Random info from Charlotte nc schools. Starting pay 43,500 5 years later, 49, 100. Not much. I'll give an example that I am very familiar with. A popular restaurant chain starts mgrs out at 53k, no degree, plus a bonus structure. 2 days off per week, rotating weekends and holidays. My friend 's take home is about 4200 a month, 40 to 45 hrs a week, full benefits, no degree. And often times, the shifts are really only stressful for about 3 hours, the rest of the time, you kind of get to f around. Are there hard days? Sure, but no harder than teacher hard days. I imagine its similar in retail. Just like in teaching, the company/mgmnt can make or break the job. Just like in teaching, some love it, some hate it.