How Much Do Category Specialist Make?
How much do category specialist make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for category specialist in the retail & sales category. Learn about category specialist pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $55,000 to $75,000.
How Much Do Category Specialist Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do category specialist make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Category Specialist in the Retail & Sales field can expect to earn an average salary of $85,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $55,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $75,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of category specialist by time periods, category specialist typically make around $7,083.333 per month and approximately $1,634.615 per week. The basic salary of category specialist varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level category specialist typically start with a base salary of $55,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $75,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $75,000.
The salary landscape for category specialist is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do category specialist make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,634.615 per week. How much do category specialist make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $50,000 to $120,000, with the median salary sitting at $85,000. Additionally, many category specialist receive bonuses averaging $10,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Category Specialist Get Paid Per Annum? Category Specialist Salary
Annual salary data for category specialist across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Category Specialist Get Paid in a Month? Category Specialist Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for category specialist at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Category Specialist Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for category specialist across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Category Specialist Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for category specialist over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Category Specialist Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for Category Specialists are typically based on performance metrics, sales growth, and achieving specific targets or objectives set by management.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
A Category Specialist role may offer commission or incentive opportunities, often based on sales performance, achieving targets, or successful product launches within their category.
Overtime
Overtime pay for Category Specialists varies by company; it's not universally common, often depending on workload demands and organizational policies regarding compensation.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a Category Specialist include health insurance, retirement plans like 401(k), paid time off (PTO), flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, performance bonuses, and employee discounts.
Category Specialist Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the category specialist role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Category Specialist analyzes market trends, manages product assortments, and optimizes pricing strategies within a specific category. They collaborate with suppliers, enhance customer experiences, and drive sales growth through data-driven insights. This role requires strong analytical skills, industry knowledge, and effective communication to align products with consumer demands.
Primary Responsibilities
Product selection and assortment planning, supplier relationship management, market analysis and research, pricing strategy development, inventory management, promotional planning and execution, sales forecasting, performance analysis and reporting, cross-functional collaboration, category growth strategy development.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A Category Specialist conducts market research, analyzes sales data, collaborates with suppliers, develops product assortments, manages inventory levels, and implements marketing strategies to optimize category performance and drive revenue growth.
Work Environment
Hybrid
Category Specialists typically work in office environments, collaborating with teams, analyzing data, managing product categories, and engaging with suppliers.
Physical Demands
Moderate
Category Specialists typically work in office settings, requiring prolonged sitting, computer use, and occasional travel for supplier meetings or market research. Strong analytical skills are essential.
Category Specialist Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a category specialist, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Marketing, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Retail Management, Economics, Data Analytics, Consumer Behavior, Merchandising.
Experience
3 years
Employers seek candidates with strong analytical skills, category management experience, market research expertise, vendor negotiation abilities, and a track record of driving sales growth and optimizing product assortments.
Certifications
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Category Management Association Certification, Retail Merchandising Certification, Certified Demand Driven Planner, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP).
Required Skills
Analytical skills, negotiation skills, market research expertise, project management, strong communication skills, attention to detail, strategic thinking, relationship building.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Category Specialist Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for category specialist from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Marketing Coordinator, Product Analyst, Merchandising Assistant
Early-career Category Specialists analyze market trends, manage product assortments, collaborate with suppliers, optimize pricing strategies, and support marketing initiatives to enhance category performance.
Mid-Career
Category Analyst, Buyer, Merchandising Specialist
Mid-career Category Specialists analyze market trends, manage product assortments, optimize pricing strategies, collaborate with suppliers, and drive sales growth to enhance category performance.
Senior Management
Category Manager, Senior Category Analyst, Head of Category Development
Senior Category Specialists manage product categories, analyze market trends, optimize inventory, develop strategies for growth, collaborate with suppliers, and drive profitability through effective merchandising.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
A Category Specialist typically progresses from entry-level roles to senior positions, gaining expertise in product management and market analysis, eventually advancing to leadership or strategic roles. Continuous learning and networking enhance growth opportunities.
Category Specialist Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for category specialist, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased focus on data analytics for decision-making, growing importance of e-commerce and digital marketing strategies, heightened emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
Growth Factors
Increased market complexity, data-driven decision-making, specialization needs, competitive advantage, consumer insights demand, and enhanced product management drive the rising demand for Category Specialists.
Future Opportunities
Sustainable products, AI-driven analytics, personalized health tech, remote work solutions, e-commerce automation, and virtual reality experiences are emerging niches for Category Specialists.
Category Specialist Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for category specialist, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Category Specialist Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for category specialist, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Category Specialist Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a category specialist, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a Category Specialist?
A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is typically required, along with strong analytical skills.
What is the average salary of a Category Specialist?
The average salary ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
What skills are essential for a successful Category Specialist?
Key skills include data analysis, market research, negotiation, and communication.
Is prior experience necessary for becoming a Category Specialist?
While not always required, relevant experience in retail or product management can be beneficial.
What career advancement opportunities exist for Category Specialists?
With experience, you can advance to senior roles such as Category Manager or Director of Merchandising.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.