9 of the Highest-Paid Jobs at Costco, Walmart and More: See How Much You Can Make

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Not all high-paying jobs are office jobs, and many don’t require a college degree. While many people are aware that blue-collar trades, such as electricians and construction, can make good money, they might not realize that there are similarly high-paying opportunities in retail.

High-paying retail positions will usually require experience within the company, so you may have to work your way up the ladder. However, there are positions at big retailers that pay six-figure salaries. Here are a few of the best-paying jobs in retail.

Home Depot Forklift Operator — $43,000

Home Depot forklift operators handle the heavy lifting and precise placement of building materials, home improvement products and other inventory items. Their primary responsibilities include moving stock, organizing inventory and ensuring that products are readily available for customer purchases and staff access.

The pay for forklift operators at Home Depot is slightly lower than at Costco, ranging from $38,000 to $50,000, with a median salary of $43,000. However, getting certified at Home Depot may be easier than at Costco.

Costco Forklift Operator — $52,000

Forklift operators aren’t necessarily the highest-paid workers at Costco, but they do get decent pay while requiring only a forklift certification. Costco forklift operators move large quantities of goods, including unloading shipments from trucks and organizing inventory in storage areas. Safety is a top priority, as they must navigate busy aisles and ensure that everything complies with safety standards.

Costco forklift operators typically earn between $44,000 and $62,000 annually, with a median pay of $52,000.

Costco Licensed Optician — $64,000

Opticians assist customers with eyewear selection and make sure that eyeglasses and contact lenses are correctly fitted according to prescriptions. They may also educate customers on lens care and eyewear maintenance.

Licensed opticians make between $51,000 and $80,000 at Costco, on average. The median salary is $64,000. To get a job as an optician, you’ll need a certification from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. This entails studying for and passing the organization’s basic certification exam.

Target Executive Team Leader — $77,000

An executive team leader at Target is responsible for overseeing a store’s operations, from guest services to logistics. It’s essentially Target’s version of an assistant store manager. Executive team leaders are involved in hiring, scheduling and performance evaluations.

Salaries for executive team leaders typically range from $67,000 to $89,000 annually, with a median salary of $77,000.

Walmart Auto Care Center Manager — $88,000

Walmart Auto Care Center managers are in charge of the automotive service areas within Walmart stores. They manage a team of technicians and other staff members who provide vehicle maintenance and repairs. Auto Care Center managers may also be responsible for scheduling services, managing inventory of parts and supplies and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

The salary for an Auto Care Center manager is between $72,000 and $110,000, with a median pay of $88,000.

Walmart Loss Prevention Manager — $98,000

Loss prevention managers at Walmart are tasked with safeguarding the store’s assets, reducing theft and ensuring a safe shopping environment for customers. They develop security policies, oversee surveillance and conduct investigations into theft and other security breaches. They also train staff on security protocols and collaborate with law-enforcement officials to handle more serious security issues. Their work helps a store minimize its losses and secure its profitability.

A loss prevention manager at Walmart will usually earn between $79,000 and $123,000 per year, with a median salary of $98,000. The job may be somewhat dangerous, and there have been news reports of shoplifters threatening loss prevention employees with weapons. However, while it is their job to protect the merchandise, Walmart emphasizes that the priority is always the safety of its associates and customers.

Walmart Pharmacist — $124,000

Walmart pharmacists are responsible for accurately dispensing medications and providing health advice to customers. They may also administer vaccinations and conduct health screenings. Pharmacists manage inventory, ensure that prescriptions are filled correctly and consult with customers about medication interactions and side effects.

Walmart pharmacists are well-compensated, with an average salary ranging from $110,000 to $141,000 annually. The median pay for the position is $124,000, of which $120,000 is the base pay and $4,000 is from bonuses.

Of course, pharmacists will need to have a doctor of pharmacy degree, which usually requires at least four years of education. However, there is currently a shortage of pharmacists in the U.S., so now may be a good time to invest in the necessary education.

Walmart Store Managers — $128,000

Walmart store managers oversee the entire store’s operations. They’re responsible for meeting sales goals, managing inventory and implementing company policies. Store managers also handle all staffing issues, including hiring, training and developing their teams.

Walmart recently raised the base annual salary for store managers to $128,000. Managers can also earn significant bonuses — up to double their salary — if they meet all of their store’s profit targets. This incentive is meant to encourage managers to work toward maximizing their store’s profitability and enhancing its customer service.

Trader Joe’s Captain — $132,000

Captains are what Trader Joe’s calls its store managers, who lead all aspects of the store’s operations. They manage a team of crew members, overseeing their training and day-to-day tasks to ensure a high level of customer service. Captains are also responsible for managing inventory and maintaining the store’s overall environment to create a welcoming and efficient shopping experience for customers.

With salaries ranging from $99,000 to $185,000 and a median pay of $132,000, captains are well-compensated. Achieving sales targets may also increase their earnings, since store managers at retailers are usually given bonuses when they hit the store’s profit goals. Unfortunately, you can’t apply to be a captain from outside; you have to get promoted from within the store.

All salary information was sourced from Glassdoor.

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