Step 1 of 2: Salary Guide & Open Positions

Updated: August 2026

Costco Wholesale Jobs: Pay Scale, Open Roles, Benefits & Requirements

$19.50 – $31.00/hr

$19.50/hr Starting · Sunday Time-and-a-Half

Costco Wholesale Store and Warehouse Locations

Costco Wholesale · 20,000+ Openings$19.50 – $31.00/hr

Costco Wholesale is globally recognized for offering the best compensation and employee retention rates in the retail warehouse industry. With starting hourly wages at $19.50/hr and time-and-a-half pay on Sundays, Costco careers provide outstanding long-term security.

Over 90% of warehouse managers began as hourly front-end or stocking associates, reflecting Costco's deep commitment to internal career advancement.

Costco Wholesale Pay Scale by Position

Starting cashiers and warehouse assistants earn $19.50/hr minimum. Long-term hourly employees reach topped-out pay scales exceeding $31.00/hr with semi-annual retention bonus checks.

Position / Role	Hourly Wage	Est. Annual Pay	Experience Level
Cashier Assistant / Front End Clerk	$19.50 – $22.00/hr	$40,500 – $45,700	No experience needed
Stocking Associate (Morning / Night Merchandising)	$19.50 – $23.00/hr	$40,500 – $47,800	Entry-level
Costco Bakery / Meat / Deli Specialist	$20.50 – $25.00/hr	$42,600 – $52,000	Food service interest
Forklift Driver (Warehouse Logistics)	$22.00 – $28.00/hr	$45,700 – $58,200	Paid forklift certification
Hearing Aid / Optical Specialist	$24.00 – $34.00/hr	$50,000 – $70,000	State licensing assistance

Basic Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
Legal authorization to work in the United States (SSN or Work Permit)
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and maintain high physical pace
Friendly customer-first mindset and strong teamwork orientation
Pass standard pre-employment drug screening & background check

Benefits

Sunday Premium Pay: All Sunday working hours are paid at 1.5x regular base rate (time-and-a-half)
Top-tier health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage with very low employee premiums
Semi-annual retention bonus checks (Extra Checks) up to $5,000 to $10,000/yr for topped-out associates
Free Costco Executive Membership for you and 3 family members
401(k) retirement plan with generous direct company contributions

Next Step: Application Portal

Ready to Start at Costco Wholesale? See How to Apply

Continue to Step 2 for the complete walkthrough, interview preparation tips, and direct link to the official Costco Wholesale application portal.

Step 2: How to Apply at Costco Wholesale Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sunday pay rate at Costco?

All hourly employees working Sunday shifts receive 1.5 times their regular base rate (time-and-a-half).

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Costco Wholesale Jobs: Pay Scale, Open Roles, Benefits & Requirements

Costco Wholesale Pay Scale by Position

Basic Requirements

Benefits

Ready to Start at Costco Wholesale? See How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

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