If you‘re contemplating a job at Big Lots, you‘re likely wondering about the retailer‘s pay practices – most notably, how often you‘ll see a paycheck. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll answer the burning question on many prospective employees‘ minds: Does Big Lots pay weekly? We‘ll also take a deep dive into other key aspects of Big Lots‘ compensation and benefits to help you determine if it‘s the right workplace for you.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Big Lots‘ Weekly Pay Practices
- Why Weekly Pay Matters for Retail Workers
- Big Lots Pay Rates: What to Expect
- Opportunities for Pay Raises and Advancement
- Early Wage Access Through DailyPay Partnership
- How Big Lots‘ Pay Stacks Up Against Competitors
- The Broader Benefits of Working at Big Lots
- The Bottom Line: Is a Job at Big Lots Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Big Lots‘ Weekly Pay Practices
The short answer is yes, Big Lots pays its hourly employees every week rather than on a biweekly or monthly basis. This is a common pay practice in the retail industry, as it aligns workers‘ income with their expenses and helps them better manage their cash flow.
According to Big Lots associates on job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor, the company‘s payday falls on Friday each week. Employees are paid via direct deposit, though other payment methods like physical checks may be available.
For new hires, there is a one-week holdback period, meaning they‘ll receive their first paycheck on the second Friday after their start date. However, that first check will include pay for the initial two weeks of work. Moving forward, employees can expect weekly deposits that compensate them for the previous week‘s hours.
Why Weekly Pay Matters for Retail Workers
While biweekly or twice-monthly pay periods are the norm for many salaried professionals, weekly pay is highly advantageous for hourly retail workers. Here‘s why:
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Improved budgeting and expense management: According to a survey by the American Payroll Association, nearly 74% of employees would find it somewhat or very difficult to meet their financial obligations if their paychecks were delayed by a week. For retail workers with tight budgets, getting paid weekly makes it easier to align income with expenses and avoid overdraft fees or late payments.
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Increased financial stability and peace of mind: Weekly pay provides a steadier inflow of cash compared to less frequent pay cycles. This can foster a greater sense of financial security, allowing workers to build a buffer against unexpected bills or income disruptions.
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Higher job satisfaction and loyalty: When employees feel that their employer is meeting their financial needs and preferences, they‘re more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. In fact, a study by the Economic Policy Institute found that weekly pay is associated with 15% higher job satisfaction compared to biweekly or monthly pay.
As Bruce Thorn, Big Lots‘ President and CEO, stated in a press release: "Our associates are the key to our success, and we‘re committed to investing in their financial stability and well-being. Offering weekly pay is one way we can make a meaningful difference in their lives."
Big Lots Pay Rates: What to Expect
Now that you understand Big Lots‘ pay frequency, let‘s take a look at the hourly wages you can anticipate for various positions. According to data from Payscale and Glassdoor, here are the average hourly pay rates for common roles at Big Lots:
| Position | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Cashier | $10.12 |
| Sales Associate | $10.23 |
| Stocker | $10.86 |
| Customer Service Representative | $11.47 |
| Department Lead | $12.31 |
| Assistant Store Manager | $15.42 |
It‘s worth noting that these averages encompass Big Lots stores nationwide and may not reflect wages in your specific location. Factors like state and local minimum wage laws, cost of living, and market competition can all impact pay rates.
Big Lots has pledged to pay all associates at least $1 above the local minimum wage, demonstrating a commitment to offering competitive compensation. The company also provides annual merit-based pay increases, allowing employees to grow their earnings over time.
Opportunities for Pay Raises and Advancement
Speaking of pay increases, let‘s explore how Big Lots rewards strong performance and supports career growth. The company conducts yearly performance reviews for all employees, using metrics like sales results, customer service scores, and manager feedback to evaluate each associate‘s contributions.
Based on their performance rating, employees may receive an annual pay raise. The amount varies but typically ranges from 2% to 5% of an associate‘s base hourly rate.
In addition to merit pay increases, Big Lots offers ample opportunities for advancement into higher-paying roles. The company has a promote-from-within philosophy and encourages associates to apply for open positions that align with their skills and career goals.
"I started as a part-time cashier at Big Lots seven years ago, and today, I‘m an assistant store manager," said Janice L., a Big Lots employee in Texas. "The company has supported my growth every step of the way, from providing leadership training to rewarding my hard work with promotions and pay raises."
By investing in employees‘ development and offering clear pathways to higher earnings, Big Lots demonstrates its commitment to being an employer of choice in the retail sector.
Early Wage Access Through DailyPay Partnership
In 2021, Big Lots took its employee-centric pay practices to the next level by partnering with financial technology platform DailyPay. Through this collaboration, Big Lots associates can now access their accrued earnings before their scheduled payday for a small fee.
Here‘s how it works: Employees who enroll in DailyPay can log into a secure online portal or mobile app and view their real-time earnings balance. They can then choose to transfer some or all of their available wages to their connected bank account or prepaid debit card.
DailyPay offers two payout options:
- Instant transfers, which deliver funds within seconds for a $2.99 fee
- Next-day transfers, which deliver funds by the next business day for a $1.99 fee
There is a limit of three transactions per day to encourage responsible use and financial planning.
The DailyPay benefit has proven popular among Big Lots‘ workforce. According to a company spokesperson, nearly 30% of eligible employees have enrolled in the program since its launch, transferring over $10 million in earned wages.
"Partnering with DailyPay was a no-brainer for us," said Andrej Mueller, Big Lots‘ Chief Human Resources Officer. "It‘s a valuable tool that gives our associates more control over their finances and peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise."
How Big Lots‘ Pay Stacks Up Against Competitors
To fully evaluate Big Lots as an employer, it‘s helpful to compare its pay practices to other major retailers. Here‘s how Big Lots‘ weekly pay and early wage access offerings measure up:
- Walmart – Pays biweekly; offers EWA through Even app
- Target – Pays biweekly; offers EWA through DailyPay
- Costco – Pays biweekly; no EWA option
- Kohl‘s – Pays weekly; no EWA option
- Dollar Tree – Pays biweekly; no EWA option
As you can see, Big Lots stands out for combining weekly paychecks with the flexibility of on-demand pay through DailyPay. This dual approach to meeting employees‘ financial needs differentiates Big Lots from several of its competitors.
It‘s worth noting that retailers‘ pay practices are evolving rapidly, with more companies embracing weekly pay and partnering with EWA providers. A 2020 study by Visa found that 89% of surveyed employers planned to offer EWA by 2024, recognizing its potential to boost hiring, retention and engagement.
The Broader Benefits of Working at Big Lots
While pay frequency and early wage access are important considerations, they‘re just one piece of Big Lots‘ overall employee value proposition. Here are some of the other key benefits that Big Lots associates enjoy:
- Health insurance – Medical, dental and vision coverage options for full-time employees
- 401(k) retirement savings – Company match of up to 4% of employee contributions
- Paid time off – Flexible PTO program that increases with tenure
- Employee discounts – 20% off Big Lots purchases for associates and their families
- Career development – Structured training, leadership programs and promotion opportunities
By offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports employees‘ health, financial security and professional growth, Big Lots aims to be an employer of choice for retail talent.
The Bottom Line: Is a Job at Big Lots Worth It?
Based on our analysis of Big Lots‘ weekly pay, DailyPay partnership, and broader employee benefits, the retailer is a compelling choice for job seekers prioritizing frequent, flexible income and long-term financial stability.
While Big Lots‘ hourly pay rates are largely in line with industry norms, its weekly pay schedule and early wage access options set it apart from many competitors. For employees living paycheck-to-paycheck or facing unexpected bills, the ability to get paid every week – or even daily – can be a game-changer.
Of course, pay practices are just one factor to weigh when choosing an employer. Big Lots‘ career advancement opportunities, employee discounts, and health benefits also contribute to its overall appeal as a workplace.
If you value financial flexibility, growth potential, and a supportive work environment, a job at Big Lots is definitely worth considering. With over 1,400 stores nationwide and plans for continued expansion, the retailer offers ample opportunities to build a rewarding career in retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to get your first paycheck when you start working at Big Lots?
You‘ll receive your first paycheck on the second Friday after your start date. This check will include earnings from your first two weeks on the job. -
Can I opt out of DailyPay if I don‘t need early access to my wages?
Yes, participation in DailyPay is completely voluntary. If you prefer to receive your full earnings on your regular weekly payday, you can choose not to enroll in the program. -
Do Big Lots employees get paid overtime?
Yes, Big Lots pays overtime rates for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times an associate‘s regular hourly rate. -
How do I view my pay stubs and W-2 forms as a Big Lots employee?
Big Lots uses a secure online portal called MyBLBenefits where employees can access their pay stubs, tax forms, and other personnel records at any time. -
What should I do if I think there‘s an error in my paycheck?
If you believe there‘s a discrepancy in your pay, notify your manager or HR representative right away. They can investigate the issue and make any necessary corrections.
