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Working in retail is often synonymous with minimum wage—and, let’s be honest, sometimes not-so-great working conditions.
The federal minimum wage sits at $7.25 per hour, meaning your state doesn’t have to pay you more than that. But nearly a dozen states have set their minimum wage at $15 or higher, so pay can vary a lot depending on where you live.
Many people get their start in the workforce through retail jobs, or juggle multiple retail positions to make ends meet while keeping flexible hours. But what if you could enjoy all the perks of retail work—flexibility, hourly pay, accessible employment—while actually earning a solid wage?
Here are 10 of the best-paying retail jobs to consider.
1. Target Warehouse Worker — $21/hour
If you’re comfortable lifting and moving heavy items, Target’s warehouse roles pay around $21 per hour, or roughly $43,700 annually for a 40-hour week. Management positions can approach $40/hour.
Warehouse workers handle packing, loading, and shipping items to stores and customers while ensuring inventory accuracy.
2. Lowe’s Customer Service Associate — $19/hour
Customer service associates at Lowe’s do it all: answer questions, greet customers, guide them through the store, and more. The average wage is $19/hour, but in some locations, it can climb to nearly $27/hour.
3. Trader Joe’s Crew Member — $19.95/hour
Trader Joe’s is known for a fun work environment and generous perks, including up to a 20% discount. Crew members handle registers, stock shelves, create displays, and ensure customers are well taken care of.
Salaries average $19.95/hour nationally, but in some areas, you could earn as much as $31.10/hour.
4. Amazon Fulfillment Center Warehouse Associate — $20/hour
Like Target, Amazon warehouse associates manage inventory, pack and ship orders, and load boxes.
In addition to competitive pay, Amazon offers comprehensive benefits: health care, 401(k), parental leave, tuition assistance, and employee discounts. Hourly pay varies by location but averages $20 nationally.
5. Costco Cashier — $20.04/hour
Costco cashiers earn around $20/hour on average—47% above the national cashier average. Employees cite pay and benefits as top reasons they love working there. One reviewer said: “Managers are nice, pay is decent, and hours are manageable. With benefits, it’s more than worth it.”
6. Buc-ee’s Grocery Team Lead — $21/hour
Buc-ee’s is a massive convenience store/gas station/restaurant hybrid with a cult following, mainly in Texas.
Team leads oversee food service and specialty offerings, including bakery items, barbecued meats, fudge, and beef jerky. Cashiers earn around $18/hour, while grocery team leads can make $21/hour, depending on location.
7. Apple Genius — $29.61/hour
Apple offers tech-savvy problem solvers a lucrative position as a Genius. These roles pay an average of $29/hour, with some locations reaching over $44/hour. If you enjoy hands-on troubleshooting and tech, this is a strong retail career option.
8. IKEA Retail Sales Associate — $23.34/hour
IKEA associates juggle many responsibilities: assisting customers, helping with purchases, assembling displays, and more. The national average pay is $23.34/hour. Bonus: IKEA is also famous for its in-store food!
9. lululemon Educator — $24/hour
lululemon educators combine sales and customer service, educating guests about fabrics, fit, and features while embodying the brand’s culture. Average pay is $24/hour nationally. This is a great option if you love athletic fashion and customer interaction.
10. The Container Store Retail Sales Associate — $18.58/hour
Associates at The Container Store handle everything from greeting and assisting customers to processing merchandise, building custom closets, and working the register. Pay averages $18.58/hour, with responsibilities spanning the full retail experience.
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