Thinking about a career as a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors? It's a popular question, and understanding compensation is a key part of any career decision. Let's dive into what you can expect!
Step 1: Understanding the Nuances of Managerial Roles
Before we talk numbers, it's crucial to understand that "manager" at Academy Sports + Outdoors isn't a single, monolithic role. Just like in any large retail chain, there are various levels of management, each with different responsibilities and, consequently, different pay scales.
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| How Much Do Academy Sports Managers Make |
Sub-heading: What Kind of Manager Are We Talking About? ♀️
Are you thinking about:
Store Manager: These are the leaders of an entire retail location, responsible for overall operations, sales, profitability, customer experience, and team development.
Assistant Store Manager: These managers support the Store Manager and often oversee specific departments or operational areas.
Department Manager/Team Lead: These roles typically oversee a specific section of the store (e.g., footwear, apparel, outdoor gear) or a team of associates.
Operations Manager: This role often focuses on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the store, like inventory, loss prevention, and ensuring smooth operational flow.
Sales Manager: Specifically focused on driving sales and managing sales teams.
Corporate/Distribution Center Management: Beyond the retail stores, Academy Sports + Outdoors has a corporate office and distribution centers with various management positions in areas like supply chain, marketing, IT, and HR.
The salary range will vary significantly depending on the specific managerial role.
Step 2: Gathering the Data: What the Numbers Say
Now, let's get to the figures. Keep in mind that salaries can vary based on location, experience, store volume, and performance. The data presented here is based on general averages from various salary aggregation platforms as of mid-2025.
Sub-heading: Average Salary Ranges
Overall Average for "Academy Sports Outdoors" (General Managerial Roles): The average estimated annual salary, including base and bonus, at Academy Sports & Outdoors is around $149,549, or $71 per hour. However, the estimated median salary is closer to $122,215, or $58 per hour. This indicates a wide range, with some positions paying significantly more.
Retail Store Manager: For a Retail Store Manager specifically, average salaries often fall within the range of $55,000 to $86,000 annually.
Sales Manager: An Academy Sports & Outdoors Sales Manager earns an estimated $154,567 annually, which often includes an estimated base salary of $106,011 with a $48,556 bonus. This is a higher average, suggesting that sales performance bonuses play a significant role.
Assistant Store Manager / Team Lead (Hourly Basis): While many managerial roles are salaried, some assistant manager or team lead positions might be compensated hourly. For example, an hourly wage of around $16-$18 is sometimes seen for these roles, which would translate to roughly $33,000 to $38,000 annually for a full-time position.
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing Salary
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Location, Location, Location! ️: Salaries can fluctuate dramatically based on the cost of living and market demand in a particular region. For instance, cities like Napa, CA, or parts of Alaska might show higher averages due to different economic factors.
Experience Level: Naturally, a manager with 10+ years of experience will likely command a higher salary than someone just stepping into a managerial role.
Store Volume and Performance: Managers of high-performing, high-revenue stores often have better earning potential, especially when bonuses are tied to sales targets.
Responsibilities and Scope: A manager overseeing a small department will likely earn less than a Store Director responsible for an entire large-format store.
Bonuses and Incentives: Many managerial positions in retail, especially at the store and sales manager levels, include performance-based bonuses, which can significantly boost total compensation.
Step 3: Breaking Down the Compensation Package
Beyond the base salary, a manager's total compensation package at Academy Sports + Outdoors can include various benefits and perks.
Sub-heading: Typical Benefits
Health Insurance: This usually includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employee reviews often highlight the availability of health benefits.
401(k) Plan: A retirement savings plan, often with a company match, is a common benefit.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays are typically part of the package for full-time managers.
Merchandise Discount: A common perk in retail, allowing employees to purchase products at a reduced price (e.g., a 20% merchandise discount).
Training and Development: Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes internal advancement and offers various training opportunities, including programs like "Academy Retail University" and leadership development courses. This can be a significant benefit for career growth.
Tuition Reimbursement: The company values education and may offer reimbursement for tuition, even for fields of study outside the retail industry.
Flex Time: While not always applicable to all managerial roles, some positions may offer flexibility in scheduling.
Expert Savings/Discount Network: Access to discounts on various brands and services through vendor relationships and broader discount networks.
Sub-heading: The Impact of Employee Satisfaction on Compensation Perception
It's important to note that while the stated benefits are there, employee reviews sometimes indicate a perception of being undervalued in terms of pay, especially when compared to the level of responsibility. This highlights that while the numbers are a guide, individual experiences can vary. Some reviews point to good benefits, but a desire for higher base pay for the work performed.
Step 4: Career Trajectory and Advancement
Understanding the potential for growth is as important as the initial salary. Academy Sports + Outdoors does have a defined career path for managers.
Sub-heading: Pathways to Higher Earnings
Internal Promotions: The company states that a significant percentage of store management positions are filled via internal promotions. This means starting as a team lead or assistant manager can lead to a Store Manager or even a District Manager role.
Cross-Functional Training: Opportunities to learn different aspects of the business (e.g., from sales to operations) can broaden a manager's skill set and open doors to higher-level roles.
Leadership Development Programs: Participation in programs designed to hone leadership skills can accelerate career progression.
Relocation Opportunities: Being open to relocating to different markets can sometimes lead to faster advancement or opportunities in higher-paying regions.
Moving to Corporate Roles: Successful store managers might transition to corporate roles in areas like merchandising, operations, or training, which often come with higher salaries.
Examples of career progression within the company include individuals starting as team members and moving up to Team Lead, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, and eventually Store Director.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Step 5: How to Position Yourself for Success (and Better Pay!)
If becoming a well-compensated manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors is your goal, here's how you can prepare and excel.
Sub-heading: Key Skills and Qualifications
Strong Leadership & People Management Skills: The ability to motivate, train, and develop a team is paramount.
Excellent Customer Service Orientation: Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes customer experience, so a manager must lead by example in this area.
Business Acumen: Understanding financial statements, inventory management, and sales metrics is crucial for driving profitability.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with employees, customers, and corporate leadership is essential.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Managers frequently encounter challenges, from staffing issues to inventory discrepancies, requiring quick and effective solutions.
Adaptability: The retail environment is dynamic, requiring managers to adapt to new strategies, products, and market conditions.
Product Knowledge: A passion for and knowledge of sports and outdoor gear can be a significant advantage.
Sub-heading: The Hiring Process
The hiring process for managerial roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors typically involves:
Initial Phone Screen: A recruiter will assess your basic qualifications and fit.
Managerial Interview (Phone/Video): A deeper dive into your experience and skills with a hiring manager.
Onsite Interviews: Multiple rounds with various team members, potentially including technical questions, behavioral assessments, and scenario-based discussions. They'll be looking for your collaborative abilities, project management skills, and data-driven insights.
Being prepared with specific examples of your leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills will be key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to calculate total compensation?
To calculate total compensation, you'll need to add your base salary, any anticipated bonuses (performance-based, sign-on, etc.), and the estimated value of benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and employee discounts.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
How to negotiate a higher salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research salary benchmarks for similar roles and locations, highlight your relevant experience and unique skills, and be prepared to articulate the value you bring to the company. Emphasize any past achievements in sales growth, cost reduction, or team development.
How to advance from a retail associate to a manager?
Focus on excelling in your current role, demonstrate leadership potential, take initiative, seek out training opportunities, and express your career aspirations to your superiors. Networking within the company can also be beneficial.
How to become a Store Manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Typically, this involves gaining significant experience as an Assistant Store Manager or Department Manager, demonstrating strong sales performance, leadership, and operational efficiency, and successfully completing internal development programs.
How to measure performance as an Academy Sports manager?
Performance is typically measured by key metrics such as sales targets, profitability (managing controllable costs), customer satisfaction scores, inventory accuracy, and employee development and retention.
How to balance work-life as a retail manager?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Retail management can be demanding. Strategies include effective delegation, strong time management, setting clear boundaries, and utilizing any available flex-time options.
How to move from store management to corporate management?
This often requires a deep understanding of store operations, strong analytical skills, and the ability to contribute to broader company strategies. Networking with corporate teams and seeking opportunities in relevant departments (e.g., supply chain, merchandising) can help.
How to get hired as a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors with no prior retail management experience?
While challenging, it's possible if you have strong transferable leadership skills from other industries, a passion for sports and the outdoors, and a willingness to learn the retail specifics. Highlight your ability to manage teams, drive results, and provide excellent customer service.
How to ace the Academy Sports manager interview?
Research the company's values, understand the job description thoroughly, prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for behavioral questions, and ask insightful questions about the role and team.
How to find current manager job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website, or check popular job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter for current openings.
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