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Business Manager / Owner, Retail Manager, Sales Manager, Small Business Manager / Owner, Store Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Retail store managers oversee the operation of retail outlets. These can include department stores, supermarkets, car dealerships, and specialty boutiques. Their main job is to ensure their businesses make a profit.
In many workplaces, store managers are expected to lead and motivate their staff. Specific duties vary with the size and nature of the business. In general, store managers supervise the day-to-day operations of the store. They also:
Store managers also may:
Store managers work indoors in pleasant surroundings. They are on their feet most of the time. They often work long hours, evenings, and weekends. This is particularly true if they are self-employed. Managers of chain stores may need to change work sites often, especially during their early years with the company.
The nature of their role means store managers work most holidays. They must ensure projects meet deadlines, which can be stressful.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to direct and evaluate the operation of establishments and departments engaged in retail sales, authorize budget expenditures, determine staffing requirements, hire or oversee the hiring of staff and to manage staff and assign duties
Interest in locating, selecting and procuring merchandise for resale and in implementing pricing and credit policies
Interest in negotiating with members of working groups to develop and implement marketing strategies
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Retail store managers need:
They should enjoy taking charge. They should like having clear rules and guidelines for their work. They should be at ease negotiating with people.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 161 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 22, 2025 and Jun 20, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Resolve problems that arise, such as customer complaints and supply shortages | 140 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Manage staff and assign duties | 139 |
| Tasks: Develop and implement marketing strategies | 110 |
| Tasks: Plan and organize daily operations | 106 |
| Tasks: Implement price and credits policies | 98 |
| Tasks: Plan budgets and monitor revenues and expenses | 98 |
| Tasks: Determine merchandise and services to be sold | 96 |
| Tasks: Direct and control daily operations | 93 |
| Tasks: Determine staffing requirements | 92 |
| Tasks: Recruit, hire and supervise staff and/or volunteers | 88 |
In general, employers need managers to have several years of experience in the retail industry. Many employers seek applicants with related post-secondary education. Some large retail chains have in-house management trainee programs and only promote managers from within the company.
In-house training programs vary from employer to employer. Many national chains have programs that include classroom and in-store training. However, some retail companies have no formal training program.
Colleges, technical institutes, and universities throughout Alberta offer useful part- and full-time programs. Areas of study can include business administration, management, and entrepreneurship. Potential entrepreneurs are strongly advised to take small business training programs. Working in stores similar to ones they would like to own can help them in the long run. They may also conduct a detailed market study before investing in an existing business or starting a new one.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Retail store managers work in communities and retail organizations of all sizes. Competition for entry-level management positions can be strong.
Managers of retail chain stores may be promoted to:
Advancement opportunities are best for those with related post-secondary education.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Retail and wholesale trade managers
2016 NOC: 0621
78.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for retail store managers cover a very broad range. Factors include their experience and qualifications, and the nature of the business. When starting a new business or during economic downturns, self-employed managers may earn very little. However, there is no income ceiling for successful entrepreneurs. Salaries for store managers employed by others also range widely, though not as much.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $53.70 | $28.89 | $26.00 |
| Overall | $18.22 | $69.98 | $36.59 | $30.37 |
| Top | $20.00 | $98.08 | $46.97 | $40.05 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $76,479 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $0.00 |
| Utilities | $110,914 |
| Construction | $96,333 |
| Manufacturing | $105,392 |
| Wholesale Trade | $99,615 |
| Retail Trade | $71,315 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $67,398 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $93,982 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $82,913 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $101,084 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $86,274 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $53,444 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $76,326 |
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) website: www.retailcouncil.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
