So, you're curious about Kroger pay in Tennessee? That's a fantastic question, and one that many job seekers consider when looking for opportunities with a major retailer. Kroger is a massive company, and like any large employer, their pay can vary significantly based on a number of factors. Don't worry, we're going to break it down for you step-by-step, giving you a clear picture of what you can expect!
Step 1: Let's Get Started! What's Your Role?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's think about you! Are you looking for a part-time position as a cashier to supplement your income, or are you hoping to build a long-term career as a department manager or even in corporate? Your answer here will greatly influence the pay you can expect. Kroger offers a wide range of roles, from entry-level to highly specialized, and each comes with its own compensation structure.
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| How Much Does Kroger Pay In Tn |
Step 2: Understanding the Big Picture – Overall Average Pay
When looking at Kroger salaries in Tennessee, it's helpful to first understand the average across all positions. This gives us a baseline.
Average Hourly and Annual Pay
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As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee in Tennessee is around $15.06 per hour.
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This translates to an average annual salary of approximately $31,327.
However, remember this is an average. Some employees will earn significantly more, and some will earn less, depending on their specific role, experience, and location within Tennessee.
Step 3: Diving Deeper – Pay by Specific Job Role
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore what specific roles typically pay at Kroger in Tennessee. This is where you'll likely find the most relevant information for your job search!
Cashier
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Average Hourly Pay: $12.22
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Hourly Range: Typically between $10.24 (25th percentile) and $13.94 (75th percentile), though it can go as low as $6.98 and as high as $16.58.
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Annual Average: Approximately $25,413
Deli Associate
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Average Hourly Pay: $13.73
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Hourly Range: Generally between $12.64 (25th percentile) and $15.05 (75th percentile), with some earning as low as $8.29 and as high as $16.80.
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Annual Average: Approximately $28,557
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
Stocker/Stock Clerk
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Average Hourly Pay: Around $16 (based on data for Jackson, TN)
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Hourly Range: Typically between $14 and $19.
Pharmacy Technician
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Average Hourly Pay: Around $18 (based on data for Franklin, TN)
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Hourly Range: Typically between $15 and $21.
Bakery Associate
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Average Hourly Pay: $14.16
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Hourly Range: Generally between $12.21 (25th percentile) and $15.72 (75th percentile), with some earning as low as $8.73 and as high as $18.55.
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Annual Average: Approximately $29,461
Management Positions
Management roles, as expected, command higher salaries.
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Average Annual Pay for Kroger Management: $123,256
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Hourly Equivalent: Approximately $59.26 per hour.
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Annual Range: While the majority of salaries for management range from $126,200 (25th percentile) to $126,200 (75th percentile), top earners can reach $126,158 annually, and some can be as low as $58,995.
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Examples of higher-paying related roles: Kroger Pharmacy Manager ($127,577 average annual).
Step 4: The City Factor – Where in Tennessee Matters
Just like real estate, location is key when it comes to salaries. The cost of living and local market demand can influence how much Kroger pays in different Tennessee cities.
Highest Paying Cities for Kroger Jobs (Overall Average):
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Nashville: ~$14.53/hour ($30,214 annually)
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Murfreesboro: ~$14.45/hour ($30,058 annually)
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Franklin: ~$14.04/hour ($29,199 annually)
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Memphis: ~$13.93/hour ($28,978 annually)
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Jackson: ~$13.75/hour ($28,590 annually)
Highest Paying Cities for Specific Roles (Examples):
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Kroger Cashier: Franklin ($13.29/hour), Johnson City ($13.15/hour), Nashville ($13.01/hour)
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Kroger Deli: Franklin ($14.94/hour), Johnson City ($14.78/hour), Nashville ($14.61/hour)
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Kroger Management: Franklin ($64.46/hour), Memphis ($63.53/hour), Nashville ($63.06/hour)
Step 5: Experience and Skills – Your Earning Potential
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Beyond the role and location, your experience level and specific skills will play a significant role in determining your pay.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced:
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Generally, entry-level positions will start at the lower end of the pay scale.
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With more experience, proven performance, and additional responsibilities, your earning potential will naturally increase through raises and promotions.
Specialized Skills and Certifications:
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For roles like Pharmacy Technician, having certifications (e.g., CPhT) or specialized training can lead to higher starting pay and more opportunities for advancement.
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Leadership skills are paramount for management roles and directly impact salary.
Step 6: Benefits and Perks – Beyond the Hourly Wage
While the hourly wage or annual salary is important, don't forget to consider the full compensation package. Kroger, as a large corporation, typically offers a range of benefits that add significant value.
Common Benefits Include:
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Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Retirement Plans: Such as a 401(k) with potential company matching.
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Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
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Employee Discounts: On groceries and other store items.
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Tuition Reimbursement: Opportunities for educational advancement.
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Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.
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Boost Membership: Kroger offers a "Boost" membership which can provide free delivery and 2x fuel points, along with streaming benefits (like Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ with ads). This can be a significant perk for frequent Kroger shoppers.
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DailyPay Options: Some employers, including potentially Kroger, offer services like DailyPay, allowing you to access a portion of your earned wages before your official payday, which can be a great help for managing unexpected expenses.
Step 7: How to Apply and Get Hired
Ready to explore opportunities at Kroger in Tennessee? Here's a quick guide to the application process.
Finding Job Openings:
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Kroger Careers Website: The most direct way is to visit the official Kroger careers website (
krogerfamilycareers.com -
Online Job Boards: Sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn also list Kroger openings.
The Application Process:
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
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Online Application: Most applications are completed online. You'll typically need to create a profile, upload your resume, and fill out personal and work history details.
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Assessments: Some positions may require online assessments to evaluate skills like customer service, math, or problem-solving.
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Interviews: If your application is successful, you'll be contacted for an interview, which could be virtual or in-person.
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Background Check and Drug Screen: Standard procedure for most retail positions.
Step 8: Tips for Success
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Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the specific Kroger role you're applying for.
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Highlight Customer Service Skills: For most store-level positions, strong customer service is crucial.
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Be Flexible with Availability: Especially for entry-level roles, showing flexibility for different shifts (evenings, weekends) can increase your chances.
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Research the Company Culture: Understanding Kroger's values can help you articulate why you'd be a good fit during interviews.
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Follow Up: A polite follow-up after an interview can show your continued interest.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Kroger pay in Tennessee, with quick answers:
How to determine the exact pay for a specific Kroger job in Tennessee?
The exact pay will depend on the specific job, your experience, and the store's location. The best way to determine this is to inquire directly with the hiring manager or during the interview process.
How to increase my earning potential at Kroger in Tennessee?
Gain more experience, seek opportunities for advancement to leadership or specialized roles (like Pharmacy Tech), and consider positions in higher-paying cities within Tennessee.
How to find out if Kroger offers benefits in Tennessee?
Yes, Kroger typically offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts. Details can be found on their careers website or inquired about during the hiring process.
How to apply for a management position at Kroger in Tennessee?
Search for "Management" roles on the Kroger careers website, ensure you meet the experience requirements, and highlight your leadership skills in your application and resume.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to know the typical starting pay for new Kroger employees in Tennessee?
For entry-level roles like cashier or stocker, the starting pay is often closer to the lower end of the hourly ranges mentioned (e.g., around $10-$12/hour for a cashier).
How to negotiate salary when offered a job at Kroger in Tennessee?
Research the typical pay range for the specific role and your experience level. Be prepared to articulate your value and why you believe you deserve a higher wage, but also be realistic based on market averages.
How to utilize Kroger's employee discount in Tennessee?
Kroger employees typically receive a discount on groceries and other store purchases. Details on how to apply this discount are usually provided during onboarding.
How to access earned wages early at Kroger in Tennessee?
Some employers, including potentially Kroger, partner with services like DailyPay, which allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before their regular payday. Check with Kroger's HR department or your store manager for details.
How to find Kroger job openings in a specific city in Tennessee?
Visit the Kroger careers website (krogerfamilycareers.com) and use their search function to filter jobs by specific city or postal code in Tennessee.
How to understand the difference between hourly and salaried pay at Kroger in Tennessee?
Hourly pay means you earn a set amount for each hour you work, common for most store associates. Salaried pay means you receive a fixed annual amount, regardless of hours worked (though expectations for hours exist), which is typical for management and corporate roles.
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