Considering a career at Academy Sports + Outdoors and wondering about the financial side of things? You've come to the right place! Understanding potential earnings and benefits is a crucial step in any job search. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to expect regarding compensation at Academy Sports + Outdoors, providing you with a clearer picture of your earning potential.
Step 1: Let's Dive In: What Are Your Goals?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of salaries, let's take a moment. What are you looking for in a job? Are you seeking a part-time role to supplement your income, a full-time career with growth opportunities, or perhaps a leadership position? Your aspirations will significantly influence the type of compensation you can expect. Keep these goals in mind as you read through the details.
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| How Much Do You Make At Academy Sports |
Step 2: Understanding the Averages: What Does Academy Pay?
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a range of positions, and compensation naturally varies based on the role, location, and your experience. However, we can look at some general averages to give you a starting point.
Average Hourly Wage
Based on recent data, the average hourly rate for employees at Academy Sports + Outdoors is around $13.37 per hour. However, this can fluctuate from roughly $10.43 to $17.48 per hour.
Average Annual Salary
For those looking at full-time positions, the average estimated annual salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors is approximately $60,445. This equates to about $29.06 per hour, $1,162 per week, or $5,037 per month. It's important to note that reported annual salaries can range significantly, from as low as $31,500 to as high as $120,500.
Step 3: Deeper Dive: Pay by Position
The type of job you hold at Academy Sports + Outdoors is the biggest determinant of your pay. Here's a breakdown of typical hourly or annual ranges for common roles:
Retail and Store Operations Roles
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Sales Associate: Often ranges from $9 to $17 per hour, with an average around $12 per hour. These roles are often customer-facing and involve assisting shoppers with products.
Cashier: Similar to Sales Associates, Cashiers typically earn between $9 and $15 per hour, averaging around $12 per hour.
Inventory Control Specialist: These positions tend to pay a bit more, ranging from $10 to $19 per hour, with an average of about $14 per hour. They're responsible for managing stock and ensuring products are accounted for.
Retail Sales Associate: Expect to see ranges from $10 to $20 per hour, with an average of $13 per hour. This role often involves a broader range of sales and customer service duties.
Receiving Associate/Receiving: Hourly pay can be between $13.63 and $18.20 per hour, with some specific receiving roles seeing $15.00-$17.45 per hour.
Customer Service Representative (CSR): Typically earns between $9 and $17 per hour, averaging around $13 per hour.
Leadership and Management Roles
Team Leader, General: For those stepping into a leadership role, hourly rates can range from $11 to $24, with an estimated average of $16 per hour.
Store Team Leader: Also averaging around $16 per hour, with a range of $12 to $23.
Director of Marketing: A much higher-paying corporate role, with an estimated annual salary of $351,121.
Marketing Manager: Estimated annual salary around $123,643.
Engineering Manager: Estimated annual salary around $143,965.
Corporate and Specialized Roles
Academy Sports + Outdoors also has a corporate office in Katy, TX, and various specialized roles that command higher salaries. These include positions in:
Product Management (e.g., Product Manager: ~$144,874 annually)
Engineering (e.g., Senior Developer: ~$112,892 annually)
Marketing & Advertising
Finance & Accounting
Information Technology
Step 4: Factors Influencing Your Pay
Several factors can impact how much you make at Academy Sports + Outdoors:
1. Experience Level
Entry-level positions will naturally start at the lower end of the pay scale.
As you gain experience within a role or with the company, you'll likely see opportunities for raises and promotions.
2. Location, Location, Location! ️
Salaries can vary significantly based on the cost of living and the demand for labor in different cities and states. For example, salaries in certain California cities like Napa or Berkeley tend to be higher than the national average.
Even within states, there can be variations. For instance, the average annual pay for an Academy Sports Outdoors employee in Texas is about $56,314, which is slightly lower than the national average.
3. Full-Time vs. Part-Time
While hourly rates might be similar, full-time employees will naturally earn more overall due to the greater number of hours worked and often have access to a more comprehensive benefits package.
4. Performance and Reviews
Like many retail companies, Academy Sports + Outdoors may offer performance-based raises or bonuses. Demonstrating strong sales skills, excellent customer service, or leadership potential can positively impact your earnings over time.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Step 5: Beyond the Paycheck: Benefits and Perks
While the salary is a significant part of compensation, it's essential to consider the benefits package. These can add substantial value to your overall earnings and job satisfaction. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a variety of benefits, which may include:
1. Health and Wellness
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Many employees appreciate the health coverage offered, with some reviews noting it's cost-effective.
401(k) Match: A significant benefit for long-term financial planning, with some reports of a 6% match.
2. Time Off and Flexibility ️
Paid Time Off (PTO): Available for both full-time and part-time employees, with increments varying by role and years of service.
Holidays: Recognized paid holidays, sometimes offered as "flex holidays" for more choice.
Flex Time: Options for picking up/trading shifts in stores, various shift options in distribution centers, and flexible schedules in corporate roles. Remote work is also possible for some Customer Care team members.
Maternity & Parental Leave: Up to 10 weeks of maternity leave or up to 2 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
3. Employee Discounts and Perks ️
Merchandise Discount: A popular perk, employees are eligible for a 20% discount on merchandise in stores and online.
Expert Savings and Discount Network: Access to discounts on over 1,000 popular brands and a range of discounts and rewards for sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
4. Professional Development
Training Opportunities: Academy invests in employee training, with over 500,000 hours of training completed by team members in a recent year. This includes both instructor-led and online courses in areas like career and leadership development.
Internal Advancement: A significant percentage of store management positions are filled via internal promotions, indicating opportunities for career growth within the company.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer reimbursement, even for fields of study outside the retail industry.
Step 6: Employee Feedback and Overall Experience
It's helpful to consider what current and past employees say about working at Academy Sports + Outdoors. This can provide insight into the work environment and how compensation is perceived.
Compensation Satisfaction: Employee reviews regarding compensation are mixed. While some appreciate the benefits, about 33% of employees feel they are paid fairly. Many express a desire for higher pay, particularly for lead positions or given the level of responsibility.
Work Environment: Employees generally report feeling treated with respect by managers (76%) and that they get breaks without interruption (85%).
Stress and Job Enjoyment: Around 66% of employees report feeling stressed out at work, and only about 41% fully enjoy their job.
Training and Advancement: Some employees (47%) felt they didn't receive enough training when starting, and 56% reported not being given enough support to advance their careers in the past year.
While these are general sentiments, they provide a valuable perspective on the employee experience at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
"How much do you make at Academy Sports?" is a question with a nuanced answer. While average hourly wages for store roles might be in the low to mid-teens and annual salaries for corporate positions can reach six figures, your specific earnings will depend heavily on your role, experience, and location.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Beyond the numbers, remember to weigh the benefits package and employee experience. Academy Sports + Outdoors appears to offer solid benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and generous employee discounts. However, it's also worth considering employee feedback on pay satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
By taking all these factors into account, you can make a well-informed decision about whether a career at Academy Sports + Outdoors aligns with your financial goals and career aspirations. Good luck with your job search!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to calculate my potential earnings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To estimate your potential earnings, identify the specific job title you're interested in and then look up the average hourly or annual wage for that role. Multiply the hourly wage by the number of hours you expect to work per week, and then by 52 for an annual estimate. Remember to factor in your experience level and location.
How to negotiate salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for the specific role and your experience level using sites like Payscale, Comparably, or ZipRecruiter. Highlight your relevant skills and experience during the interview process. If extended an offer, you can politely express your enthusiasm for the role while inquiring if there's any flexibility in the compensation package, citing your research or unique qualifications.
How to get a raise at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on exceeding expectations in your current role, demonstrating strong performance, and taking on additional responsibilities. Regularly communicate your achievements to your manager and express your interest in career growth. When performance review time comes, be prepared to present a case for a raise based on your contributions.
How to advance my career at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes internal promotions. Seek out training opportunities, express interest in leadership development programs, and network with managers in departments you're interested in. Taking on lead roles or cross-functional projects can also demonstrate your readiness for advancement.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How to understand the benefits package offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Carefully review the benefits information provided during the hiring process. Ask specific questions about health insurance plans, 401(k) matching, PTO accrual, and any other perks. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
How to apply for jobs at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website. You can usually search for open positions by location, job type, or keyword. Create an account, upload your resume, and complete the online application form.
How to prepare for an interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss your customer service experience, teamwork skills, and knowledge of sporting goods or outdoor activities (if applicable to the role). Practice common interview questions and be ready to provide examples of your skills.
How to determine if Academy Sports + Outdoors is a good fit for me?
Consider your priorities. If competitive pay is your sole focus, research specific role salaries. If you value a supportive team, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth, Academy might be a good fit. Reading employee reviews on platforms like Comparably and Glassdoor can offer further insight into the company culture.
How to find out about specific job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
The most reliable way is to visit the "Careers" section on the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website. Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter also list their openings.
How to get the most out of employee discounts at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Familiarize yourself with the discount policy. Plan your purchases strategically to take advantage of the 20% merchandise discount on items you need or want. Also, explore the "Expert Savings" and "Discount Network" for deals on other brands and entertainment.
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