiers work mainly at the checkout area. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their skills and interests.

Is Associate the lowest position?

In retail, the title 'Retail Associate' is often an entry-level position, but it is not always the lowest. Some companies have additional entry roles such as Cashier or Stock Clerk, and advancement opportunities may include roles like Supervisor or Manager. The specific hierarchy varies by employer and store structure.

What are Retail Associates?

Retail Associates are employees who work in retail stores to assist customers, manage merchandise, and ensure a positive shopping experience. Their responsibilities may include greeting customers, answering questions, stocking shelves, operating cash registers, and maintaining store cleanliness. Retail Associates play a key role in providing customer service and supporting the overall operations of the store. They often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate store needs. Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude are important for success in this role.

What is the role of a retail associate?

A retail associate is responsible for assisting customers, operating cash registers, stocking shelves, and maintaining the store's appearance. They provide customer service, process transactions, and ensure a positive shopping experience, often working in a fast-paced retail environment. Strong communication skills and basic knowledge of sales techniques are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and mobile payment technologies is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help you engage customers and handle challenging situations effectively. These skills ensure a smooth shopping experience, drive sales, and contribute to overall store success.

What are some common challenges Retail Associates face during busy seasons, and how can they effectively manage them?

During busy seasons, Retail Associates often face high customer volumes, increased restocking demands, and frequent multitasking. Managing these challenges involves maintaining a positive attitude, staying organized, and communicating clearly with both team members and customers. Effective Associates prioritize tasks, use downtime wisely to prepare for rush periods, and aren't afraid to ask for help when needed. Building strong teamwork and staying flexible are key to ensuring smooth operations during peak times.

What jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

Retail associates typically do not earn $5,000 a week; high earnings at this level usually require specialized skills, experience, or management roles. Jobs such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or certain sales positions in industries like technology or finance can reach or exceed this income without a degree, often relying on commissions, performance, or entrepreneurial efforts.
More about Retail Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Retail jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Retail jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Retail Associate jobs in Tennessee? For Retail Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Retail Associate jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Associate jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Retail Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Retail Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,778 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

$12.25 - $14/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The retail associate's responsibilities include assisting customers with questions, complaints, and returns, processing payments, and arranging merchandise on shelves and in displays. To be successful as a retail associate you should have an outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with customers. Ultimately, an exceptional retail associate should be able to provide customers with seamless, positive shopping experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Greeting customers and offering assistance.
  • Answering customer questions and concerns.
  • Providing customers with detailed product information and recommendations.
  • Advising customers about member benefits, promotions, and sales.
  • Totaling purchases and processing cash, check, and credit card payments.
  • Processing exchanges, returns, and refunds according to company policies.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized retail environment.
  • Assisting with stock management.
  • Arranging merchandise on shelves and displays.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

1-2 years of general warehousing experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Strength and mobility to work in a typical field, warehouse lot setting, including operating hand and power tools; stamina to perform sustained physical labor, including standing, walking, climbing and working in confined or awkward spaces; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over radio, or over a telephone. Work is subject to exposure to frequent travel, extreme weather conditions, noise, electrical shocks, hazardous chemicals, electrical currents, dust and noxious odors.