Transitioning from Retail Management to Tech Industry
In the rapidly evolving retail landscape, technology plays a pivotal role. The retail industry has been significantly impacted by digital technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to many brick-and-mortar stores either scaling back their opening hours or filing for bankruptcy. However, this shift has also created a surge in demand for tech-savvy professionals in the retail sector.
This article will explore some of the top retail tech jobs with high growth potential, primarily centered around emerging technologies transforming the retail landscape, such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and software engineering focused on retail solutions.
1. AI Engineer (Artificial Intelligence Engineer)
AI is revolutionising retail through smart chatbots, personalised recommendations, customer behaviour analysis, and supply chain optimisation. AI Engineers develop models that predict demand patterns and optimise store layouts and product placements. The expected salary for an AI Engineer typically ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
2. Software Engineer – Retail Technology
These engineers design and deploy applications and digital experiences that enhance retail operations, such as systems for inventory, payment, or customer engagement. The expected salary for a Software Engineer in retail technology is around $100,000 to $150,000+, with senior roles exceeding this range, especially in major companies like Apple.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) Developer / Specialist
AR is used for virtual try-ons and interactive shopping experiences, with the market expected to grow to $61.3 billion by 2031. Developers working on AR tools for retail help customers visualise products, significantly boosting engagement and sales. The expected salary for an AR Developer is around $90,000 to $140,000, depending on expertise and specific industry applications.
4. Product Manager – Retail Technology
The Product Manager oversees the product lifecycle for retail tech solutions, integrating multiple technologies like AI, AR, and embedded payments into seamless customer experiences. The expected salary for a Product Manager in retail technology is typically $110,000 to $160,000+, reflecting the role’s strategic importance.
5. Data Scientist / Data Analyst in Retail
Data Scientists analyse customer data, sales patterns, and supply chain information to help retailers make informed, data-driven decisions. The expected salary for a Data Scientist is usually between $100,000 and $140,000.
6. Cybersecurity Specialist – Retail Security Technology
Responsible for securing customer data and retail systems, which is critical as retail relies more heavily on digital and contactless payment technologies. The expected salary for a Cybersecurity Specialist is around $100,000 to $150,000.
These roles benefit from the ongoing integration of AI, AR, embedded payments, and personalised retail security technologies that are rapidly reshaping the retail industry in 2025 and beyond. The highest-paying retail tech jobs tend to be those combining deep technical expertise with strategic business impact, such as AI engineering, software development in retail environments, and product management.
The retail tech industry is a potential career path for retail workers, with global IT spending expected to reach $4.6 trillion in 2023, a 5.1% increase since last year. To explore a career in tech, one should reflect on their passion for technology, willingness to acquire necessary skills, interest in learning, problem-solving abilities, and readiness to work on remote teams.
[1] Glassdoor. (n.d.). AI Engineer salary. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm [2] Glassdoor. (n.d.). Software Engineer salary. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm [3] Glassdoor. (n.d.). Retail Product Manager salary. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/retail-product-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm [4] Glassdoor. (n.d.). AR Developer salary. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/ar-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
In the traversing discourse on retail tech jobs offering growth potential, it's revealed that those versed in emerging technologies like AI, AR, and software engineering are highly sought after. For instance, an AI Engineer may earn an annual salary ranging from $110,000 to $160,000, while AR Developers can earn around $90,000 to $140,000.
Those considering a career change towards technology-oriented roles within the retail industry could benefit from education-and-self-development courses in cybersecurity training, as the Cybersecurity Specialist can expect a salary of approximately $100,000 to $150,000. In order to venture into this field, one should carefully consider their passion for technology, willingness to acquire necessary skills, and readiness to work on remote teams.
This evolving landscape where career support is crucial for retail workers, demonstrates that lifestyle choices can be adapted to synergize with the exciting field of technology, contributing significantly to career development and personal growth.
