Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

SOC code 27-1026 · O*NET-SOC 27-1026.00 · Medium preparation needed

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$39,390

a year

Hourly

$18.94

per hour

10th$30,760Median$39,39090th$58,370

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$42,830

$20.59 per hour

Middle 50%

$35,130 – $47,220

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$30,760 – $58,370

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

165,220

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $30,760; $14.79/hr
25th percentile: $35,130; $16.89/hr
Median percentile: $39,390; $18.94/hr
75th percentile: $47,220; $22.70/hr
90th percentile: $58,370; $28.06/hr

What do merchandise displayers and window trimmers do?

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Dress mannequins for displays.
Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
Consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine appropriate placement of displays or products.
Maintain props, products, or mannequins, inspecting them for imperfections, doing touch-ups, cleaning up after customers, or applying preservative coatings as necessary.
Supervise or train staff members on daily tasks, such as visual merchandising.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
Some College Courses20%
Bachelor's Degree18%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%

Common questions

How much does a merchandise displayers and window trimmers earn?

The national median is $39,390 a year. The full range runs from $30,760 at the 10th percentile to $58,370 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a merchandise displayers and window trimmers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.5/5
Speaking3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Writing2.9/5
Active Learning2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Sales and Marketing3.8/5
English Language3.3/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Design2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Communications and Media2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Time Management.