Hardware is a growing industry that employs more than half a million people! If you love working with all the latest tools and gadgets for renovations and repairs, you can build a future with hardware.
Whether you’re selling paint as a Sales Associate, or advising on how to use a sander as a Rental Clerk, there are lots of retail roles to choose from. Just take a look through the job application guides below to find out more.
Hardware Stores
Top 5 Job Positions in the Hardware Industry
Cashier
Hardware Store Cashiers process and finalize the sale of goods to customers. They are responsible for using a point-of-sale cash register to collect payments, provide receipts, and refund money for items returned by customers.
Cashiers must be friendly and customer-oriented, and should be prepared to stand for long hours. Hardware Store Cashiers typically earn an hourly wage of about $10-11.
Store Associate
Hardware Store Associates share their merchandise knowledge and project expertise to assist customers with their construction, repair or renovation jobs. They greet customers, describe product features, organize displays, and keep an eye on in-store stock levels.
Sales Associates usually work in and are knowledgeable about a specific department, such as paint or lumber. Hardware Store Associates can earn anywhere from $11-15 per hour.
Rental Clerk
Hardware Store Rental Clerks work in a special department that rents tools and other equipment to customers for their repair and renovation projects. They explain rental fees and policies, and show customers how to correctly and safely operate rental equipment.
Rental Clerks are responsible for tracking rentals and calculating and processing customer payments. Hardware Store Rental Clerks generally earn about $12 per hour.
Load/Unload Associate
Hardware Store Load/Unload Associates spend a good part of their day moving heavy items. They re-stock store merchandise from the storage area, help load goods into customer vehicles, and unload new inventory shipments.
Load/Unload Associates may also assist with the assembly of store displays and should feel comfortable using ladders and forklifts. Hardware Store Load/Unload Associates earn an average hourly wage of about $8-10.
Store Manager
Hardware Store Managers are responsible for all of the daily store operations. They hire, train and evaluate department staff, track sales, analyze budgets, order inventory, and may even process payroll.
Store Managers are also fully responsible for ensuring that customer service and satisfaction are consistently provided. Hardware Store Managers can earn an annual average salary of about $40,000.
