Curious About Your Potential Earnings at TJ Maxx? Let's Find Out!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work at TJ Maxx, and more importantly, how much you could earn there? Whether you're considering a new job, looking for a side hustle, or just generally curious, understanding compensation is a key part of any career exploration. TJ Maxx, a popular off-price retailer, offers a variety of roles, and the pay can vary significantly based on position, experience, location, and even the specific store. Let's dive deep into the world of TJ Maxx employee salaries!
Step 1: Understand the Factors Influencing TJ Maxx Pay
Before we get into specific numbers, it's crucial to understand that there isn't a single, universal TJ Maxx salary. Several elements play a significant role in determining how much an employee makes.
1.1 Your Role and Position
This is perhaps the most impactful factor. A part-time sales associate will naturally earn less than a store manager or a corporate-level employee. TJ Maxx, being part of The TJX Companies, has a wide range of positions, from entry-level retail to specialized corporate roles in IT, finance, and marketing.
Entry-Level & Retail Roles: This includes positions like Sales Associate, Merchandise Associate, Cashier, and Backroom Coordinator. These roles typically have hourly wages.
Supervisory & Coordinator Roles: Positions like Key Carrier, Front-End Coordinator, or Department Coordinator often come with a slightly higher hourly wage or a modest salary, reflecting increased responsibilities.
Management Roles: Assistant Store Managers and Store Managers are salaried positions with significantly higher earning potential, often including bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
Corporate & Distribution Center Roles: These roles, which can include everything from software engineers to logistics managers, tend to have the highest salaries within the company.
1.2 Geographic Location
The cost of living and local minimum wage laws in different states and cities heavily influence hourly rates and salaries. For instance, a TJ Maxx employee in New York City will likely earn more than an employee in a smaller town in a state with a lower minimum wage.
Higher Cost of Living Areas: Expect higher hourly rates and salaries in major metropolitan areas or states with strong worker protection laws and higher minimum wages.
Lower Cost of Living Areas: Wages may be closer to the state or federal minimum wage in areas with a lower cost of living.
1.3 Experience and Tenure
Like most companies, TJ Maxx often rewards experience and loyalty. An employee who has been with the company for several years and consistently performs well might earn more than a new hire in the same role. Promotions also come with pay increases.
Starting Wages: New hires, especially in entry-level positions, will typically start at the base pay for that role.
Raises and Promotions: Regular performance reviews can lead to small raises, and moving into more responsible roles will significantly impact your earnings.
1.4 Performance and Store Volume
While less directly quantifiable, an employee's individual performance and the overall sales volume of a store can sometimes influence pay, especially for management roles that might have performance-based bonuses.
Step 2: Exploring Typical Hourly Wages for Retail Roles
Let's focus on the roles most people associate with working at TJ Maxx – the in-store positions.
2.1 Average Hourly Wages
As of recent data (July 2025), the average hourly pay for a TJ Maxx employee in the United States is approximately $22.56 per hour. However, this is an average across many different roles and locations.
Hourly Range: While the average is around $22.56, hourly wages typically range from $16.11 to $30.05. Some sources indicate a wider range, from as low as $9.62 to as high as $36.06 per hour. This broad range highlights the impact of location and specific job duties.
2.2 Common Entry-Level Positions
Sales Associate/Merchandise Associate: These roles often involve customer service, stocking shelves, and maintaining store appearance. Starting pay can be anywhere from minimum wage to $15-$18 per hour, depending heavily on location. In some areas, it might be around $12-$14.
Cashier: Similar to sales associates, cashiers primarily handle transactions. Their pay scale is often in line with sales associates.
Backroom Coordinator: This role involves processing new merchandise, organizing the stockroom, and preparing items for the sales floor. The hourly wage for a Backroom Coordinator might be slightly higher than a Sales Associate, potentially ranging from $18-$25 per hour.
2.3 Supervisory and Key Roles
Key Carrier/Coordinator: These individuals have more responsibilities, including opening and closing the store, handling overrides, and assisting management. They generally earn more than entry-level associates. Expect an hourly rate in the range of $17-$25, with some areas paying upwards of $29 per hour.
Step 3: Understanding Salaried Positions and Higher Earnings
For those looking for a career path at TJ Maxx, management and corporate roles offer significantly higher earning potential.
3.1 Assistant Store Manager
Assistant Store Managers play a crucial role in daily operations, staff supervision, and customer service. Their salaries can vary widely based on store volume and location.
Annual Salary Range: An Assistant Store Manager could earn anywhere from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, with some estimates going even higher.
3.2 Store Manager
The Store Manager is responsible for the overall operation and profitability of a TJ Maxx store. This is a highly demanding but also highly compensated role.
Annual Salary Range: Store Managers can expect to make a substantial salary, typically ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, often with performance-based bonuses that can significantly increase total compensation.
3.3 Corporate and Distribution Center Roles
These positions represent the highest earning potential within The TJX Companies. Salaries here are competitive with similar roles in other large corporations.
Examples of Roles and Salaries:
Director of Sales: Can earn over $250,000 annually.
IT Department Roles (e.g., Software Engineer, Data Scientist): Salaries can range from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually, depending on seniority and specialization.
HR Roles: Average salaries around $134,000.
Finance Roles: Average salaries around $73,500.
Marketing Roles: Average salaries around $106,000.
Distribution Center Roles: For instance, a TJ Maxx Distribution Center employee might earn around $35-$45 per hour or an annual salary reflecting that.
Step 4: Beyond the Base Pay - Benefits and Perks
Salary is only one part of the compensation package. TJ Maxx, as part of TJX Companies, offers a range of benefits that can add significant value to an employee's overall earnings.
4.1 Health and Wellness Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans are typically offered to eligible full-time employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides access to counseling and support services.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes paid parental leave, paid bereavement leave (including for pregnancy loss), and paid sick time.
4.2 Financial Benefits
401(k) Plan: A retirement savings plan, often with company matching contributions, which can be a significant long-term financial benefit.
Profit Sharing: Some roles, particularly higher-level positions, may be eligible for profit-sharing programs.
Life and Disability Insurance: Provides financial protection in unforeseen circumstances.
4.3 Employee Discounts
Merchandise Discount: A perk that is often highly valued by employees, allowing them to purchase items from TJ Maxx and its sister stores (Marshalls, HomeGoods, etc.) at a discount.
4.4 Career Development
TJ Maxx emphasizes internal growth and provides opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance their careers within the company. This can include training programs and opportunities for promotion.
Step 5: How to Research Current TJ Maxx Salaries for Your Specific Situation
While the information above provides a good overview, your specific earning potential will depend on your unique circumstances.
5.1 Utilize Online Salary Aggregators
Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, and ZipRecruiter are excellent resources. They collect salary data directly from employees and can provide more localized and role-specific estimates.
Tips: When using these sites, filter by location and specific job title for the most accurate results. Look at the range provided, as the average might not reflect entry-level or highly experienced pay.
5.2 Check TJX Companies' Career Page
The official TJX Companies careers website (https://www.google.com/search?q=careers.tjx.com) is the best place to find current job openings and often provides general information about compensation and benefits for various roles. While they may not list exact salaries, job descriptions can give you an idea of the level of responsibility and, therefore, the potential pay.
5.3 Network and Ask (Discreetly!)
If you know someone who works at TJ Maxx or a similar retail environment, you might be able to gain insights into typical pay ranges. However, always approach such conversations with professionalism and respect for privacy.
Step 6: Negotiating Your Salary at TJ Maxx
While entry-level retail positions often have less room for negotiation, higher-level roles, particularly in management or corporate, offer more flexibility.
6.1 Do Your Research
Go into any salary discussion armed with data. Know the average pay for similar roles in your area and for someone with your experience.
6.2 Highlight Your Value
If you have relevant experience, unique skills, or a strong track record, be prepared to articulate why you deserve a higher-than-average starting wage or a raise.
6.3 Consider the Full Compensation Package
Remember that benefits (health insurance, 401k, PTO, discounts) have monetary value. If the base salary isn't exactly what you hoped for, consider the overall value of the entire compensation package.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to determine the exact salary for a TJ Maxx position?
It's challenging to get an "exact" salary without a job offer, as pay varies. The best approach is to research average salaries for specific roles and locations on reputable job sites (Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com).
How to negotiate a higher salary at TJ Maxx?
Research market rates, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to discuss the value you bring to the company. For entry-level, there might be less room, but for management, negotiation is more common.
How to get a raise at TJ Maxx?
Consistent strong performance, taking on additional responsibilities, and expressing interest in career advancement through internal opportunities and regular performance reviews are key to getting a raise.
How to find out about TJ Maxx's benefits package?
Information on benefits is usually provided to prospective employees during the interview process or can be found on the TJX Companies' official careers website.
How to apply for a job at TJ Maxx?
All job applications for TJ Maxx and other TJX Companies brands are typically submitted through the official TJX Careers website.
How to get promoted to a management role at TJ Maxx?
Demonstrate leadership qualities, consistently exceed expectations in your current role, express interest in advancement to your superiors, and take advantage of any internal training or development programs.
How to understand the pay difference between TJ Maxx and Marshalls?
Since both are owned by TJX Companies, the pay structures for similar roles are generally very comparable between TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Location and specific store performance might create slight variations.
How to interpret hourly wage versus annual salary at TJ Maxx?
Hourly wages are common for part-time and entry-level full-time roles, where pay is based on hours worked. Annual salaries are typically for full-time management and corporate positions, providing a fixed yearly income.
How to calculate overtime pay at TJ Maxx?
Overtime pay is usually 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as per federal and state labor laws.
How to assess if TJ Maxx offers competitive pay in my area?
Compare the average hourly wages or salaries provided by online resources for TJ Maxx in your specific location against similar retail positions at other companies in your area.
