Some jobs offer higher salaries in every industry, and the consumer non-durable industry is no different. There are certain best paying jobs in consumer non-durables.
When considering what career path to take, it’s good to keep an eye on the industry and your passions and interests.
Sometimes, this means taking the road less traveled rather than these highways of conventional wisdom.
What exactly is the consumer non-durable industry?
The consumer non-durable industry includes retail stores like Walmart and Target, restaurants, gas stations, and more. It is different from the consumer durable industry.
With various employment options, from cashiers to store managers to fast food workers, the easy high paying jobs in this industry are available in many ways.
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What is Your Dream Job?

A dream job can be defined in many ways, depending on who you ask.
However, one commonality that all dream jobs share is that they pay well and provide the employee with an engaging and satisfying experience each day at work.
The following list of the 21 best paying jobs in consumer non-durable will help you find your dream job by providing an overview of the highest-paying jobs in the consumer non-durable industry.
Table of contents
- What is Consumer Non-Durables?
- How Much Does Consumer Non-Durables Jobs Pay?
- What Are The Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Non-Durable?
- 1. Food Technologist
- 2. Sales representative
- 3. Restaurant General Manager
- 4. Digital designer
- 5. Machine Operators
- 6. Market Research Analyst
- 7. Information Security Analyst
- 8. Quality Assurance Analyst
- 9. Human Resources Manager
- 10. Food and Beverage Manager
- 11. Marketing Managers
- 12. Brand manager
- 14. Beauty Consultant
- 15. Network Engineer
- 16. Esthetician
- 17. Grocery Associate
- 20. Benefits Coordinator
- 21. Hair Stylist
- Is Consumer Non-Durables A Good Career Path?
- How to Find Consumer Non-durable Jobs near you
- Conclusion
What is Consumer Non-Durables?
Consumer non-durables are typically long-lasting, low-cost items, market-ready commodities produced that customers purchase for their use.
They refer to products consumed or used up within a short period.
The consumer’s purchase decision is often more impulsive and the higher quality than the consumer’s durable.
For example, customers who walk into a gas station to buy a lottery ticket may also pick up an extra pack of gum since it will be needed soon and is low-cost.
Literally, these purchases make up one of the fastest-growing industries, with 11% yearly growth.
The consumer non-durable industry is a promising career option for job seekers, as it is projected to grow by $18757.92 billion in global wholesale in 2021.
Consumer non-durable goods include food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and clothing, which directly oppose durable market-ready commodities produced, such as furniture and appliances.
Consumers can use these products as they come into contact with them, such as in a grocery store or fast food restaurant.
The difference between consumer durables and consumer non-durables is the duration over which a product’s usefulness to consumers continues.
The good news is that not all of the top jobs in this category require specialized degrees or extensive education beyond high school.
Many different jobs exist within the Consumer Non-durable industry, but we have compiled some of the most rewarding careers below.
Let’s take a look at these 21 best paying jobs in consumer non-durable and see if any of them ring true with your passions.
You might be surprised by how much potential there is waiting out there!
How Much Does Consumer Non-Durables Jobs Pay?
The average consumer non-durables salary starts at $49,438 per year, with a projection of growth to $55,504.00 by the end of 2022.
Top industries to find consumer non-durable jobs include
- retail trade (7%)
- food and beverage stores (4%), and
- department stores (2%).
According to Zippa, although there’s a wide variety of careers available in consumer non-durables, on average, consumer non-durables jobs pay $41,500 per year.
A food technologist, for example, with a lot of experience and skill working for a successful company, can make as much as $101,000 a year. In contrast, an entry-level grocery associate might only make about $29,000.
The bottom line is that you will make a handsome living in one of these companies if you get a good position within one of them.
These companies do pretty well financially and are more than willing to share some of their success with you.
What Are The Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Non-Durable?
Wondering how many jobs are available in consumer non-durable? There’s a lot. The following list of the 21 best paying jobs in consumer non-durables will help you find your dream job by providing an overview of the highest-paying jobs in the consumer non-durable industry.
1. Food Technologist
My number one pick on the best paying jobs in consumer non-durables is Food Technologist.
An average food technologist earns approximately $42,000 annually and has an excellent earning potential to reach six figures.

The demand for qualified food technologists is also projected to rise by seven percent through 2020. It is one of the easy high paying jobs.
A food technologist should either have biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, or nutrition skills.
The food technologist position entails being an expert on new product development and knowing the regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This job is not one that anyone can jump into if they do not have a passion for understanding how processed foods are made while keeping up with what each product can do, both good and harmful to the human body.
2. Sales representative
Another best paying jobs in consumer non-durables is Sales representative.
A sales representative is responsible for delivering information about the company’s products and services to potential customers.
They conduct market research, develop sales strategies, negotiate deals, and maintain product availability to ensure they are the first stop on a customer’s buying journey.
Sales representatives are accountable for all tasks from start to finish – from scheduling meetings with buyers and managers to writing proposals.
With so many facets of this job, you need a solid foundation in all areas of business development.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, economics, business administration, or a related field is required for entry-level positions.
Holding an MBA could also be advantageous for higher-paying positions with more responsibility and increased demand.
A starting salary for a sales representative can range from $40,000-$60,000 depending on location and industry.
However, those who move up the ladder into management positions could earn six figures annually.
3. Restaurant General Manager
A restaurateur takes charge of an establishment open to the public, in other words, a restaurant.
Restaurant general managers are responsible for many things, including
- managing their staff,
- overseeing food quality and safety,
- keeping track of the store’s expenses and income,
- marketing promotions to entice customers to come and eat there,
- setting prices on different menu items, and
- any event offerings they have available.
This job description is mainly focused on the general manager.
The General Manager oversees all aspects of running the restaurant, ensuring it runs smoothly with customer satisfaction and profitability.
If you like customer service, business management, and high-pressure situations, and you’re looking for work, then this might be just what you’re looking for.
You should know that these positions typically require about 3 years of experience or more before considering this position. You can expect to make $80,000 – $100,000 annually.
These jobs will likely take up most, if not all, of your time, so don’t expect much vacation time!
4. Digital designer
A digital designer’s role is to conceptualize client ideas and develop them into tangible results.
Digital designers work on projects requiring a visual design element, including banners, posters, flyers, ads, signs, social media graphics, and web interfaces.
A bachelor’s degree in graphic design is typically the minimum educational requirement for this position.
The digital design of packaged consumer non-durables is one of the crucial elements of success.
The competition is so deep that even the slightest error in design can result in the loss of millions of dollars.
As a result, digital designers have the best-paying jobs in consumer non-durables, earning an average of $8,000 a month which makes it also one of the easy high paying jobs you can try.
5. Machine Operators
A machine operator is one of the best paying jobs within the consumer non-durable industry.
This job requires you to use various machines and tools to ensure that work progresses efficiently and without flaws.
The individual will also be required to oversee production and make necessary adjustments.
Machine operators are responsible for setting up the machines, monitoring the production process, and ensuring that the products meet quality standards.
Concisely, machine operators run the machines that produce consumer non-durables.
A machine operator will earn a median salary of $54,000 per year, and the top 10% of earners in this field can make upwards of $90,000 annually. It is not as easy as other high paying jobs.
In addition to base pay, some companies may offer additional incentives for meeting specific targets and completing certain levels of work during any given month.
This includes commissions on specific sales as well as performance bonuses.
6. Market Research Analyst
While the market research analyst position is just one of many related to advertising, it is essential nonetheless.
Market research analysts are responsible for studying what consumers buy, how they buy, and why they make those purchases.
Brands can use this information to refine or improve their offerings so that more people will want to buy them.
They also gather data on competitors to see where they could make improvements.
The average annual salary for a market research analyst ranges from $52,000-$81,000. It is also one of the easy high paying jobs needed in the consumer non-durable industry.
7. Information Security Analyst
The Information Security Analyst is the professional tasked with securing computer networks.
Information security analysts work to identify vulnerabilities, monitor access points, and data transmissions, evaluate new technologies, provide security education, and serve as an I.T advisor to senior management.
The profession is both promising – because it’s a growing field – and competitive due to the limited jobs available.
The information security analyst has been said to be a well-paid career in IT today.
At $82K on average (annually), this is the best paying job for anyone looking for a high salary without having much experience or qualifications required for their desired job.
8. Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst ensures that goods are safe and meet specifications. They use test plans, data, and metrics to confirm safety criteria.
Most quality assurance analysts spend their days reviewing records of tests or testing goods themselves.
Quality assurance analysts verify that a product or service meets the company’s standards and that it meets company standards at every stage of its life cycle.
They can check for flaws, review the company’s processes, and test for quality.
Quality assurance analysts also conduct assessments of raw materials and products throughout the entire process to make sure that each stage complies with quality control guidelines.
According to Glassdoor, most Quality Assurance Analysts earn between $71k and $93k per year.
Also read: 21 Best Work Organizer Apps That Will Make Your Life Easier in 2022
9. Human Resources Manager
A human resources manager’s job is to ensure that their organization has the right talent and workforce to meet the demands of their business. They identify, recruit, hire, train, and manage people.
Human resources managers develop a company’s policies and provide compliance with government laws regulating employment practices such as affirmative action, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and occupational safety.
They also ensure that workplace issues are handled professionally and confidentially.
The average salary for this position ranges from $77,000 to $117,000 per year, leaving human resource managers among the top five earners in the industry.
HR managers need to have excellent interpersonal skills since, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be 5.6 million workers in the consumer non-durable sector as of April 2022.
10. Food and Beverage Manager
Industry growth is projected to continue at an average annual rate of four percent, significantly outpacing other industries.
There are several opportunities for professionals with experience and training within the food and beverage industry.
Although competition is high, but salaries are attractive which makes it one of the best among non-durable merchandise
Entry level salaries range from $36,000 – $47,000 depending on experience. Typical starting positions include food and beverage manager, waiter/waitress, dishwasher, or counter server.
Higher levels may be reached as sous chef, chef de cuisine, head chef, or executive chef. Employers typically offer health insurance, paid time off, and sick days.
11. Marketing Managers
Having a job where you are making a difference and enjoying the work is essential.
Marketing managers play an important role in marketing:
- They ensure that a company’s messages reach its target audience.
- They must be creative and always on the lookout for new ways to market their products or services.
- They also need to understand which method is the most cost-effective for their goals.
However, this type of position often comes with high expectations because marketing managers must quickly and effectively show positive results if they want to keep their job.
This means that it can be a stressful, fast-paced, but rewarding job too. The median salary for marketing managers is $135,000 per year.
Marketing managers are in charge of creating marketing campaigns, planning events, and managing social media accounts.
A marketing manager must also possess creative skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. It is one the best paying jobs in consumer non durable industries.
12. Brand manager
Another best paying job in consumer non-durables is the brand manager because proper knowledge can be crucial to success in a constantly changing retail market.
A brand manager is responsible for developing consumer products and coordinating those brands with retailer requests.
A successful candidate for this position must be knowledgeable about various areas, including marketing, branding, consumer research, product development, and general management.
What separates these professionals from other roles is that they spend much time ensuring that every aspect of their product line is practical and appropriately marketed across all channels.
The consumer non-durable sector is highly competitive, so brand managers are essential to every company.
To succeed, a brand manager must possess extensive industry knowledge and effectively communicate with all stakeholders, including vendors, sales representatives, and customers.
- They need excellent organizational skills and strong analytical capabilities.
- A history of managing resources while maintaining profitability.
- The ability to identify growth opportunities within a specific market or product line.
- They also need at least five years of experience with a relevant industry before being considered for such positions.
Depending on the organization, a brand manager may start as an assistant or associate.
Salaries typically range between $40k-$85k/year, depending on education level and previous experience.
14. Beauty Consultant
You can land a position as a beauty consultant at any major department store, a cosmetics retailer, or beauty supply store.
In this role, you would be responsible for interacting with customers and making sales by helping them find products that are right for their skin type.
Your salary could range from $15-$40 per hour, depending on the location and the job’s responsibility level.
A degree is not required to work as a beauty consultant, and your employer provides training.
In addition to knowing about makeup, skincare, hair care, and other related beauty product topics, beauty consultants need excellent communication skills for interacting with clients who may want different types of information about beauty products.
15. Network Engineer
Networking engineers provide the technical expertise that enables all other end users of a computer network to communicate and share resources.
They work with local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, WiFi hotspots, Voice over IP systems, and more.
They design and implement network solutions, maintain network security, construct virtual private networks (VPNs), monitor performance, manage disaster recovery procedures, and teach new employees how to handle security breaches or viral outbreaks.
With an average salary of $97,000 per year, it’s no wonder they rank among the best paying jobs in consumer non-durable.
16. Esthetician
Another best paying jobs in consumer non-durable is Esthetician. The esthetician is the leading provider of beauty services to their customers.
Esthetician must have at least introductory chemistry, physiology, and sanitation knowledge.
The most common skills are applying makeup, manicures, pedicures, shampooing hair, cutting hair, and waxing eyebrows.
While this is primarily seen as a job for women, plenty of male estheticians work as nail technicians.
The median salary for an esthetician was $22,000 per year, with 10% earning less than $15,000 per year.
Estheticians is one of the non-durable merchandise and can earn more by offering additional treatments like facials or massages at an average hourly rate of $30-$40.
17. Grocery Associate
Grocery store workers and cashiers often deal with an erratic, hectic schedule that is never consistent. Though this can be hard on family life, it is a very reliable profession.
By earning just $25,000 annually, many people are surprised to learn that this career option ranks among the best paying jobs in consumer non-durable.
A grocery associate could work the regular hours of 8 am to 6 pm or choose one of the many shift options, including nights, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Though hours may not be as consistent as in other careers, this job pays well.
In addition to being ranked among the top paying jobs in consumer non-durable, it also offers full medical coverage for employees and their families, paid vacations and holidays;
And a 401K plan matching contributions up to 3% of salary, all while providing convenience for consumers.
18. Chemical Technicians
Chemistry technicians are typically enrolled in programs related to science and chemistry. This can be a fantastic opportunity for those who love science but want a different path in life.
The duties of a chemical technician include mixing and testing chemicals, as well as maintaining the lab’s equipment, and keeping detailed records.
Further, it’s a great career for those who want to work in a lab but don’t want the demands of a scientist.
The chemical technician position calls for great hard work and working extra hours. So if you are willing to put in the work the higher your paycheck.
19. Pharmaceuticals Production
While there are other differences between humans and animals, medicine and other medical supplies are essential for both.
Since we need medications regardless of our own health, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals is one of the highest-paying jobs in the non-durable consumer goods industry.
In the pharmaceutical production industry, qualified and experienced experts are needed in a variety of positions, including researchers, analysts, and production workers.
The likes of laboratory technicians, and so on, guarantee that the final products are created and delivered to customers.
20. Benefits Coordinator
A person with this title is the team leader of an organization that provides various services to its members.
For example, a health benefits coordinator might handle day-to-day administrative tasks such as billing, processing claims, and responding to member requests while providing additional customer service and educational services to the membership.
They may also provide medical advice on life insurance plans when needed.
An experienced benefits coordinator can anticipate trends in their members’ healthcare needs, helping them identify gaps and necessary enhancements in healthcare coverage.
Benefits coordinators often work for large corporations or government agencies that offer employee health insurance as part of their employment package.
Benefits coordinator earns an average salary of $62,895 per year, and their annual compensation ranges from $45,000-$75,000.
Regarding career prospects, The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities will grow by about 20% by 2024.
The education requirement for a benefits coordinator position is just a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers require a postsecondary degree.
21. Hair Stylist
This occupation requires at least some postsecondary education, typically from a technical or vocational school.
In addition to job training, it is necessary to know about hair design and styling, as well as chemical treatments for the scalp and hair.
Once you’ve gone through your program coursework, you will learn how to do hair styling with any client’s needs and requirements.
A stylist needs a working knowledge of natural hairstyles and the latest fashion trends.
Typically the hours are during evenings and weekends, or you can work during the day by making arrangements with clients, so they come to your location instead of going to their salon.
Hair stylists earn an average salary of $37,000 yearly.
If you want to become an independent stylist, start by building your reputation by doing promotional events such as fairs and parties.
It would help if you also advertised yourself online through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Is Consumer Non-Durables A Good Career Path?
Becoming a CEO of a big corporation might be one of the best-paying jobs you can think of, but chances are you need a lot more experience than your average 18-year-old even to get a foot in the door.
There are many best-paying jobs for people just starting and looking to break into this field.
The consumer non-durables industry is likely to grow in terms of job opportunities.
Non-durable consumer goods can be difficult to penetrate because the products that they produce are ones that we are going to continue to want for quite some time.
How to Find Consumer Non-durable Jobs near you
The best way to find the top paying jobs in the consumer non-durable industry is by visiting Monster’s site, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, and Indeed.
In addition to providing a list of possible employers, these sites also offer insightful information on job listings and salaries to help narrow down your choices.
It may also be beneficial to contact some of the companies listed above to see if they have any vacancies.
For those searching for their first position or who would like guidance from someone with experience working within the field.
We recommend checking out Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Act funds online for more information about apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs.
Conclusion
Choosing a job based on pay is a significant first step, but not enough. Think about the job’s responsibilities and hours to ensure it will be the right fit for you.
For example, an investment banker position might look like it offers better pay than an accountant.
However, as many accounting jobs offer benefits packages that appeal to millennials (like telecommuting options and 401k contributions), the accounting job may be a better option because it will help promote work-life balance and save you from investing your money elsewhere.
I guess you got the idea.
I hope you found the list helpful. Let us know if you have any questions or want to share your experience. I wish you the best of luck with your career.