As a self-professed Costco superfan, I’m interested in pretty much every aspect of running the store. If Costco offered a 90-minute webinar on how they source their goods, I’d watch it. So when I meet someone who works at Costco, I always ask them about their experience.
Not long ago, I was waiting to pick up my daughter from a birthday party that went on a little longer than planned when I found myself standing next to a woman in a Costco shirt. “Are you an employee?” I asked her. “Or just a fan?”
It turns out she was actually employed at Costco, so I asked her about her experience. And she had nothing but good things to say. Not only was she happy with her salary and benefits, but she also said that Costco stands out from the many retailers she’s worked for because of how well employees are treated and respected.
If you’re looking for a job — whether part-time or full-time — you might want to consider Costco. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
The reward
Costco offers competitive wages. But what’s even more helpful is that pay increases are based on hours worked. In other words, the more you work at Costco, the more you can earn. Permanent hourly workers also receive additional compensation (i.e., a bonus) twice a year based on their number of years of service.
According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for Costco employees is $19.05 per hour. If you work 40 hours a week, that’s $762 per week. If you work 50 weeks a year, that’s about $38,000 per year.
However, your salary at Costco will likely depend on your location and experience. And keep in mind that you may receive a nice bonus or two on top of your hourly wage.
The advantages
Costco employees can enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Access to the 401(k) plan
- Paid sick leave, vacation leave and paid holidays
Costco also offers various programs to support the physical, emotional and financial well-being of its employees.
Professional background
Costco tends to promote from within. The retailer says the vast majority of its warehouse club managers began their careers as hourly workers at Costco.
Costco also offers a variety of training and continuing education programs and scholarships for qualified part-time and full-time employees pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Should you apply to Costco?
It depends on what you’re looking for and what skills you bring to the table. While wages at Costco are competitive, with the right background you may be able to find a better paying or more flexible job (i.e. a position with more flexible hours or one you can do remotely).
However, if you’re new to the workforce or looking for part-time work while you finish your degree, it might be worth applying to Costco and seeing what happens. You might find that it’s ultimately a stepping stone to a great career.
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