Are you curious about what you could potentially earn working at Kroger? It's a common question, and the answer isn't a simple one-size-fits-all number. Kroger's hourly wages, like those of many large retailers, can vary significantly based on several factors. But don't worry, we're going to break it all down for you step-by-step, so you can get a clear picture of what to expect!
How Much Do You Make an Hour at Kroger? A Comprehensive Guide
Kroger, one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, employs hundreds of thousands of people in diverse roles. Understanding their pay structure involves looking at national averages, specific job roles, geographical location, and even your own experience. Let's dive in!
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| How Much Do You Make An Hour At Kroger |
Step 1: Understanding the Average Hourly Rate at Kroger - What's the Ballpark?
So, you want to know the general range? Excellent question! This is where most people start, and it gives you a good foundational understanding.
Sub-heading: The National Snapshot
As of mid-2025, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee in the United States typically falls between $13 to $17 per hour. However, it's important to note that this is an average across all positions and locations. Some sources report averages closer to $14.78 or $14.92 per hour.
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Key Takeaway: While this gives you a general idea, your actual pay could be higher or lower depending on the specifics we'll cover in the next steps.
Step 2: Unpacking the Factors That Influence Your Kroger Paycheck
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Now that we have a general average, let's explore the crucial elements that will truly determine your hourly wage at Kroger.
Sub-heading: Your Specific Job Role
This is arguably the most significant factor. Entry-level positions will naturally have a different pay scale than specialized or supervisory roles.
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Entry-Level Positions (Typically $12-$15 per hour):
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Cashier: Often around $13 per hour, but can range from $10 to $17.
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Courtesy Clerk / Bagger: Typically on the lower end, around $12-$13 per hour.
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Grocery Clerk / Stock Associate: Often around $14-$15 per hour, with ranges from $12 to $21.
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Deli Clerk: Around $13 per hour, with ranges from $11 to $17.
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Barista: Can be around $14-$18 per hour.
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Skilled & Specialized Roles (Often $15-$25+ per hour):
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Pharmacy Technician (CPHT): Can range from $12 to $21, with averages around $15-$17. Certified Pharmacy Technicians tend to earn more.
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Meat Clerk: Around $14 per hour, with ranges from $11 to $19.
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Front End Supervisor: Can be $15 to $25 per hour.
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Bakery Manager: Often $15-$24 per hour.
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Meat and Seafood Manager: Can reach over $21 per hour.
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Overnight Stocker / Lead: Reports show ranges around $13-$20 per hour, with leads potentially earning more.
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Utility Clerk: Around $12-$22 per hour.
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Driver (Delivery/CDL): Can be $19-$22 per hour, or even higher for CDL roles.
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Pharmacist: These are salaried positions with significantly higher pay, often averaging over $60 per hour or $120,000+ annually. Pharmacy Managers earn even more.
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Sub-heading: Geographical Location – Where You Live Matters!
Pay rates can vary considerably by state and even by city due to local minimum wage laws, cost of living, and regional demand for labor.
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Higher-Paying Regions/States: States and cities with a higher cost of living or stronger union presence often have higher hourly rates. For example, some reports show California averages around $16/hour, and Washington state can see cashiers making over $21/hour. Cities like Nome, AK, Berkeley, CA, and San Jose, CA, appear to have some of the highest hourly wages for certain roles.
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Lower-Paying Regions/States: Conversely, states with lower minimum wages or a lower cost of living may have starting rates closer to the federal minimum wage. For instance, some areas in Kentucky might have starting wages near $7.25 per hour.
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Always check specific job listings for your desired location!
Sub-heading: Your Experience Level
Like any job, experience plays a crucial role. A new hire with no experience will likely start at the lower end of the pay scale for their position. Employees with several years of experience, specialized skills, or a proven track record of performance can expect to earn more.
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Example: A stock associate who started at $13/hour in 2022 might now earn $16.75/hour after two years due to raises and experience.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Sub-heading: Union vs. Non-Union Stores
Many Kroger stores operate under collective bargaining agreements with unions. Union contracts often dictate specific wage increases, benefits, and pay scales, which can lead to higher and more consistent wages compared to non-unionized locations.
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Tip: If you're considering a Kroger job, it's worth researching if the specific store is unionized, as this can impact your earning potential.
Step 3: Beyond the Hourly Wage - Understanding Kroger's Benefits
While the hourly rate is essential, it's equally important to consider the total compensation package. Kroger offers a range of benefits that can add significant value to your overall earnings and quality of life.
Sub-heading: Health and Wellness
Kroger provides comprehensive health benefits to eligible employees, which can be a major saving on personal expenses.
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Affordable plans that include preventive care, immunizations, hospital visits, and prescription drug coverage.
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Mental Health Support: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer free and confidential counseling services.
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Wellness Programs: Include deals on gym memberships and vaccination clinics.
Sub-heading: Financial Security
Kroger aims to support its employees' financial well-being, both in the short and long term.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
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401(k) Retirement Plan: A significant perk! Kroger offers a company match. They typically match 100% of your contribution for the first 3% and 50% for the next 2%. You can contribute up to 75% of your salary.
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Life Insurance & Disability Coverage: Basic life insurance is often provided, with options for supplemental coverage. Short-term and long-term disability insurance offer income replacement in case of illness or injury.
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Financial Wellness Resources: Free tools and one-on-one coaching for budgeting, debt payoff, and saving.
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Emergency Financial Assistance: Through programs like the Helping Hands Fund.
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Sub-heading: Paid Time Off (PTO) & Flexible Scheduling
Work-life balance is increasingly important, and Kroger offers benefits to support this.
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Paid Time Off: Eligibility depends on your full-time/part-time status, hours worked, and length of service. Full-time employees can receive up to 7 days of PTO in their first year, increasing to up to 30 days for long-term employees.
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Holiday and Sick Pay: Based on eligibility.
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Flexible Scheduling: Available for many full-time and part-time hourly roles.
Sub-heading: Employee Discounts & Other Perks
Who doesn't love a discount? Kroger offers several ways to save money for its employees.
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Grocery Discounts: Typically 10% off "Our Brands" products. Some employees may receive greater promotions on specific merchandise.
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Discounts on Other Items: Includes electronics (10% off), home goods (15% off), apparel and Fred Meyer Jewelry (20% off), and Vitacost brands (up to 40% off).
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Associate Discount Program: Provides savings on travel, entertainment, cell phone plans, hotels, movie tickets, amusement parks, and more.
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Tuition Reimbursement: Through the "Feed Your Future" program, employees can receive up to $21,000 in tuition assistance for GEDs, college degrees, or certifications. This is available for both full-time and part-time employees!
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Growth & Training Opportunities: Kroger emphasizes internal promotions and offers talent and leadership development programs. Many store managers started in entry-level positions.
Step 4: How to Find Out Specific Pay for a Kroger Position
Now that you understand the variables, how do you find the exact pay for a role you're interested in?
Sub-heading: Researching Job Postings
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
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Official Kroger Careers Website: This is your best bet. Visit
www.krogerfamilycareers.comand search for specific job openings in your desired location. While not all postings explicitly state the hourly wage, many will provide a range or a clear hourly rate. -
Job Boards: Websites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor often list Kroger jobs and may include salary estimates based on reported employee data. Be aware that these can be averages and might not be precise for every single role or location.
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Union Websites: If the Kroger store is unionized, the local union's website might have information on their current collective bargaining agreement and pay scales.
Sub-heading: During the Application and Interview Process
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Ask During the Interview: It's perfectly acceptable to ask about the hourly wage and benefits package during your interview. Inquire about the starting pay for the specific role, potential for raises, and eligibility for benefits.
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Clarify Probationary Periods: Some roles might have a probationary period with a slightly lower starting wage that increases upon successful completion.
Step 5: Negotiating Your Pay (If Applicable)
While hourly retail positions often have less room for negotiation than salaried roles, it's not entirely out of the question, especially if you bring valuable experience.
Sub-heading: When to Consider Negotiating
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Relevant Experience: If you have previous experience in a similar role at another grocery store or a related industry, highlight this during your interview.
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Specialized Skills: For roles like pharmacy technician or certain department leads, specialized certifications or skills can give you leverage.
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High-Demand Roles: If there's a particular need for your position in that specific store or region, you might have more room to negotiate.
Sub-heading: How to Approach Negotiation
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Do Your Research: Know the typical pay range for that position in your area (as discussed in Step 2 and 4).
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State Your Value: Clearly articulate why your experience and skills make you a valuable asset to Kroger and why you believe you deserve a higher starting wage.
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Be Realistic: Understand that for many hourly roles, the pay scale might be relatively fixed. Aim for a reasonable increase rather than an unrealistic one.
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Consider Benefits: If an hourly wage negotiation isn't fruitful, you might inquire about other benefits, such as a slightly different schedule, or opportunities for quicker advancement.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Kroger hourly pay and their quick answers:
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How to find the exact starting pay for a specific Kroger job in my area?
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Quick Answer: Your best bet is to check current job postings on
www.krogerfamilycareers.comfor your specific location. Many listings provide the hourly wage or a range.
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How to get a raise at Kroger?
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Quick Answer: Raises at Kroger are typically based on performance reviews, length of service, and union contracts (if applicable). Consistent good performance, taking on more responsibilities, and staying with the company for a longer period generally lead to pay increases.
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How to understand Kroger's pay scale by position?
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Quick Answer: Kroger's pay varies significantly by role. Entry-level jobs (cashier, bagger) are typically lower, while skilled roles (pharmacy tech, department leads, warehouse) generally pay more.
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How to know if a Kroger store is unionized?
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Quick Answer: You can often find this information by asking current employees, checking the store's location on union websites, or inquiring during the interview process.
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How to apply for a job at Kroger?
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Quick Answer: All Kroger job applications are handled through their official careers website:
www.krogerfamilycareers.com.
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How to qualify for Kroger employee benefits?
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Quick Answer: Eligibility for benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and PTO typically depends on your employment status (full-time vs. part-time) and length of service. Details are usually provided during onboarding.
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How to get tuition reimbursement from Kroger?
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Quick Answer: Through their "Feed Your Future" program, eligible full-time and part-time associates can receive up to $21,000 in tuition assistance for various educational pursuits. Contact HR for specific application details.
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How to use Kroger employee discounts?
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Quick Answer: Kroger employees typically receive a special associate discount card or use their employee ID to get discounts on Kroger brands and other merchandise. Specific details are provided to employees.
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How to move up the career ladder at Kroger?
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Quick Answer: Kroger emphasizes internal growth. Focus on excelling in your current role, expressing interest in new responsibilities, utilizing training programs, and networking with supervisors to identify advancement opportunities.
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How to contact Kroger HR about pay inquiries?
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Quick Answer: Once hired, you can contact your store's HR representative or the corporate HR department for specific questions regarding your pay, benefits, or pay scale information.
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