Are you curious about what it's like to work at Kroger in Nashville, specifically concerning the pay? You've come to the right place! Understanding potential earnings is a huge factor when considering any job, and Kroger, being a major employer in the Nashville area, offers a variety of roles with different pay scales. This comprehensive guide will break down the typical pay ranges, factors influencing salary, and even touch upon benefits and the hiring process.
Step 1: Let's Dive In - What Are You Hoping to Earn?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, take a moment to think about what kind of role at Kroger interests you. Are you looking for an entry-level position like a Courtesy Clerk or Cashier, or are you aiming for something more specialized, perhaps in management or a pharmacy role? Your aspirations will significantly shape the potential earnings we discuss.
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| How Much Does Kroger Pay In Nashville |
Step 2: Understanding the Overall Kroger Pay Landscape in Nashville
Kroger's pay in Nashville can vary, but generally, we can establish some averages to give you a good starting point.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Average Hourly and Annual Pay
As of mid-2025, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee in Nashville, TN, is approximately $14.53 per hour. This translates to an average annual salary of about $30,214.
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It's important to note that while this is the average, pay can range significantly. Some positions might start as low as $8.19 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $23.63 per hour or more.
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Annually, the range can be quite broad, with some individuals earning around $17,036 and top earners reaching up to $49,160.
Sub-heading 2.2: Understanding the Pay Percentiles
To give you a clearer picture of the spread of salaries:
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The 25th percentile for hourly pay is around $11.70, meaning 25% of Kroger employees in Nashville earn this amount or less.
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The 75th percentile for hourly pay is about $13.10, indicating that 75% of employees earn this amount or less (and 25% earn more).
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The 90th percentile for hourly pay can be as high as $18.00.
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Step 3: Drilling Down – Pay by Specific Job Titles
The type of job you hold at Kroger significantly impacts your earnings. Let's look at some common positions and their approximate pay ranges in Nashville.
Sub-heading 3.1: Entry-Level and Customer Service Roles
These roles often form the backbone of the store and typically have more standardized hourly rates.
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Grocery Clerk: Often in the range of $14.25 to $16.75 per hour.
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Courtesy Clerk: Can be around $16.55 per hour (average).
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Cashier: Pay will generally fall within the general hourly range of $12-$15.
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Fuel Center Clerk: Can expect around $15 to $18.50 per hour.
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Online Grocery Pick-Up Clerk: Likely in the range of $14.25 to $17 per hour.
Sub-heading 3.2: Department-Specific and Skilled Roles
Roles requiring more specialized skills or leadership often command higher wages.
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Deli Lead / Deli Department Leader: Around $15.75 to $21.25 per hour.
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Produce Department Leader: Can be in the range of $16.25 to $19 per hour.
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Meat/Assistant Department Leader: Roughly $21 to $27.50 per hour.
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Night Clerk / Overnight Grocery Clerk: Can be higher due to shift differentials, with Night Clerks averaging around $19.70 per hour and Overnight Grocery Clerks around $14.17 per hour.
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Kroger Bakery Manager: Averaging around $20.29 per hour.
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Pharmacy Technician Lead: Around $28 per hour (average for Tennessee).
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Starbucks/Lead Barista (within Kroger): Approximately $15.25 to $17.25 per hour.
Sub-heading 3.3: Management and Professional Roles
These positions, often requiring significant experience and responsibility, have much higher salary expectations.
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Assistant Store Manager: Averages around $57,084 per year.
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Retail Store Manager: Averages around $60,320 per year.
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Pharmacist: Can earn significantly, with averages around $123,997 per year in Nashville, and float pharmacists slightly lower at about $120,693.
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Pharmacy Manager: One of the highest-paying roles, potentially reaching an average of $126,153 per year or even higher.
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Co-Manager: This is often the highest-paying role at a Kroger store, with an average of about $155,830 annually in Nashville.
Step 4: Factors Influencing Your Kroger Pay
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
While the averages provide a good baseline, several factors can influence your specific earnings at Kroger in Nashville.
Sub-heading 4.1: Experience Level
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Entry-level positions will naturally start at the lower end of the pay scale.
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As you gain experience and tenure with Kroger, your hourly rate or salary is likely to increase through raises and promotions.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Specific Department and Role
As seen in Step 3, the department and the nature of the role play a crucial part. Roles in healthcare (like pharmacy) generally pay significantly more than typical retail positions. Management and specialized technical roles also command higher salaries.
Sub-heading 4.3: Shift Differentials
Working overnight shifts, weekends, or holidays might come with additional pay, known as shift differentials, increasing your overall hourly wage for those specific hours.
Sub-heading 4.4: Union Membership
Many Kroger employees are part of a union (like UFCW or Teamsters). Union contracts often dictate specific pay scales, annual raises, and benefit packages, which can differ from non-unionized positions. It's always a good idea to inquire about union representation if you're considering a Kroger role.
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Step 5: Beyond the Paycheck - Kroger Benefits in Nashville
While direct pay is important, a significant part of total compensation comes from benefits. Kroger offers a range of benefits that can add substantial value to your employment.
Sub-heading 5.1: Health and Wellness Benefits
Kroger provides comprehensive health benefits, including:
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Affordable options with free preventive care, immunizations, and preventive prescription medications.
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Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential counseling and referrals for stress, anxiety, grief, and other challenges.
Sub-heading 5.2: Financial Wellness and Savings
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Financial Wellness Resources: Access to tools and one-on-one coaching for budgeting, debt management, and saving.
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401(k) Plan: Opportunities to save for retirement.
Sub-heading 5.3: Work-Life Balance and Growth
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Flexible Scheduling and Paid Time Off: Many hourly roles offer flexible schedules, along with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
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Growth & Training: Opportunities for career development through talent and leadership programs, and industry-leading training.
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Continuing Education: A generous tuition reimbursement program, offering up to $21,000 over the course of an employee's career for GEDs, college degrees, or certifications.
Sub-heading 5.4: Employee Discounts
Kroger employees can enjoy various discounts, including:
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10% off Our Brands and electronics
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15% off home items
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20% off apparel and Fred Meyer Jewelry
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Up to 40% off Vitacost brands
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Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
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Step 6: The Hiring Process at Kroger (A Quick Overview)
If you're ready to explore opportunities at Kroger in Nashville, here's a general idea of what the hiring process might involve:
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Online Application: This is usually the first step, where you submit your resume and fill out an application form.
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Assessment Test: Some positions may require an online assessment to evaluate your skills and suitability for the role.
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Phone or Video Interview: If your application is successful, you might have an initial screening interview.
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In-Person Interview(s): This is where you'll meet with hiring managers to discuss your experience, customer service skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
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Background Check and Drug Test: Depending on the position, a background check and/or drug test may be required as part of the pre-employment screening. Note: Some sources indicate Kroger does not always require drug screening for all positions, but it's best to be prepared.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find Kroger job openings in Nashville? You can find Kroger job openings in Nashville directly on the Kroger Careers website, as well as on popular job boards like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
How to apply for a job at Kroger in Nashville? Most applications for Kroger in Nashville are submitted online through their official careers portal. You'll need to create an account, upload your resume, and complete the application form for the specific position(s) you're interested in.
How to prepare for a Kroger interview in Nashville? Prepare by researching Kroger's values, understanding the job description, and practicing answers to common interview questions, especially those related to customer service, teamwork, and handling challenging situations. Be ready to discuss your prior experience and how it aligns with the role.
How to negotiate salary at Kroger in Nashville? While entry-level positions might have less room for negotiation, for specialized or management roles, research the average pay for similar positions in Nashville and be prepared to articulate your value and experience to support your desired salary.
How to get promoted at Kroger in Nashville? Focus on consistent strong performance, demonstrating leadership potential, taking on additional responsibilities, and expressing your interest in career advancement to your supervisors. Utilize Kroger's internal training and development programs.
How to understand Kroger's benefits package in Nashville? Once hired, Kroger will provide detailed information about their benefits packages. You can also find general overviews of their benefits (like health coverage, 401k, and tuition reimbursement) on the "Why Join Our Team?" section of the Kroger Family of Companies Careers website.
How to determine if a Kroger job in Nashville is right for me? Consider your career goals, the typical duties of the role, the work environment (fast-paced retail), and the compensation and benefits package. Reading employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed can also offer insights into the company culture.
How to find out the starting pay for a specific Kroger position in Nashville? While exact starting pay may not always be publicly advertised, you can often find estimated ranges on job boards. During the interview process, it's appropriate to inquire about the salary range for the role.
How to address gaps in employment when applying to Kroger in Nashville? Be honest and prepared to explain any employment gaps in a positive light, focusing on what you learned, skills you gained, or reasons that demonstrate your readiness to return to the workforce.
How to access training and development opportunities at Kroger Nashville? Kroger emphasizes internal growth. Once an employee, inquire with your department manager or HR about available training programs, leadership development initiatives, and their tuition reimbursement program to further your education and skills.
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