CVS is one of the most popular pharmacies in the United States. Aside from filling prescriptions, they also sell a wide variety of over-the-counter medications, health and beauty products, and snacks.
Although they are known for their considerable employment opportunities, exactly how much does CVS pay their employees? Let’s find out…
The History Of CVS
CVS was founded in 1963 in Lowell, Massachusetts, as a storefront operation selling health and beauty aids. As the company grew, it began to open more stores and eventually expanded into other states. By the early 1990s, they had become one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country.
In 1996, the retailer merged with another large pharmacy chain, Revco. This merger made them the largest pharmacy chain in the United States.
Read more: What Does “Competitive Salary” Mean?
Fortune 500 company…
CVS continued to grow throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2006, they merged with MinuteClinic, a provider of walk-in medical care, and in 2007, they acquired Caremark Rx, a leading prescription benefit management company.
Today, CVS is the largest provider of prescriptions in the country, with over 9,600 stores in 49 states. CVS Pharmacy is a subsidiary of CVS Health, a Fortune 500 company.
Job Positions Available At CVS
There are plenty of positions available depending on your interests and skills. Some include:
- Sales Associate: They are responsible for helping customers find what they need, operating the cash registers, and general cleaning duties.
- Pharmacy Technician: These employees work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to dispense prescription medications.
- Pharmacist: They fill prescriptions and give advice on over-the-counter medications.
- Store Manager: These are responsible for the overall operation of the store, including supervising employees and handling customer complaints.
What Qualifications Do You Need To Work There?
These will depend on the position you are interested in. For sales associate positions, no experience is necessary, and training is provided on the job.
In pharmacy technician positions, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a certified training program. For pharmacists, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school and pass a state-licensed exam.
What is the Career Progression Like?
The career progression at CVS depends on the position you are interested in. For sales associate positions, you can eventually become a shift supervisor or store manager. For pharmacy technician positions, you can work towards a senior pharmacy technician or a pharmacist. And for pharmacists, you can be promoted to pharmacy manager or regional pharmacy director.
What is the Average Salary?
The average salary for CVS employees is $32; however, this varies wildly depending on the position you work in. For entry-level retail positions, the starting wage has been raised up to $15 an hour from July 2023. The average for a pharmacy technician is $18 an hour, but this goes up to an average of $58 an hour for pharmacists.
State-By-State Comparison Of Wages
The minimum pay across all states is now $15 an hour despite the minimum wage of that state, so actually, most states pay the same! There will be small inflation for those who live in states where the minimum wage is already higher such as Washington or Massachusetts.
What About Under 18s?
The pharmacy chain does hire people under the age of 18, but there are some restrictions. For example, they cannot work in the actual pharmacy section, and there are health and safety restrictions associated with the stockroom.
How Much Does CVS Pay Part-Time Workers?
CVS pays their part-time employees the same hourly rate as their full-time employees. The average number of hours worked per week for part-time employees is 32 compared to 40 for full-time.
Employee Benefits
The store provides a comprehensive benefits package for its employees, which includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Employee discounts.
What Do Employees Think of Their Wages?
Overall, staff members at the chain store are satisfied with their wages, especially since the pay increase was announced. Some feel that the company could do more to invest in their wages and training, but overall, they are happy with their compensation.
Pros And Cons Of Working At CVS
Okay, so other than competitive pay, what are the pros of working at CVS? Some employees say that the company provides good training, flexible hours, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. Other benefits include the employee discount, which can be used at CVS stores and online.
However, some employees feel that the company could do more to promote their development and provide more opportunities for career growth. Others find the work to be boring and repetitive. As with all retail work, customers can both make and break your day!
How Do The Wages Compare To Other Similar Companies?
The average hourly wage for staff members is on par with other similar companies, such as Walmart and Target. However, some positions at CVS, such as pharmacy technician and pharmacist, have a higher average hourly wage than similar positions at other companies.
Dress Code In Store
The dress code at the retailer is business casual. This means no jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. Slacks are acceptable for men, and women can wear skirts, dresses, or slacks. Staff members are provided a branded CVS shirt and name badge to wear while working.
Break Policy for Employees
CVS offers employees two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch break per shift. Breaks can be taken at any time during the shift but must be approved by a supervisor. Staff members are not allowed to leave the store during their break and will need to ensure that they have adequate cover while they are away from their workstations.
Looking For A Part Time Job?
Make sure you qualify by checking out How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At CVS, and Can Teens Work at CVS Pharmacy? Next, let’s move on to the CVS Pharmacy Application, and don’t forget to check up on Does CVS Run Background Checks if you happen to have a criminal record.
If you’re considering a few more options, check out the Shoppers Drug Mart Application, the Smiths Food And Drug Application, the Longs Drugs Application, as well as the Rite Aid Application for 2023.
Why not take a look at our in-depth guides to see which position would suit you best, such as our Sales Associate Job Description, our Store Associate Job Description, and even our Sales Associate Interview Questions, to prepare for the big day!
How Much Does CVS Pay – Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a company that offers competitive wages and benefits, CVS is a wonderful option. With plenty of opportunities for advancement and a flexible work schedule, they are an excellent place to build your career.
Overall, employees are pretty happy with their wages, especially since the pay increase was announced. So, if you are considering a job there, you can expect to be paid fairly for your work.
Good luck with your new job at CVS!
