Retail & Sales Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Retail Manager Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median retail manager salary in Cleveland, OH is $43,344 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$43,344
vs State Avg
$-2,016
vs National
$-7,056
Cost of Living
86%

Retail Manager Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median retail manager salary of $43,344, which is $2,016 below the Ohio state average of $45,360. Compared to the national median of $50,400, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $43,344 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for retail managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for retail managers in Cleveland spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $53,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Retail Manager Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level retail manager earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $32,680
Median (50th) $43,344
75th Percentile $60,200
90th Percentile $79,120

Retail Manager Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$47,880
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$45,360
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$42,336
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$41,328
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Retail Manager in Cleveland

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Retail Manager Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open retail manager positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Retail Manager make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median retail manager salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $43,344 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,344, a retail manager in Cleveland earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for retail manager pay? ▼
Cleveland's median retail manager salary of $43,344 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $45,360. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a retail manager salary of $43,344 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a retail manager in Cleveland? ▼
Most retail manager positions in Cleveland require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.