What Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers this way: "Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Take photographs of displays or signage"; "Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers"; "Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor"; "Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion"; "Obtain plans from display designers or display managers and discuss their implementation with clients or supervisors".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 164,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 169,200 in 2035, an increase of 4,400 jobs (+2.7%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,390, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $44,174 in New Jersey to $48,212 in California, a gap of $4,038 (1.09 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $39,390 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,280, which is 39.3% of the 38,860 counted across them. New York follows with 11,890.
Highest-paying states
California ($48,212), New York ($44,454) and New Jersey ($44,174) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($44,174) and New York ($44,454) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $6,755. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $3,736 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 2 of the 3 markets and falls short in 1. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 62.6% and 88.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Graphic Designers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-1000) include Art Directors.
Frequently asked questions about Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
How much do Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,390. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $44,174 to $48,212.
Which state pays Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $48,212. New York is next at $44,454.
Is Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,200 openings a year.
What education do Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $6,755 on a median wage of $45,980.