Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Also called: Apparel Merchandiser, Decorator, Display Artist, Display Associate, Display Coordinator, Display Decorator
Median pay
$39,390
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$30,760 – $58,370
People employed
165,220
Holland code
ARE
Artistic · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers salary in every state →
What merchandise displayers and window trimmers do
- 01Dress mannequins for displays.
- 02Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
- 03Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
- 04Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
- 05Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
- 06Consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine appropriate placement of displays or products.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from merchandise displayers and window trimmers
- Retail Salespersons75% · −10%
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters75% · 0%
- Advertising Sales Agents75% · +65%
- Photographers73% · +13%
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance71% · +147%
Change into merchandise displayers and window trimmers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Photographers76% · $44,660
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists71% · $35,790
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters70% · $39,320
- Costume Attendants64% · $50,400
- Skincare Specialists63% · $45,330
Majors that lead here
- Fashion Modeling
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.