Do you know someone who loves sports, the outdoors, and a good deal? ️ If so, chances are they've stepped into an Academy Sports + Outdoors store. But have you ever wondered what it's like to work there, and more importantly, how much do Academy Sports employees get paid? Let's dive deep into the world of Academy Sports + Outdoors employee compensation, benefits, and career prospects!
Step 1: Understanding the Academy Sports + Outdoors Work Environment
Before we talk numbers, let's set the stage. Academy Sports + Outdoors is a prominent retailer in the sporting goods and outdoor recreation industry. They offer a wide array of products, from athletic apparel and footwear to hunting, fishing, and camping gear. Working at Academy typically involves a fast-paced retail environment, with a strong focus on customer service and product knowledge.
Do you picture yourself helping a family pick out camping gear for their next adventure, or assisting a budding athlete in finding the perfect pair of running shoes? The roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors are diverse, and so are the compensation structures.
Step 2: Unpacking Average Hourly Wages and Salaries
So, how much can you expect to earn? The pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors varies significantly based on factors like your job title, location, experience level, and whether you're full-time or part-time.
Average Hourly Rates
According to data from various salary aggregators, the average hourly rate for an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee is around $13.37 to $16.00 per hour. However, this can range from approximately $10.43 to $17.48 per hour.
Here's a breakdown of common hourly positions and their typical ranges:
Sales Associate: Often falls in the range of $9 - $17 per hour, with an average around $12.
Cashier: Similar to sales associates, cashiers typically earn between $9 - $15 per hour, averaging about $12.
Inventory Control Specialist: This role often commands a slightly higher average, around $14 per hour, with a range of $10 - $19.
Retail Sales Associate: Generally earns between $10 - $20 per hour, averaging about $13.
Customer Service Representative (CSR): Typically ranges from $9 - $17 per hour, with an average of $13.
Team Leader: As a supervisory role, Team Leaders can expect to earn more, usually between $11 - $24 per hour, with an average of $16.
Average Annual Salaries
For salaried positions, the average annual pay for an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in the United States is around $60,445 per year. This translates to roughly $29.06 per hour, $1,162 per week, or $5,037 per month.
It's important to note that annual salaries can range widely, from as low as $31,500 for entry-level roles to as high as $120,500 for top earners in specialized or leadership positions.
Step 3: Exploring Salary Variations by Job Title
The specific role you hold at Academy Sports + Outdoors has a major impact on your earning potential. Let's look at some examples:
Store-Level Positions
Store Team Member: These are the backbone of the retail operations, assisting customers and maintaining the sales floor. Their pay typically aligns with the average hourly rates mentioned above.
Receiving Associate: Responsible for handling incoming inventory. Their pay can be slightly higher than general sales roles, often ranging from $13.63 to $18.20 per hour.
Store Team Lead: As mentioned, these roles carry more responsibility and thus, higher pay, with estimated averages around $16 - $20 per hour.
Department Manager/Store Manager: These are salaried positions with significantly higher earning potential. For instance, a Store Manager might earn an average of $41,365 annually, while a Store Director could earn around $44,943 annually.
Corporate and Specialized Roles
Academy Sports + Outdoors also has a corporate office and distribution centers that offer a different set of roles and pay scales. These positions generally offer higher salaries due to specialized skills and responsibilities.
Replenishment Analyst: Can earn an average of $59,081 annually.
Loss Prevention Manager: Averages around $53,046 annually.
Marketing Manager: Can expect an average of $123,643 annually.
Software Engineers/Developers: Salaries for tech roles can be quite competitive, with Developers earning around $100,785 annually and Senior Developers around $112,892 annually.
Directors (e.g., Director of Marketing): These executive-level positions command the highest salaries, with some roles potentially earning over $350,000 annually.
Step 4: Factors Influencing Academy Sports + Outdoors Pay
Several factors contribute to how much an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee gets paid:
Experience Level
Entry-level positions will naturally start at the lower end of the pay scale.
As you gain more experience within a role or with the company, your pay will likely increase. For example, individuals with 3 to 6 years of experience might see a boost compared to those with less than 2 years.
Location
Geographic location plays a crucial role. Salaries can differ significantly between states and even within different cities in the same state. For instance, an Academy Sports employee in California might earn more than one in a lower cost-of-living state like Arkansas.
Example: Average hourly pay for an Academy Sports Outdoors Sports in Arkansas is around $15.54 an hour, while a general Academy Sports Outdoors role in Napa, CA, can see an average annual salary of $78,635 (approximately $37.81/hour).
High cost-of-living areas often offer higher wages to offset the increased expenses.
Full-time vs. Part-time
Full-time employees generally receive a more comprehensive benefits package in addition to their regular pay, which adds to their overall compensation.
Part-time employees may have different hourly rates and often fewer benefits, though some benefits like merchandise discounts can still apply.
Department
As seen in Step 3, different departments within the company have different pay scales. Corporate, IT, and management roles typically pay more than direct retail sales or customer service roles.
Step 5: Understanding Benefits and Perks
Compensation isn't just about the hourly wage or annual salary. Benefits and perks significantly contribute to an employee's total compensation package. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits, especially for its full-time employees.
Health and Wellness
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Standard offerings for eligible employees.
Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment): Provided to offer financial security.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Designed to help employees and their families with various life challenges.
Financial Benefits
401(k) / Retirement Plan: Academy often provides a 401(k) plan, sometimes with a company match, to help employees save for retirement.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan: This allows employees to purchase company stock, often at a discounted rate.
DailyPay (On-Demand Pay): A benefit that allows employees to access their earned wages before payday, providing financial flexibility.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer reimbursement for courses, even if they are not directly related to the retail industry.
Work-Life Balance and Other Perks
Flex Time: Options for flexible scheduling, including shift pick-up/trade in stores, and potentially remote work for customer care.
PTO (Paid Time Off) / Vacation Policy: Employees accrue time off for relaxation and personal needs.
Paid Holidays: Standard paid days off for recognized holidays.
Merchandise Discount: A significant perk for employees is typically a 20% merchandise discount on items purchased in stores and online.
Expert Savings and Discount Network: Access to exclusive discounts on various brands, sporting events, theme parks, and restaurants.
Maternity / Paternity Leave: Policies in place to support new parents.
Career Development and Training Opportunities: Academy invests in employee growth through various training programs (e.g., Manager in Training, Team Lead Development).
Internal Advancement: A notable percentage of management positions are filled through internal promotions, indicating opportunities for career progression.
Step 6: Career Progression at Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes internal growth and provides various avenues for career advancement. Many employees start in entry-level roles and progress to leadership or specialized positions.
Common Career Paths
Store Team Member → Team Lead → Department Manager → Store Operations Manager → Store Director: This is a classic retail progression, where employees learn the ropes and take on increasing responsibility.
Specialized Roles: Employees can also move into specialized areas like loss prevention, logistics, or human resources within the store environment.
Corporate Opportunities: For those interested in a non-retail environment, corporate roles in areas like marketing, finance, IT, and e-commerce offer different career trajectories.
Training and Development
Academy offers various training programs, including:
Manager in Training Program
Team Lead Development
Academy Retail University
Leadership Development Courses
These programs are designed to equip employees with the skills necessary for career advancement within the company.
Step 7: How to Find Job Openings and Apply
If you're interested in joining the Academy Sports + Outdoors team, here's how you can find openings and apply:
Where to Look
Academy Sports + Outdoors Careers Website: The official career portal (careers.academy.com) is the best place to find the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of job openings across all departments and locations.
Job Search Engines: Popular platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor frequently list Academy Sports + Outdoors positions.
In-Store: Some stores might have "Now Hiring" signs or information available, though online applications are usually preferred.
Application Process
Browse Openings: Filter by location, job type (full-time, part-time), and department to find roles that match your skills and interests.
Review Job Descriptions: Carefully read the requirements and responsibilities for each position. Tailor your resume and cover letter (if applicable) to highlight relevant experience.
Submit Online Application: Most applications are submitted through the company's career website. Be prepared to provide your work history, education, and contact information.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected, you'll likely go through one or more interview rounds. This could include phone screenings, in-person interviews with store management, or panel interviews for corporate roles. Emphasize your customer service skills, teamwork ability, and passion for sports and outdoors.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Apply for a Job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can apply directly on the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website (careers.academy.com) or through major job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.
How to Get a Higher Salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To get a higher salary, gain more experience, seek promotions to leadership or specialized roles, or consider positions in departments like IT or finance within the corporate structure.
How to Become a Manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Start as a team member, demonstrate strong performance and leadership potential, and then apply for internal development programs like the Manager in Training program or Team Lead positions.
How to Negotiate Salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for your desired role and location, highlight your relevant experience and skills during the interview process, and be prepared to articulate your value to the company.
How to Get Employee Discounts at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Once hired as a Team Member, you typically receive a 20% merchandise discount on purchases made in stores and online.
How to Find Full-Time Positions at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
On the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website or other job boards, use the filters to specifically search for "full-time" positions.
How to Learn About Academy Sports + Outdoors Benefits?
Information on benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement can be found on the "Benefits" section of the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website or during the onboarding process.
How to Advance Your Career within Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Take advantage of their internal training and development programs, express interest in leadership roles, and consistently demonstrate strong performance and a commitment to the company's values.
How to Understand Pay Differences by Location at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Salaries are generally higher in areas with a higher cost of living. You can research average pay for similar roles in specific cities or states on salary aggregation websites.
How to Prepare for an Interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company, understand the job description, prepare examples of your customer service and teamwork skills, and be ready to discuss your interest in sports and outdoor activities.
