Are you preparing to apply for a job at Kroger?
This American retail company boasts a large number of department stores throughout the United States. If you are searching for a job in retail, there are plenty of entry-level roles to choose from. Taking on one of these jobs is a good way to gain some work experience and skills. There are also jobs in other divisions of Krogers, such as the warehouse and corporate offices.
If you are wondering, ‘how much does Kroger pay?’, then it’s time to find out…
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The Starting Salary
The starting salary for entry-level jobs depends on the state that you live in. The good news is that it has increased slightly in recent years and is well above minimum wage. If you already have work experience, it may be possible to negotiate your starting salary during the interview.
How Much Does Kroger Pay? – The Working Hours
Most of the company’s stores are open from 06:00 to 22:00 from Monday to Sunday. However, some stores are open around the clock to serve the needs of customers. Employees are needed to cover a broad range of shift patterns to ensure that stores are always fully staffed.
Hiring preference is usually given to applicants who are available to work a range of different shift patterns. This store manager will always attempt to take the preferences of employees into account when assigning shifts. However, you are likely to find that you work different shift patterns from week to week.
Part-time hours
You need to be available to work at least twelve hours a week to qualify for a part-time role. The maximum number of hours part-time employees can work per week is 37. On average, most part-time employees work between 20 and 25 hours per week.
Full-time hours
If you take on a full-time role, you will usually be scheduled to work between 35 and 40 hours per week. There will also be the opportunity to work extra hours during busy periods such as around major holidays. Employees who work more than 40 hours a week will receive overtime pay for those hours.
The break policy
Employees who work at least four hours are entitled to a fifteen-minute paid break in the middle of their shift. If you work a seven-hour shift, you are entitled to receive two paid fifteen-minute breaks. It is important to arrange with your shift manager when you will be able to take your paid breaks.
Working a shift of five hours or more also scores you a meal break. This break is usually unpaid and lasts between thirty minutes and one hour. The store managers of different branches set their own policies on how long meal breaks can last.
Different Jobs In The Company’s Stores
There is a wide range of roles you can apply for in Kroger’s retail stores and other departments. While these jobs have defined duties, employees need to be prepared to take on extra duties when necessary. Here are some of the main jobs you can apply for in stores, along with the duties and average salaries.
Bagger
This position is perfect for anyone who is searching for a part-time entry-level job. The main duty is working at a cash register and correctly placing groceries in bags. Baggers also need to be prepared to carry bags to the vehicles of shoppers and retrieve shopping carts.
The entry-level salary is $10.50 per hour, which is just above the minimum wage. One of the great things about this role is that it comes with medical coverage, insurance, and a retirement plan. This is unusual for a role of this type and helps make the company a great place to work.
Retail Clerk
You need to be reasonably physically fit to do this job and be ready to take on a range of different tasks. These include stocking and organizing shelves, sweeping floors, and interacting with customers. You need to have a good understanding of the company’s products and be able to make recommendations.
The starting salary for this entry-level role is usually $10.50 per hour. This can rise to $11.50 per hour once you have gained a little work experience. After you have worked as a Retail Clerk for a few years, you can earn up to $17 per hour.
Cashier
This is open to anyone over the age of sixteen who has basic math and customer service skills. It is important to be able to handle a range of payment options and provide the correct change. You also need to be polite and friendly at all times when interacting with customers.
If you have no previous work experience, you will usually start at $10.50 per hour. This can rise to $12 per hour once you gain a little experience and prove your skills. After working as a Cashier for three or four years, your salary should be boosted to $14 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician
Most of the company’s stores come complete with a pharmacy. The main responsibility of a Pharmacy Technician is receiving prescriptions and making sure they are filled correctly. You would also provide customers with advice on the best over-the-counter medications to take.
It is necessary to hold an associate’s degree to secure this role. The hourly rate is around $13.50 per hour, which translates to $28,000 per year. It should be noted that this salary is slightly below the industry standard.
Department Manager
This low-level managerial role is perfect for people who have gained a little work experience. The role is often offered to people who have excelled at a store and are ready to advance. The main duties are making sure a single department runs smoothly and training new staff.
This position is available on both a full-time and a part-time basis. The average salary is around $21 per hour, which can increase slightly over time. If you work full-time hours, you can expect to earn around $45,000 per year.
Assistant Manager
This is a second-in-command position that requires a certain level of business insight and people skills. One of the main duties is smoothly handling issues with customers and other store employees. You also need to make sure that each employee is fully trained and performing at the optimum level.
This is usually a full-time role, and you need to be prepared to stand in for the Store Manager. The starting salary is usually around $55,000 per year. This can rise to $75,000 annually over time.
Store Manager
If you have excellent leadership and people skills, you can become the manager of an entire location. While hiring managers prefer people in this role to hold a bachelor’s degree, although it is not essential. It is also possible to advance through the company and eventually become the Store Manager.
The main responsibilities are making sure that the store runs efficiently and is making a profit. This includes finding ways to create promotions to attract customers to the store and increase revenue. Other duties include interviewing and hiring staff, taking care of payroll, and managing inventory.
What is the salary?
The starting salary is usually around $52,000 per year, which quickly increases once you gain work experience. If you already have managerial experience, you could start at $70,000 per year. The company’s top store managers earn over $120,000 per year, which is a little above the industry standard.
The Employee Dress Code
All store employees are issued with a free uniform when they start work. In some stores, employees are given a full uniform consisting of a blue shirt, pants, an apron, and black non-skid shoes. However, some locations simply give employees the apron and expect them to supply the rest of the uniform.
It is important to take care of your uniform and make sure it is clean and neat at all times. Different store managers set their own policies regarding tattoos, jewelry, and general grooming. It is important to clarify these rules when you start work and follow them as closely as possible.
When Employees Get Paid
All company employees receive their salary every two weeks. When you start work, you will be given the option of receiving your salary via check or direct debit. The company has a solid reputation for paying employees at the specified times.
Raises
Full-time employees usually receive a performance review every six months, while part-time employees are assessed once a year. If you have been working hard, you will receive an increase in salary directly after your performance review. The amount of this raise is usually somewhere between ten cents and fifty cents an hour.
How Much Does Kroger Pay? – How To Apply
You need to click on the careers section of Kroger’s website to find the latest job opportunities. The available positions are arranged into categories, including grocery retail, manufacturing, supply chain & distribution, and health and wellness.
It is a good idea to read about the company culture, values, and benefits before applying for a job.
When you are ready, click on one of the employment categories and click on the ‘Apply now’ tab. A large number of available positions within that category will appear. You can narrow the search by entering the job title and address in the provided search bars.
Only apply if you’re the right match!
Make sure you take the time to read the full list of duties and requirements before applying for a job. If you feel you are the right match for the job, you can click to apply for it. You will be prompted to create a user profile by supplying your email address and user password.
Click on the link in the confirmation email to go through the online application form. Make sure you complete the application in as much detail as possible and read it through before clicking on ‘Submit.’ If you are applying for a managerial role, you will also need to upload your resume and cover letter. Take the time to tailor these hiring documents to the role you are applying for.
Acing the Application Assessment Test
All candidates are subjected to an online assessment test as part of the hiring process. This test consists of seventeen pages, and there are around five questions on each page. It is important to take the time to answer each question in detail and be as honest as possible.
There is no time limit for this test, and it is best to take the time to think about your answers. The goal is to show the hiring manager that you would be an asset to the company. You can always save the assessment test and come back to it later if you run out of time.
Following up
Hiring managers receive a large number of applications, and there is a chance that yours could get lost in the shuffle. The best way to avoid being overlooked is to reach out to the hiring manager after two or three days. This allows you to introduce yourself and show that you are interested in the job.
The best way to do this is by sending the hiring manager an email. Create a brief cover letter that demonstrates why you are the perfect person for the role. You are likely to find that being proactive in this way gives you an edge over the competition.
More Career Info On Kroger!
Firstly, if you’re on the younger side, check out How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Kroger to see if you make the cut; next is our in-depth guide to the Kroger Application Online Job Career Info, as well as the most common Kroger Interview Questions. But, if you have a criminal record, please check up on Does Kroger Hire Felons before moving forward.
Alternatively, you could always take a look at our guides to the Publix Application, and to help prepare, our Publix Interview Questions, along with the City Market Application, the Lucky Supermarkets Application, the Pick n Save Grocery Application, and the Price Chopper Application.
However, if you’ve had some trouble in the past, it’s well worth finding out what the Publix Warehouse Jobs for Felons are in 2023.
How Much Does Kroger Pay? – Final Thoughts
The hourly or annual rate you will receive depends on the job you apply for. Kroger increased its wages for all roles at the company in 2018.
In addition, full-time employees are given an enhanced benefits package, which includes enhanced retirement plans. These two steps have helped to boost employee loyalty between both full-time and part-time employees. There are also plenty of opportunities for employees who work hard to work their way up through the company.
If you put in the work, it is possible to rise from an entry-level role to low-level management relatively quickly.
All the very best working at Kroger!