How Much You Can Really Earn Working at Costco in 2025: Salary & Bonuses Explained

Costco is widely known for offering some of the best pay and benefits in the retail industry. But how much can you really expect to earn working at Costco in 2025 ? Whether you’re considering a job as a cashier, stocker, or warehouse associate, this guide breaks down hourly wages, annual salaries, and bonus opportunities in detail — so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

From competitive starting pay to regular raises and extra perks like bonuses and holiday pay, working at Costco can offer stable, high-earning potential even for entry-level positions with no degree required.

Starting Pay at Costco in 2025

As of January 2025, Costco’s starting wage for hourly employees is $18.50 per hour, with higher rates for certain regions and positions. This is well above the federal minimum wage and higher than most competitors in the retail and grocery sectors.

Here’s a breakdown of common starting wages by position:

• Cashier Assistant / Stocker: $18.50 – $20.00/hour
• Front-End Cashier: $19.50 – $21.00/hour
• Forklift / Warehouse Associate: $20.50 – $23.00/hour
• Bakery, Deli, Meat Department: $19.00 – $21.50/hour
• Membership / Customer Service: $18.50 – $21.00/hour

Pay rates are adjusted based on the cost of living in your location, so stores in California, New York, and Washington State often start even higher.

Annual Earnings: Realistic Examples

If you’re working full-time at Costco (around 40 hours per week), here’s what you could earn annually before taxes:

• Entry-Level Stocker: $18.50/hour → approx. $38,500/year
• Cashier with 1–2 years of experience: $20.50/hour → $42,500/year
• Warehouse Associate with forklift certification: $23.00/hour → $47,800/year

These base salaries don’t include overtime, bonuses, or benefits, which can significantly increase your total compensation.

Raises and Wage Increases

Costco rewards loyalty. Hourly employees typically receive a raise every 1,000 hours worked (about 6 months for full-time staff). The company uses a structured wage scale, which means:

• Top-performing employees can reach $28/hour or more in less than five years

Costco also conducts annual reviews to assess performance-based raises and position upgrades.

Bonuses: What to Expect

Costco is one of the few retail companies that offers bonuses to hourly workers. These include:

• Annual bonuses based on store performance (up to $2,000/year)
• Holiday bonuses for working peak dates
• Referral bonuses for bringing in new hires

Long-term employees (after 5+ years) also become eligible for retention bonuses that can be worth several thousand dollars depending on role and tenure.

Overtime and Sunday Pay

Costco pays 1.5x your hourly rate for:

• Any hours worked over 40 per week
• Sunday shifts (varies by state and position)

Many full-time employees report consistent overtime availability, especially during seasonal periods like holidays or new store openings. That means an $18.50/hour employee could earn $27.75/hour for overtime — increasing weekly pay quickly.

Manager and Supervisor Pay

If you’re aiming to grow within Costco, the jump in salary is significant. Promotions are frequent and often internal. Here are some sample salaries for higher positions:

• Front-End Supervisor: $65,000 – $75,000/year
• Assistant Warehouse Manager: $80,000 – $95,000/year
• General Manager: $110,000 – $140,000/year plus bonuses

Most of these roles are filled by former hourly workers who spent 3–6 years moving up through the system.

How Costco Pay Compares to Other Retailers

Company	Starting Pay ([YEAR])	Max Hourly Wage
Costco	$18.50	$28.00+
Target	$15.00	$24.00
Walmart	$14.00	$20.00
Sam’s Club	$15.00	$22.00

Costco consistently ranks at the top for total compensation, thanks to a mix of high base pay, regular raises, and real bonuses.

Is It Worth It?

In 2025, working at Costco offers more than a paycheck — it’s a long-term opportunity with serious earning potential. You can start with no experience, get paid above-average wages, and grow into a role that pays over $50,000/year with full benefits and job stability.

Apply for a Job at Costco Now

Whether you’re looking for part-time flexibility or a career you can build on, Costco is one of the most financially rewarding employers in the U.S. retail market today.