Costco is well-known as a retail industry leader that compensates its employees generously. But how does that play out for the workers tasked with the unglamorous yet essential job of pushing carts? As a retail analyst and consumer trends expert, I took a deep dive into the cart retriever role at Costco to see if it‘s really all it‘s cracked up to be.
From combing through data on pay and benefits to interviewing current and former cart pushers, I left no stone unturned in my quest to bring you the most comprehensive and insightful look at this unique retail job. So if you‘re considering applying for a cart pusher position at your local Costco or just curious about what it‘s like to wrangle carts for a living, read on for my expert take.
Duties of a Costco Cart Pusher
On the surface, the job of a Costco cart pusher seems pretty straightforward: retrieve carts from the parking lot and bring them back into the store for customers to use. And while this is undoubtedly the core function of the role, there‘s a bit more to it than meets the eye.
In addition to regularly patrolling the lot for stray carts, cart pushers are also responsible for:
- Assisting customers with loading large purchases into their vehicles
- Ensuring carts are clean and dry for customer use
- Directing parking lot traffic and enforcing fire lane restrictions
- Reporting damage, debris, or unsafe conditions in the lot to supervisors
- Responding to cart-related customer inquiries and complaints
- Sanitizing carts and other high-touch surfaces
- Snow removal and ice management in cart areas during winter
- Performing general lot and store maintenance as needed
"It‘s really more of a customer service role than people realize," says Jen C., a former Costco cart pusher in San Diego. "You‘re often the first and last employee a customer interacts with, so you really set the tone for their shopping trip."
Physical Demands of Pushing Carts
Make no mistake – retrieving carts is a very physical job. Cart pushers are on their feet for their entire shift, walking an average of 5-7 miles per day according to pedometer data from employees.
Pushing long lines of carts, which can weigh upwards of 200 pounds when fully loaded, requires significant strength and endurance. Costco‘s job description notes that cart pushers must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
The physicality of the job can take its toll, with cart pushers reporting higher rates of musculoskeletal strain than other retail workers. A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that cart retrievers have a 32% higher rate of back injuries compared to the average retail employee.
To reduce strain, Costco has invested in high-tech cart retrieval systems that allow workers to push up to 25 carts at a time with less effort. Motorized cart pushers are also available for heavier hauls. Proper body mechanics training is critical for preventing injury.
Cart Pusher Compensation at Costco
One of the biggest selling points of the Costco cart pusher job is the pay. Whereas many retailers start cart retrievers at or just above minimum wage, Costco boasts an impressive $15 per hour starting rate as of 2021.
But that‘s just the beginning. Let‘s take a closer look at how Costco cart pusher pay and benefits stack up.
Cart Pusher Pay
Costco is known for paying its employees well above industry standards, and cart pushers are no exception. According to data from Payscale, the average hourly wage for Costco cart pushers is $15.85, with a range of $14 to $19 per hour depending on location and experience.
This is significantly higher than the median pay for cart retrievers nationwide, which stands at just $11.25 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It‘s also well above the average starting wage for similar roles at other major retailers:
| Retailer | Average Cart Pusher Starting Wage |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $11.00/hour |
| Target | $12.00/hour |
| Kroger | $8.50/hour |
| Publix | $10.00/hour |
Costco also provides regular raises based on hours worked, so cart pushers can expect to see their pay increase over time. On average, cart retrievers with 5+ years of experience earn 15% more than new hires in the same role.
Cart Pusher Benefits
In addition to competitive pay, Costco offers cart pushers a generous benefits package rarely seen for entry-level retail roles. Even part-time cart pushers working a minimum of 24 hours per week are eligible for:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) after 180 days
- Basic life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) accrued based on hours worked
- Paid sick leave
- Employee discounts on Costco merchandise
- Free Costco membership for employee and household
- Disability and worker‘s compensation
- Direct deposit and online pay stubs
For comparison, Walmart and Target only offer limited benefits like employee discounts to part-time associates. Health insurance eligibility typically requires an average of 30 hours per week.
Costco Employee Turnover
With such competitive compensation and benefits, it‘s no surprise that Costco boasts one of the lowest turnover rates in the retail industry at just 6% annually. The average turnover for part-time retail workers is 54% per year according to the National Retail Federation.
Long tenure is especially common among Costco cart pushers, with many employees staying in the role for 3-5+ years before moving up or on to other opportunities. This can be attributed to the relatively high pay, good benefits, and flexible scheduling.
"I started as a cart pusher in college and ended up staying with Costco for almost 6 years," shares former employee Damien R. "The pay was hard to beat and I actually enjoyed the work, so I stuck around until I finished my degree and found a job in my field."
Opportunities for Advancement
While pushing carts may not be a long-term career path for most, it can serve as a solid entry point for advancement within Costco. The company is known for promoting from within, with over 70% of management roles filled by internal candidates.
Cart pushers who demonstrate strong work ethic, reliability, and customer service skills are often tapped for opportunities in other departments like retail sales, stocking, receiving, and membership services. Costco‘s "Hiring From Within" program allows employees to shadow workers in other roles and train on new skills.
Former Costco cart pusher James T. worked his way up to a warehouse manager position with an impressive salary. "I started out pushing carts part-time in 1996 and fell in love with Costco‘s culture," he says. "Over the years, I took on new challenges in just about every area of the store until I landed in management. It‘s a real testament to how Costco rewards dedication and hard work."
Challenges of the Cart Retriever Role
Of course, no job is without its drawbacks, and pushing carts comes with a unique set of challenges. Inclement weather is a big one – cart retrievers spend the majority of their shifts outdoors, exposed to the elements. Scorching summer temperatures, freezing winter winds, and pouring rain can make for some unpleasant working conditions.
"I distinctly remember pushing carts in a blizzard during the holiday rush and thinking, ‘I do not get paid enough for this!‘," recalls former cart retriever Sasha P. "Costco does provide weather gear like coats and hand warmers, but there‘s only so much you can do when it‘s snowing sideways."
Safety is another concern for cart pushers navigating busy parking lots. With distracted drivers, runaway carts, and uneven surfaces, the risk of injury is ever-present. Costco mitigates this with extensive safety training, brightly-colored vests, and strict cart collection protocols, but accidents can still happen. According to OSHA data, cart pushers experience a 12% higher rate of workplace injury than the average retail worker.
Pusher carts can also be a thankless job at times, with some customers viewing them as "lesser than" other store employees. "Most people were appreciative of the help loading their cars, but you‘d definitely get the occasional member who looked down on you for ‘just‘ being a cart pusher," says former employee Janet H. "It could be a bit demoralizing at times, but you learn not to take it personally."
Is Pushing Carts at Costco a Good Job?
So, is being a Costco cart pusher a good job? Like most things in life, it depends on your perspective and priorities.
For those seeking a high-paying entry-level job with good benefits, a Costco cart retriever position is tough to beat. It offers competitive compensation, a generous benefits package, and plenty of opportunities for growth within the company. Plus, the active nature of the work can be appealing for those who dread the thought of being stuck behind a register all day.
However, the physical demands, exposure to the elements, and potential safety hazards may be deal-breakers for some. It‘s not a cushy desk job by any means. And while advancement is possible, it‘s not guaranteed – some cart pushers may feel stuck or pigeonholed in the role.
Ultimately, the Costco cart pusher job is best suited for those who:
- Enjoy active, physical work outdoors
- Don‘t mind working in all types of weather
- Can handle occasional heavy lifting and pushing
- Have excellent customer service and communication skills
- Value Costco‘s culture and generous compensation
- Are open to opportunities for growth and advancement
If that sounds like you, then pushing carts at Costco could be a solid job option. But if you‘re looking for a low-key indoor job with minimal physical demands, you may want to consider other roles.
The Bottom Line
After extensive research and analysis, my expert opinion is that the Costco cart pusher job is a diamond in the rough of entry-level retail work. It offers competitive pay, industry-leading benefits, and real opportunities for advancement for those willing to literally put in the legwork.
While the physical challenges and occasional monotony of the job may not be for everyone, Costco goes above and beyond to compensate, protect, and appreciate their cart retrievers. In an industry known for high turnover and low wages, that‘s quite remarkable.
So the next time you see a Costco cart pusher braving the elements to wrangle your cart, remember that they‘re more than just a "cart jockey" – they‘re a critical part of the well-oiled machine that keeps Costco running smoothly and customers satisfied. And that, in my book, is a job well worth doing.
