Retail wages in the US have climbed significantly in recent years, with entry-level positions on the sales floor now commonly offering more than $17 an hour. This is a notable increase, especially considering the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. As a result, most employers are now paying at least double the federal minimum to attract and retain workers, who are in high demand.
To determine which companies offer the best pay for entry-level retail roles, Business Insider consulted Glassdoor for data collected from January 2024 to May 2025. The analysis focused on companies with at least 1,000 employees and a minimum of 30 employee-submitted salary reports for retail or sales positions in the retail and wholesale sectors.
Below is a summary of the top 20 highest-paying entry-level retail jobs in the US, based on average hourly wages:
| Rank | Company | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aritzia | $22.46 |
| 2 | Grainger | $21.19 |
| 3 | Lululemon (tie) | $19.33 |
| 3 | Costco (tie) | $19.33 |
| 5 | Buc-ee's | $19.06 |
| 6 | Trader Joe's | $19.05 |
| 7 | Bloomingdale's | $18.95 |
| 8 | IKEA | $18.77 |
| 9 | CarMax | $18.71 |
| 10 | REI | $18.58 |
| 11 | Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits | $18.54 |
| 12 | Fred Meyer | $18.25 |
| 13 | Living Spaces | $18.24 |
| 14 | Sephora | $17.86 |
| 15 | Dillard's | $17.74 |
| 16 | FedEx Office | $17.64 |
| 17 | ALDI | $17.63 |
| 18 | Woodman's | $17.61 |
| 19 | Nordstrom | $17.59 |
| 20 | Discount Tire | $17.57 |
These companies represent a range of retail sectors, from grocery and fashion to home furnishings and automotive sales. Notably, Aritzia leads the list with an average hourly wage of $22.46, while other well-known brands like Costco, Trader Joe's, and Lululemon also offer highly competitive pay for entry-level roles.
While these wages are above the federal minimum, it’s important to note that securing a full-time schedule with a single retailer can still be challenging. Nonetheless, the upward trend in retail pay reflects the ongoing demand for workers and the competitive landscape among employers.