Costco Jobs: Why Pay Starts at $19.50/hr & How to Apply (2026)
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Costco is consistently ranked one of the best places to work in American retail. Starting pay is $19.50 per hour — among the highest in the industry — and long-term employees can earn over $30/hr plus twice-yearly bonus checks.
Positions include cashier assistant, stocker, food court, membership assistant, and warehouse roles. Costco is known for promoting from within: most managers started as hourly employees.
Average Pay
New hires start at $19.50/hr. Pay scales automatically with hours worked, reaching $30+/hr for long-term hourly employees, plus extra checks twice a year after 8,000 hours.
Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- No previous experience required for most entry-level positions
- Availability for weekends is usually required
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
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Benefits
- One of the highest starting wages in U.S. retail ($19.50/hr)
- Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance (also for part-time)
- 401(k) with company match
- Free Costco membership
- Twice-yearly bonus checks for long-term employees
How to Apply
- 1Costco receives many applications, so apply to multiple nearby locations to increase your chances.
- 2Browse current openings in the listings below.
- 3Complete the online application with your availability — open availability greatly improves your chances.
- 4Follow up in person at the warehouse if you don't hear back in 2 weeks — hiring managers appreciate initiative.
Latest Openings — Costco
Cashier Assistant (Front End)
Stocker — Early Morning
Food Court Assistant
Membership Assistant
Warehouse Worker
Cart Attendant
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Costco pay to start?
Starting pay is $19.50/hr for entry-level positions, one of the highest rates in U.S. retail.
Is it hard to get hired at Costco?
Competition is higher than at other retailers because of the pay, but open availability and applying to several locations improves your odds significantly.
Does Costco offer benefits to part-time workers?
Yes. Part-time employees who average 23+ hours/week qualify for health insurance after 180 days.
Does Costco hire without experience?
Yes. Most entry-level roles like cart attendant, cashier assistant, and stocker require no previous experience.
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