Costco employees in the United States make an average hourly wage of around $31, with the company recently raising its minimum wage to $20 per hour and aiming for an average hourly wage above $31 by the end of 2024
. Entry-level positions typically start at about $18 to $20 per hour, with wages increasing over time and with experience; some employees report reaching around $30 per hour after several years
. Top-tier clerks can earn nearly $32 per hour, with planned wage increases continuing through 2027
. Wages vary by position and location. For example, stocking associates earn about $14.39 per hour on average, while specialized roles like controls technicians or software engineers earn significantly more, with salaries ranging from $32 to over $85 per hour or equivalent annual salaries
. In California, average hourly pay ranges from about $17.64 for customer service representatives to nearly $80 per hour for pharmacy managers
. Overall, Costco is known for paying above-average wages in the retail sector, with good benefits and high employee retention rates. Full-time employees can earn salaries around $76,000 per year plus benefits, especially in specialized or supervisory roles
. The company also offers bonuses and wage increases tied to tenure and performance
. In summary:
- Starting wage: approximately $18–$20 per hour
- Average wage: about $31 per hour (national average)
- Top clerk wage: up to about $32 per hour
- Specialized roles: $30 to $85+ per hour depending on job
- Full-time annual salary examples: around $38,000 to $76,000 plus benefits
These figures reflect Costco's commitment to competitive pay in the retail industry
