Finding a healthy work environment is an integral part of the job searching process for most people. As one of the leading employers, you may be wondering how Costco treats its employees.
For example, you might be asking if Costco is a good place to work. And if so, what benefits does the company offer? Look no further! Here’s everything I discovered about the issue!
Key Takeaways
Is Costco A Good Place To Work In 2022?
Many employees consider Costco to be a great place to work as of 2022. With that, workers have industry-leading starting pay, quality health care, and financial benefits unequaled in the retail industry. Additionally, Costco provides typically unseen benefits like a laid-back work environment and ample time off, allowing Costco to stand out in the industry.
Join me as we discuss the pros and cons of working at Costco and see how past employees would rank the company!
What Hours Do Costco Employees Work?
Since Costco is a membership-based retailer, operation hours have three categories: Costco Business Center Hours, Senior Hours, and Standard Club Hours; with each type, there are designated shopping hours.
Since Business Club members pay a premium to shop early, the stores open at 7 am seven days a week.
So, store employees must come in well in advance to ready the store for these customers, and your day may begin as early as 4 or 5 am.
Since Seniors and Standard members can start their Costco shopping at 9 am and 10 am, additional employees need to start around these times to handle the increased traffic.
Also, 10 o’clock is when pharmacy, optical center, and auto center employees begin their shifts.
Despite being open Monday through Sunday, Costco does have holiday closings. For example, Costco closes on the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Even though employees may miss out on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve parties, they will be happy to spend Christmas Day and the start of the New Year with their families.
How Much Does Costco Pay?
According to Payscale.com, hourly Costco employees can expect to make between $11.00 to $35.00 per hour. However, your pay rate depends on your position and length of time with the company.
Moreover, supervisors make the most money at Costco, with an average hourly income of $24.43. On the other hand, front-end clerks earn the least of all Costco staff, with an average pay of $14.23 per hour.
Despite entry-levels having lower pay rates, employees can earn pay raises while working at Costco. For example, loyalty is rewarded as Costco generously pays employees who stick around and advance.
What Benefits Do Costco Employees Have?
By the same token, employees at Costco enjoy an excellent compensation package, including ample availability of time off.
With that, Costco offers employees at least 16 days off per year, including paid holidays after working 43 hours or more per month, three sick days per year after working 40 hours or more, and seven paid vacation days earned annually.
Not to mention, employees have access to Costco’s comprehensive health care, retirement, and financial benefits, including:
Health & Insurance Benefits:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Temporary Disability Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Financial and Retirement Benefits:
- Profit-Sharing
- Stock Bonus
- 401(K) Plan
- Pension Plan
How Is Costco’s Work Environment?
Provided you take the information with a degree of caution, websites like Glassdoor.com, Salary.com, and Payscale.com provide first-hand opinions from others who have worked in your target position at Costco.
From a review of testimonials on these websites, it seems that Costco is a highly favored employer. For example, Glassdoor.com gives Costco a stellar rating of 4.1/ 5.0 stars.
Additionally, many employees find that Costco has a friendly and laid-back environment, as employees can dress comfortably and wear jeans, blouses or polo shirts, and closed-toe shoes.
Also, it’s essential to point out that employees should feel secure knowing that Costco values maintaining a safe workplace by implementing safety policies, including background checks and a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use.
What Are Things Employees Love About Working at Costco?
It’s apparent most of Costco’s current and former employees enjoy working for the company. However, it’s helpful to know precisely what makes Costco’s work environment so great.
With that, employees that work at Costco praise the big-box retailer for its:
- Great benefits
- Higher than average pay rates (in comparison to other similar stores)
- Approachable leadership staff
- Schedule flexibility
- Company diversity and inclusion
Notably, Costco has won awards for its diversity and inclusion and has ranked in the top 5% of diverse companies since 2017.
What Are Things Employees Hate About Working At Costco?
As is a common occurrence for most retail employees, pay is a significant complaint.
Despite having the highest wages of companies of its kind, Costco’s entry-level wages are still considered under the poverty line.
Seeing that Costco is a membership-based company, customer service is the value of the company.
However, this same respect is not always given to employees, making rude customers a top employee complaint.
Other complaints employees have had include:
- Stressful work environments
- Slow advancement opportunities
- Poor work-life balance
- Scheduling conflicts
Is Working At Costco Stressful?
Being that Costco is a membership-based store, you would expect members to be on their best behavior. Unfortunately, many times this is not the case, and it stresses out employees.
For example, former and current Costco employees report customers exhibiting poor hygiene, disrespecting the store, and blatantly being rude.
Sometimes, customer behavior can lead to employee stress. According to researchers, employee stress can cause job dissatisfaction and increase employee turnover rates.
Do Part-time Costco Workers Receive Benefits?
Although it is uncommon for companies to provide part-time workers with benefits, part-time employees are eligible for the same benefits as full-time staff at Costco.
With that, the opportunity to earn benefits makes Costco a good place for part-time and seasonal workers.
Is Costco A Good Place To Work At 16?
Unlike other retail locations, the minimum age to work at Costco is 18, so, unfortunately, this is not a place for high school workers.
Is Costco A Good Place To Work While In College?
In light of Costco’s open hours, it may be difficult for college students to maintain working while attending classes.
Of course, the stores open early, and shifts can begin as early as 4 or 5 am and close at nearly 9 pm, but many college students have classes starting at 8 am and may last well into the night.
However, Costco’s scheduling flexibility allows college students to tailor their work schedule around their classes, making Costco an excellent place for a college student to work, especially considering the pay and benefits.
To learn more about Costco, you can also read our posts on whether or not Costco hires part-time, if Costco does background checks, and if Costco is an ethical company.
Conclusion
In contrast to other big-box employers, employees rank Costco as an excellent place to work overall.
With that, Costco offers employees several perks and benefits, like an attractive wage, medical, dental, and financial perks.
Additionally, Costco allows both full and part-time employees to access benefits, making it a great place to work if you’re looking to start a career or simply need a way to earn some extra money.