Our 2025 eCommerce Salary Survey gives us a closer look into the professionals who keep online retail ticking - assistants, executives, managers, merchandisers, trading specialists and marketplace experts. This segment is a cornerstone of any eCommerce team, so understanding their sentiment is essential for businesses looking to attract and retain the best talent.
Here’s what they told us about salaries, workloads and the future skills shaping eCommerce management.
Salaries: increases and satisfaction
This year, 53% of eCommerce management professionals saw their salary increase, compared with 61% in 2024. While this is still a positive result, it’s a notable dip and may reflect the wider pressures businesses are facing with tighter budgets and market uncertainty.
When asked about salary happiness, the group gave an average score of 6.2/10, an improvement from 5.6 last year. However, satisfaction with pay progression remains low at 4.7/10 (5/10 in 2024).
The takeaway? While pay rises are happening, progression opportunities aren’t always clear. Hiring managers should note that transparency around salary bands, promotion criteria and career development pathways will go a long way in boosting retention.
Workload & happiness
Workload remains high, with eCommerce management respondents giving an average rating of 7.6/10 - very similar to 7.7 in 2024. Despite this, the group’s preferred way of working is clear: 81% believe they work best in a hybrid role, barely changing from 82% last year.
This mirrors the wider industry trend we explored in our recent blog, 'Is work-life balance attainable in eCommerce?' Hybrid models continue to provide professionals with the balance they need, even when workloads feel overwhelming.
The challenge for employers is to manage those workloads more effectively, while maintaining hybrid flexibility as a standard offering. Businesses that resist hybrid working may struggle to attract management talent moving forward.
Skills, tech and industry challenges
AI has already become a familiar part of eCommerce management teams. Respondents shared that it has enhanced efficiency in operations, enabled automated personalisation and improved customer insights. But there’s caution, too. Concerns around over-reliance on AI and the potential for errors highlight the need for “responsible AI” adoption.
When looking at emerging skills, the top areas included:
- eCommerce platform development
- Marketplace expertise
- Data analysis
- Cyber security
Beyond these, AR/VR and cross-border eCommerce are also climbing in demand, reflecting both the rise of immersive shopping and the global nature of eCommerce growth.
On the flip side, professionals cited the following as the biggest challenges in their roles:
- Rapid technological advancements
- Evolving customer expectations
- Budget constraints
- Talent gaps
- Global market shifts
For hiring managers, this points to one clear truth: the demand for adaptable, skilled professionals will only grow. Companies must not only hire for technical expertise but also create an environment where continuous learning and development are prioritised.
Prioritise your eCommerce hiring strategy!
The eCommerce management talent pool is ambitious, adaptive and ready to embrace the opportunities technology provides. However, issues around workload, salary progression and evolving challenges mean employers can’t be complacent.
If you’re looking to strengthen your eCommerce team in 2025, Cranberry Panda can help you connect with the management professionals who will drive your growth forward. Get in touch with us today, and let’s discuss how we can support your next hire.
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