If you‘re considering a job as an overnight stocker at Walmart, you‘re likely curious about the pay, benefits, and overall earning potential. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about compensation for Walmart stockers.
We‘ll explore the typical salary range, factors that impact pay, and how wages compare to similar roles. We‘ll also take a detailed look at the benefits, perks, and career advancement opportunities. Finally, we‘ll offer expert tips for landing a Walmart stocking job and succeeding in the role.
Average Walmart Stocker Salary
According to data from Payscale, the average hourly pay for a Walmart stocker is $12.38 as of 2023. Wages typically fall between $10 and $17 per hour. Indeed reports a slightly higher average of $14.31 per hour based on 8.8K reported salaries.
However, overnight stockers earn a premium for working the less desirable late night shifts. Walmart provides a standard "night differential" of $1.50 per hour for shifts between 10pm and 7am. So an overnight stocker earning the Payscale average of $12.38/hour base pay would make $13.88/hour with the night differential.
Stocker Salary Range
While the average Walmart stocker salary is $12-$14/hour, the full pay range is quite wide. SimplyHired reports a range of $7.25 to $23.36 per hour, with an average of $13.16.
The low end represents starting pay for entry-level stockers in certain regions. The high end includes more experienced stockers and those in management roles like stocking supervisor or backroom inventory coordinator.
According to the compensation experts at Salary.com, the median hourly pay for Walmart stockers is $14 as of February 2023. The middle 50% of stockers earn between $12 and $17 per hour.
Walmart Stocker Annual Salary
Assuming a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, a Walmart stocker earning the average $14/hour would make approximately $29,120 per year before taxes. With the $1.50/hour night differential for overnight shifts, annual earnings would be $32,240.
Keep in mind that most stocking jobs are hourly, not salaried. Annual earnings may fluctuate based on exact hours worked each week. Many Walmart stockers work some overtime during busy periods like holidays, which can significantly boost total earnings.
Factors That Impact Stocker Pay
While the average Walmart stocker makes $12-$14/hour, several key factors influence individual pay rates:
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Experience level: Those with prior stocking or retail experience typically start at a higher hourly rate. Walmart also provides regular raises based on tenure and performance.
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Location: Pay varies by geographic region due to differences in cost of living and local labor markets. For example, Walmart stockers in New York City earn an average of $17.19/hour according to Glassdoor – well above the national average.
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Shift type: As mentioned, overnight stockers earn a premium compared to daytime stockers. Those working weekend shifts may also receive additional pay in some locations.
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Job title: Walmart has several variations of stocker jobs, including general merchandise stocker, grocery stocker, backroom associate, and inventory control specialist. The exact title and responsibilities impact pay rates.
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Full-time vs. part-time: While most stocker roles are full-time, some stores hire part-time or seasonal stockers. Part-time roles may have a lower starting wage but can still be eligible for benefits.
| Position | Avg. Hourly Wage | Walmart Night Differential | Avg. Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker (General) | $14.31 | +$1.50 | $32,240 |
| Overnight Stocker | $14.92 | Included | $31,034 |
| Backroom Inventory Specialist | $16.18 | +$1.50 | $36,400 |
| Stocking & Receiving Supervisor | $22.06 | +$1.50 | $49,420 |
*Data from Indeed & Glassdoor
As the chart illustrates, management and specialized roles like backroom inventory and stocking supervisor command higher wages. With experience, Walmart stockers can earn $35K-$50K+ per year.
Cost of Living & Location
As a national retailer, Walmart operates stores in all 50 states. Stocker salaries vary significantly by location based on factors like population density, local competitors, and cost of living.
Here‘s a look at how Walmart stocker salaries compare in 10 major metro areas:
| City | Avg. Hourly Wage | Adjusted for Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $14.97 | $16.02 |
| Boston, MA | $16.92 | $14.12 |
| Chicago, IL | $15.88 | $14.73 |
| Dallas, TX | $14.62 | $15.43 |
| Denver, CO | $15.31 | $13.81 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $16.58 | $12.43 |
| Miami, FL | $14.43 | $13.69 |
| New York City, NY | $17.19 | $12.88 |
| Seattle, WA | $17.03 | $14.22 |
| Washington, DC | $15.75 | $12.72 |
*Data from Glassdoor & Numbeo Cost of Living Calculator
When adjusted for cost of living, Walmart stockers in Atlanta, Dallas, and Seattle tend to earn the highest real wages. Those in expensive coastal cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston earn less after accounting for higher living costs.
Walmart does make an effort to offer competitive wages in each market it serves. The company regularly benchmarks pay against other retailers and adjusts wages based on local economic conditions. In recent years, Walmart has undertaken several rounds of wage hikes to attract and retain talent.
For example, in September 2021, Walmart raised its minimum starting wage for all associates to $12/hour. Some stores offer starting pay as high as $17/hour depending on location and role.
Benefits & Perks
In addition to competitive pay, Walmart offers a robust benefits package for full-time associates. Highlights include:
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Health insurance: Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans that cover preventive care, prescriptions, and more. Plans start at around $30/month for individuals.
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401(k) retirement plan: Company match of up to 6% of salary. Walmart also offers a separate associate stock purchase plan.
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Paid time off: Both full-time and part-time associates earn PTO based on tenure. New full-time hires get 2 weeks PTO in the first year. Vacation time increases to 3 weeks after 3 years and 4 weeks after 10 years.
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Maternity & parental leave: Biological mothers get 10 weeks of paid maternity leave. All new parents can take 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
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Employee discounts: 10% discount on general merchandise and fresh produce. Discount increases to 15% for some items during busy periods like back-to-school.
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Education assistance: Walmart‘s Live Better U program provides free college tuition for associates pursuing degrees in business, supply chain, technology and more. The company will also pay for GED and language training.
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Skill training: On-the-job training and access to Walmart Academy courses to build skills in retail, management, compliance, and more.
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Health & wellness: Free counseling sessions, health screenings, and other wellness benefits through the Resources for Living program.
Part-time Walmart associates have access to many of the same benefits, including 401(k), employee discounts, and education assistance. Health insurance is more limited for part-time workers but some medical and disability plans are available.
Eligibility for certain benefits depends on tenure and hours worked. Associates become eligible for most benefits after 90 days of employment. PTO and some other perks have a longer vesting period.
Walmart Stocker Job Outlook
The job outlook for Walmart stockers is strong. Walmart is the largest private employer in the U.S. with over 1.6 million associates. The company operates more than 4,700 stores nationwide and continues to open new locations each year.
Stocking and merchandising roles are essential to Walmart‘s business model. The company is constantly hiring stockers to keep shelves full and stores running smoothly. Demand for overnight stockers is particularly high as Walmart expands its hours and e-commerce offerings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of stock clerks and order fillers will grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, adding over 150,000 new jobs. This is on pace with the average growth rate for all occupations.
However, Walmart has outpaced industry trends in recent years. The company hired over 100,000 new associates in Q4 2021 alone to meet demand. Walmart has also invested heavily in technology and automation to streamline stocking processes. This has created new roles like omni-associate that blend stocking, order picking, and customer service.
While some fear that automation may eventually replace human stockers, Walmart executives say the goal is to make the job more efficient, not eliminate it. "We will always need great people in our stores working hard to ensure the best experience for our customers," said Drew Holler, Senior Vice President of Associate Experience.
Walmart also offers ample opportunity for career growth in stocking and beyond. Many store managers and distribution center leaders started as entry-level stockers. Walmart‘s promote-from-within culture means that strong performers can rise quickly.
"I started as an overnight stocker over 20 years ago," says Cedric Clark, Regional General Manager for Walmart Neighborhood Markets. "Walmart gave me the training and opportunities to keep growing my career. Now I oversee operations for over 80 stores."
Expert Tips for Landing a Walmart Stocking Job
Walmart hires both entry-level and experienced workers for stocker roles. Competition can be stiff in some markets due to the good pay and benefits. Here are some tips to improve your odds of getting hired:
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Emphasize relevant experience. If you have prior retail, stocking, or warehouse experience, be sure to highlight it in your application. Familiarity with inventory systems, safety procedures, and material handling equipment is a plus.
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Tailor your resume. In addition to experience, your resume should showcase the key skills Walmart looks for in stockers. These include attention to detail, physical stamina, ability to work independently, and customer service. Use specific examples from past jobs to illustrate these traits.
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Be flexible with scheduling. Express your willingness to work nights, weekends, and overtime as needed. Walmart values associates who can adapt to changing business needs.
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Prep for the interview. Walmart interviews often include situational and behavioral questions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you‘ve solved problems, exceeded expectations, and worked well on a team.
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Showcase your work ethic. Walmart takes pride in its hard-working culture. Emphasize your reliability, punctuality, and commitment to going above and beyond. Share examples of how you‘ve pitched in during busy periods or covered shifts for colleagues.
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Demonstrate growth potential. Walmart loves to develop and promote internal talent. Express your desire to build a long-term career with the company. Ask about advancement opportunities and training programs.
By following these tips and putting your best foot forward, you‘ll increase your chances of landing a competitive Walmart stocking job. Once hired, focus on exceeding expectations, being a team player, and providing great customer service. With hard work and dedication, you can turn an entry-level stocking gig into a fulfilling long-term career.
The Bottom Line
Walmart is a top employer for those seeking reliable, well-paying work in retail. Stocker roles offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and strong career advancement prospects.
For entry-level workers, Walmart provides on-the-job training, education assistance, and a clear path to management roles. Experienced stockers can earn $35K-$50K per year with opportunities to specialize in areas like inventory control or logistics.
The company‘s recent investments in higher wages, expanded benefits, and advanced training programs show a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. With e-commerce driving demand for stocking and order fulfillment, Walmart is poised for continued growth.
If you‘re able to handle the physical demands and non-traditional hours, Walmart stocking can be a great way to build a long-term career in retail. By showcasing your skills and experience and demonstrating a strong work ethic, you can secure a foothold with the world‘s largest retailer.
