4 Jobs at Costco That Now Pay $30 or More Per Hour
Written by
Choncé Maddox
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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As the cost of living increases, more people tend to look for more competitive job opportunities. While Costco generally has a positive reputation among employees based on anonymous reviews from past and current workers, union workers have also pushed back on pay as the retail giant has continued to evolve and introduce new roles and responsibilities, as reported by USA Today.
In a memo obtained by Reuters, Costco announced in January that it will increase pay for many “top-scale” store employees to $30.20 per hour for the first year followed by another $1 increase for each of the following two years of employment. The announcement also indicated that other employees with more entry-level positions would receive a pay increase of 50 cents, bringing pay to $20 an hour.
(Update: This pay increase is now in effect.)
This will place Costco well above the average pay scale for the retail industry, where competitive hourly wages often hover around the $15 to $20 mark. This is good news and we’ve narrowed down some of the types of positions you can expect to offer increased pay.
Loss Prevention
Loss prevention positions at Costco are also experiencing notable changes in compensation. These roles are critical for maintaining store security and safeguarding inventory against theft.
Employees in loss prevention work diligently to monitor store activities, implement security protocols and create a safe shopping environment for both customers and staff. With hourly wages ranging from $20.50 to $30.90, Costco recognizes the importance of these positions and the specialized skills they require.
Specialized Operations Roles
Specialized operational roles, such as those in inventory management, logistics and IT support, are also experiencing significant shifts. These positions require highly specialized skills that go beyond traditional retail tasks.
Employees in these roles must be adept at managing complex supply chain challenges, utilizing data-driven decision-making and often leveraging advanced technological tools to optimize operations.
Customer Experience and Service Positions
Costco is known for its superior customer service, largely due to the leadership of its service teams. These positions involve guiding teams to create memorable experiences for customers, resolving issues promptly and ensuring that every aspect of the customer journey is seamless. By increasing the pay for many of these roles to at least $30.90, Costco acknowledges the vital role that frontline leadership plays in fostering loyalty and driving repeat business.
The higher wages serve as both a recognition of the expertise required and a catalyst for attracting dedicated professionals who can enhance the customer experience.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Another Costco position that could soon pay $30 per hour is the Pharmacy Sales Assistant role. These team members are responsible for managing prescriptions, providing customer service and supporting the pharmacist in various clerical and administrative tasks. With a starting hourly wage of $19.50 per hour, the max salary listed is $29.20 meaning this role can quickly exceed the $30 mark when the appropriate pay raises kick in.
Other Notable Roles That Pay Around $30+ Per Hour
- Service Deli Clerk: up to $30.90 per hour
- Tire Installer: up to $30.90 per hour
- Membership Clerk: up to $30.90 per hour
- Cashier (front end): up to $30.90 per hour
- Baker: up to $30.90 per hour
- Depot Truck Driver: up to $35.45 per hour
Costco’s plan to raise wages to $30 per hour for its top-scale store workers isn’t just a win for the company. It’s a sign of what’s to come for the retail industry at large. Higher pay, engaged employees and a focus on emerging roles are setting a new standard for what it means to work in retail.
Whether you’re already part of the Costco team or considering a career shift, now is an ideal time to explore opportunities.
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