As an employee, you expect to be paid fairly for the services you provide. However, in this day and age, it seems like just about every company is underpaying its employees. But how does Best Buy compare? Just how much does Best Buy pay its employees? Let us take a closer look and find out…
Contents
The History Of Best Buy
Best Buy was formned in 1966 by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler as an audio specialty store called Sound of Music. In 1983, the company changed it’s name to Best Buy Company, Inc. and began to expand its product offerings beyond just stereo equipment. Today, it is a leading retailer of electronics, appliances, and entertainment products with over 1,000 stores across the United States.
Best Buy Employees
The electronics retailer employs over 125,000 people in the United States. The majority of their staff members are hourly retail sales associates. The company also employs customer service representatives, warehouse workers, and corporate staff.
Job Positions At Best Buy
Retail Sales Associate
This role is an entry-level position. They must assist customers with their purchases, answer customer questions, and maintain the sales floor.
Customer Service Representative
This is the position that is at the forefront of handling customer inquiries and complaints. Customer service representatives may also be in charge of processing returns and exchanges.
Warehouse Worker
This role will see you working in the Best Buy distribution center. Warehouse workers receive stock and ship products. Additional tasks may include cleaning and maintaining the warehouse.
Corporate Employee
Best Buy employs corporate staff in a variety of departments, including accounting, marketing, information technology, and human resources. They typically work in the retailer’s corporate office or one of their regional offices.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Work There?
Most entry-level positions at the store do not require any formal education or experience. However, some higher-level positions may require a bachelor’s degree or previous experience in the relative field. Overall, having worked in a customer-facing position before will give you a leg up in the application process.
What is the Career Progression Like?
Climbing the ladder at any company can be difficult, but this company does like to keep its employees happy. If an employee demonstrates impressive performance and customer service skills, they may be promoted to a higher-level position. Best Buy also offers tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to further their education.
What Is The Average Salary?
The average salary for a retail sales associate at Best Buy is $15 per hour. It was raised in 2020 by 4%, and if an employee’s hourly wage was still under $15, they were raised. For leadership positions, the average salary is $24 per hour but can range from $19 to $30.
State-by-State Comparison of wages
Since the store increased its base wage to $15/hour, the average hourly wage for all states is now $15. However, there are a few states where wages are, on average higher. These states are California at $17, Washington at $16.50, and Massachusetts at $16.
What about under 18s?
The minimum age to work at Best Buy is 16. Nevertheless, some positions need you to be 18 due to the nature of the job. These positions include working in the warehouse and certain corporate positions. The pay will continue to be the same as an entry-level retail sales associate, which is $15/hour.
How Much Do They Pay Part-Time Workers?
As employees are paid hourly, the amount a part-time worker is paid will depend on how many hours they work. The average number of hours worked by a part-time Best Buy employee is 32 hours per week.
How Much Does Best Buy Pay – Employee Benefits
So, what kind of perks and benefits can you expect as a worker? Well, the company offers health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement. They also provide their staff members with a discount on store purchases.
What Do Employees Think Of Their Wages?
When it comes to worker satisfaction, wages are always a hot topic. While some feel that Best Buy pays its employees fairly, others believe that the company could do more to show its appreciation for its employees’ hard work. But the introduction of the $15 minimum wage has been generally well-received by employees.
The Pros And Cons
Okay, let us go over some pros and cons.
Pros
- The job is generally stable, and the hours are flexible, so it is great if you are studying or have childcare to work around.
- Other staff members are friendly and helpful, so it is a good environment to work in.
- Good starting wage and potential to progress within the company.
- Benefits such as health insurance and a discount on store purchases.
Cons
- Can be quite fast-paced and stressful during busy periods.
- May have to work weekends and evenings. The store is also open around holidays so you may have to workdays you would rather be with your family.
- You may be standing for prolonged periods.
- The work can be repetitive and boring at times.
- There are reports that managers can be unsupportive.
How Do Wages Compare to Other Similar Companies?
Best buy is on par with other companies when it comes to wages. Target pays its employees an average of $15 per hour, while Walmart pays its employees an average of $14.76 per hour. However, both of these companies have been under pressure to raise their wages in recent years. Costco, on the other hand, pays its employees an average of $17 per hour.
More Working Info On Best Buy!
Have you always wanted to work in retail? Now’s your chance by checking out our Best Buy Mission and Vision Statement Analysis to begin with, and then the Best Buy Application and the most common Best Buy Interview Questions to help you prepare before the big day!
In addition, you might also need to know Can Teens Work at Best Buy if you’re still in school, what is the Best Buy Employee Discount, as well as Does Best Buy Hire Felons if you happen to have a criminal record and are thinking of applying in 2023.
But that’s not all! We also have our Walmart Application and common Walmart Interview Questions, or how about our Costco Application and most frequently asked Costco Interview Questions, along with our Ikea Application and common Ikea Interview Questions, and lastly, our Walgreens Application, and some common Walgreens Interview Questions for you to take a look at.
How Much Does Best Buy Pay – Final Thoughts
So, how much do employees at Best Buy get paid? Well, the base pay is higher than a lot of entry-level jobs, but you will not make good money until you move up to leadership positions.
All in all, working at Best Buy is a decent gig. The pay is good, the benefits are great, and the work is relatively easy. Just be prepared for the occasional boring shift, and you are good to go!
All the very best in your new job at Best Buy!