The consumer non-durables industry is a massive global sector encompassing products that are used up or discarded within a short period. This includes food and beverages, apparel, personal care products, household goods, and cosmetics. Because these products are essential to daily life, the industry is resilient and constantly evolving, creating numerous job opportunities. If you’re considering a career in this field—or currently work in it and want to understand salary expectations—this comprehensive guide will break down What Do Consumer Non-Durables Jobs Pay, the factors influencing those salaries, and how you can advance your career.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned employee, understanding the pay scales in this sector can help you make informed career decisions. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Consumer Non-Durables Industry
Before we explore salaries, it’s essential to grasp the scope of the industry. Consumer non-durables refer to goods with a lifespan of three years or less. Unlike durables (e.g., appliances, furniture), these products are consumed quickly, driving consistent demand.
Key Sectors Within Consumer Non-Durables
- Food & Beverage – Groceries, snacks, drinks, and meals.
- Apparel & Fashion – Clothing, footwear, and accessories.
- Personal Care & Cosmetics – Skincare, haircare, makeup, and toiletries.
- Household Products – Cleaning supplies, paper products, and home goods.
- Retail & E-commerce – The distribution and sale of non-durables through stores and online platforms.
The global consumer non-durables market is worth over $10 trillion, with the United States alone accounting for nearly $3 trillion in annual sales. This massive market supports millions of jobs across manufacturing, sales, marketing, logistics, and more.
Top Job Sectors & Salary Ranges in Consumer Non-Durables
Salaries in the consumer non-durables industry vary widely based on role, industry sector, experience, geography, and company size. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common job categories, typical positions, and salary expectations (in U.S. dollars). All figures are approximate and based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, Glassdoor, and industry reports.
Food & Beverage Industry
The food and beverage (F&B) sector is the largest sub-sector of consumer non-durables, employing over 15 million people in the U.S. alone. Jobs range from production line workers to high-paying R&D scientists.
Common Roles & Salaries
| Job Title | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior/Management | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production Worker | $28,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $45,000 | — | Packaging, quality checks, assembly lines. |
| Food Scientist | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | Develop new products, conduct taste tests, ensure safety. |
| Quality Assurance (QA) Manager | $60,000 – $75,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 | $95,000 – $130,000 | Oversee compliance, inspect products, manage QA teams. |
| Sales Executive | $50,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $120,000 + commission | Sell products to retailers, negotiate contracts, build client relationships. |
| Supply Chain Coordinator | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | Manage logistics, inventory, and supplier relationships. |
| Product Manager | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | $120,000 – $150,000 | Define product strategy, market research, pricing. |
| Marketing Specialist | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $130,000 | Develop campaigns, social media, brand positioning. |
Industry Insight:
- Entry-level roles (e.g., production workers) are often unionized, offering benefits like health insurance and pensions.
- High-paying roles are typically in R&D (food scientists) and senior management.
- Bonuses & commissions are common for sales and marketing roles, potentially adding 10–20% to base salary.
Apparel & Fashion Industry
The apparel sector includes clothing, footwear, and accessories. This fast-paced industry offers jobs in design, manufacturing, retail, and digital commerce.
Common Roles & Salaries
| Job Title | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior/Management | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Assistant | $45,000 – $60,000 | $60,000 – $80,000 | — | Support designers, create sketches, trend research. |
| Merchandiser | $50,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $120,000 | Manage product lines, coordinate with manufacturers. |
| Production Manager | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $130,000 | Oversee factory operations, ensure deadlines. |
| Retail Store Manager | $50,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | Manage store staff, sales, inventory, and customer experience. |
| Fashion Marketing Coordinator | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $130,000 | Execute marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships. |
| Sustainability Specialist | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | $100,000 – $140,000 | Develop eco-friendly materials, ensure compliance. |
Industry Insight:
- Fast-fashion brands (e.g., H&M, Zara) tend to have lower salaries for entry-level roles but offer rapid promotions.
- Luxury and high-end brands (e.g., Gucci, Louis Vuitton) pay significantly more, especially for design and marketing roles.
- Remote work is increasingly common for corporate roles like merchandising and marketing.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
This sector includes skincare, haircare, makeup, and hygiene products. It’s a highly competitive, innovation-driven industry with strong demand for skilled professionals.
Common Roles & Salaries
| Job Title | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior/Management | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Chemist | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 | Formulate products, test stability, ensure safety. |
| Brand Manager | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $120,000 | $120,000 – $180,000 | Oversee brand strategy, pricing, and marketing. |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $50,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | Manage clinical trials for new products. |
| Sales Representative | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $95,000 | $95,000 – $130,000 + commission | Pitch products to retailers, pharmacies, salons. |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 | Ensure products meet FDA and other regulations. |
Industry Insight:
- Research & development roles (e.g., cosmetic chemists) are among the highest-paying due to specialized knowledge.
- Entry-level salaries can vary dramatically between small startups and large corporations like Estée Edit or L’Oréal.
- Commission-based sales roles can yield significant earning potential.
Household Products (Cleaning & Home Goods)
This sector includes cleaning supplies, paper products (toilet paper, napkins), and other home essentials. It’s a stable industry with consistent demand.
Common Roles & Salaries
| Job Title | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior/Management | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Development Engineer | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 | Design and test new household products. |
| Customer Service Manager | $50,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | Oversee customer support teams, improve satisfaction. |
| Operations Manager | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | $100,000 – $140,000 | Manage daily operations, logistics, and staff. |
| Account Executive | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $160,000 + commission | Manage key accounts, negotiate contracts. |
| Logistics Coordinator | $55,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | Plan shipping, warehouse management, freight. |
Industry Insight:
- Operations and logistics roles are critical in this sector, as efficient distribution is key to meeting consumer demand.
- Product development roles pay well due to the technical skills required.
- Union jobs are common in manufacturing plants, offering stability and benefits.
Retail & E-commerce
Retail and e-commerce are the final touchpoints for consumer non-durables. With the rise of online shopping, this sector is booming, creating diverse job opportunities.
Common Roles & Salaries
| Job Title | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior/Management | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Sales Associate | $30,000 – $40,000 | — | — | Assist customers, process transactions. |
| E-commerce Specialist | $55,000 – $75,000 | $75,000 – $100,000 | $100,000 – $140,000 | Manage online sales, SEO, and digital ads. |
| Buyer/Purchaser | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $160,000 | Select products, negotiate with suppliers. |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 | Analyze data to optimize inventory and logistics. |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $70,000 – $95,000 | $95,000 – $130,000 | $130,000 – $180,000 | Develop and execute online marketing strategies. |
| Store/Region Manager | $70,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | $120,000 – $180,000 | Manage multiple store locations, staff, and P&L. |
Industry Insight:
- E-commerce roles are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying due to the digital transformation of retail.
- Buyers and supply chain analysts enjoy strong salaries because they directly impact profitability.
- Entry-level retail jobs often serve as a foothold for career advancement into corporate roles.
Factors Influencing Salaries in the Consumer Non-Durables Industry
While the tables above provide a general salary range, several variables can cause salaries to deviate significantly.
Geography
- High-Cost Cities: Salaries are higher in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to compensate for living expenses. For example, a Product Manager in NYC may earn $150,000+, versus $100,000 in a mid-sized city.
- Regional Variations: Jobs in the Midwest or Southeast often have lower salaries but also lower living costs.
Company Size & Reputation
- Large Corporations (e.g., Procter & Gamble, Unilever, PepsiCo) pay more due to deeper resources and offer robust benefits (healthcare, retirement plans, bonuses).
- Startups & Small Brands may offer lower base salaries but provide equity, flexible hours, or rapid career growth.
Experience & Education
- Entry-Level: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, science, or a related field.
- Mid-Level: 3–5 years of experience can boost salaries by 20–40%.
- Senior/Management: Advanced degrees (MBA, MS) and 7+ years of experience can command six-figure salaries.
Industry Demand & Growth
- High-demand sectors (e.g., clean beauty, plant-based foods) offer premium salaries due to competition for talent.
- Emerging fields like sustainability, data analytics, and e-commerce are creating new, well-compensated roles.
Unionization & Labor Laws
- In manufacturing, many roles are unionized, guaranteeing minimum wages, overtime pay, and benefits.
- Companies in countries with strong labor laws (e.g., Germany, Canada) must adhere to higher wage standards.
Career Advancement & Promotion Paths
The consumer non-durables industry offers clear, structured career ladders. Here’s how to climb the ladder:
From Entry-Level to Mid-Level
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Excel in your current role—whether on the production floor or in a retail store.
- Develop Specialized Skills:
- Technical Skills: Certifications in food safety (ServSafe), quality management (Six Sigma), or product formulation.
- Soft Skills: Communication, negotiation, and project management.
- Pursue Further Education: An MBA or industry-specific certification can open doors to supervisory roles.
From Mid-Level to Senior Management
- Lead Projects: Volunteer for cross-functional projects to demonstrate leadership.
- Build a Professional Network: Attend industry conferences (e.g., Consumer Goods Forum) and join professional groups.
- Seek Mentorship: Learn from senior leaders and ask for feedback.
Common Promotion Paths
- Production Worker → Shift Supervisor → Plant Manager
- Sales Associate → Sales Executive → Regional Sales Manager
- Marketing Coordinator → Brand Manager → Vice President of Marketing
How to Land a Job in Consumer Non-Durables
Build Relevant Skills
- For Manufacturing Roles: Learn about GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), safety protocols, and basic equipment operation.
- For Corporate Roles: Develop expertise in Excel, data analysis, and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).
- For Digital Roles: Master SEO, Google Analytics, and social media marketing.
Gain Certifications
- Food Safety: ServSafe, HACCP
- Quality Management: Six Sigma, ISO 9001
- Marketing: Google Analytics, HubSpot
- Sustainability: LEED, Certified Sustainable Business
Leverage Internships
Many large consumer goods companies offer internships that convert to full-time roles. Search for programs at companies like Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, or Target.
Network Strategically
- Join LinkedIn groups like Consumer Goods Professionals or CPG Careers.
- Follow brands on social media and engage with their content.
Future Outlook: Salary Trends & Job Growth
The consumer non-durables industry is evolving rapidly. Here’s what to expect:
Growth in Emerging Areas
- Sustainability & Green Products: Companies are investing heavily in eco-friendly packaging and ingredients, creating demand for Sustainability Managers and Environmental Scientists (salaries: 90,000–90,000–150,000).
- Health & Wellness: Natural, organic, and functional foods are booming, driving demand for Nutritionists and Product Developers.
Automation & AI
- Automation will reduce some entry-level manufacturing jobs but increase demand for Automation Engineers (100,000–100,000–160,000).
- AI & Data Analytics will create high-paying roles for Data Scientists and AI Specialists.
E-commerce Expansion
- Online sales will continue to grow, boosting demand for E-commerce Managers, Digital Marketing Specialists, and Supply Chain Analysts.
Salary Growth Projections
- According to the BLS, jobs in food production management are projected to grow 6% by 2032, with salaries rising due to inflation and skill shortages.
- Marketing and sales roles in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) are expected to see above-average wage growth as brands compete for digital dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the average salary in the consumer non-durables industry?
A: The average salary across all roles is roughly 70,000–70,000–85,000 annually in the U.S., but this varies widely by sector and position.
Q2: Which consumer non-durables job pays the most?
A: Cosmetic Chemists, Senior Brand Managers, and Supply Chain Directors at large corporations often earn 130,000–130,000–180,000 or more, especially in high-cost cities.
Q3: Are there entry-level jobs available without a degree?
A: Yes—many manufacturing, retail, and warehouse roles only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, a degree can help you advance to higher-paying roles.
Q4: How can I negotiate a higher salary?
A:
- Research the market rate for your role and location.
- Highlight your unique skills and achievements.
- Be prepared to discuss your value to the company.
- Consider negotiating for bonuses, remote work, or additional benefits if the base salary is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
Jobs in the consumer non-durables industry offer a wide range of salaries, from entry-level positions paying $28,000 to senior executive roles exceeding $200,000. The industry’s diversity means you can find a career path that matches your skills—whether you’re interested in science, design, marketing, logistics, or retail.
As the sector continues to evolve with trends like sustainability, digital commerce, and health-focused products, now is an excellent time to enter or advance in this dynamic field. By gaining relevant experience, pursuing certifications, and staying attuned to industry trends, you can secure a well-paying, fulfilling career in consumer non-durables.
Ready to start your journey? Review the salary tables above, identify roles that align with your goals, and begin building the skills that will set you apart in this thriving industry.
