Are you curious about what it's like to work at Academy Sports + Outdoors and, more importantly, how much you can earn? This guide will break down the typical pay ranges, factors influencing your salary, and other perks of being an Academy team member. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors
So, you're considering a role at Academy Sports + Outdoors – that's great! Before we get into specific numbers, it's essential to understand that salaries and wages can vary significantly. What influences this? A lot of things, including:
Your specific job role: A cashier's pay will differ from a store manager's or a corporate executive's.
Location, location, location: Salaries can vary based on the cost of living and market rates in different cities and states. For example, salaries in California might be higher than in Arkansas for the same role.
Experience and skills: Like any job, the more experience you bring and the more specialized your skills, the higher your earning potential.
Full-time vs. Part-time: Hourly rates might differ, and full-time positions often come with a more comprehensive benefits package.
On average, the estimated annual salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors, including base and bonus, is around $149,549, or about $71 per hour. However, this is a very broad average across all positions, from entry-level to executive roles. The estimated median salary is closer to $122,215, or $58 per hour.
For most hourly store employees, the average hourly pay tends to be around $13.37, with a range from approximately $10.43 to $17.48 per hour.
Step 2: Exploring Pay by Position
Let's break down some common roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors and their typical pay ranges. Keep in mind these are estimates and can fluctuate.
Retail Store Positions
Sales Associate / Retail Sales Associate: This is one of the most common entry-level positions. You'll likely earn an hourly wage.
Average: Around $12 - $13 per hour
Range: Typically between $9 - $20 per hour
Cashier: Similar to a sales associate, this is also an hourly role.
Average: Around $12 per hour
Range: Typically between $9 - $15 per hour
Receiving Associate / Inventory Control Specialist: These roles involve managing inventory and stock in the store.
Average: Around $14 per hour
Range: Typically between $10 - $19 per hour
Customer Service Representative (CSR):
Average: Around $13 per hour
Range: Typically between $9 - $17 per hour
Leadership and Management Roles (Store Level)
If you're looking to move up the ladder, management positions offer higher salaries.
Team Lead / Store Team Leader: These roles involve supervising a team or a specific department within the store.
Average: Around $16 per hour
Range: Typically between $11 - $24 per hour
Retail Store Manager: This is a significant leadership role, overseeing the entire store's operations.
Average Annual Salary: Around $55,333
Range: Estimated to be between $36,000 - $86,000 annually
Retail Manager:
Average Annual Salary: Around $60,242
Range: Estimated to be between $41,000 - $91,000 annually
Store Operations Manager:
Average Annual Salary: Around $57,117
Range: Estimated to be between $38,000 - $91,000 annually
Distribution Center Roles
Academy Sports + Outdoors also has distribution centers, which offer different types of roles.
Average Hourly Wage (Distribution Center): Can vary greatly by location, but in some areas like Tennessee, it's around $32.46 per hour.
Average Annual Salary (Distribution Center): In Tennessee, the average is $67,517. In Georgia, it's about $62,813.
Corporate and Specialized Roles
For those with specialized skills or seeking corporate careers, salaries are generally much higher. These roles are typically located at Academy's corporate headquarters.
Director of Marketing: Up to $351,121 annually
Marketing Manager: Around $123,643 annually
Software Engineer / Developer: Can range from $100,785 to $166,560+ annually depending on seniority.
Data Scientist: Around $126,976 annually
Senior Supply Chain Analyst: Around $82,490 annually
Corporate Jobs (general): In Texas, the average annual salary for corporate jobs can be around $109,046, with a range from $84,000 - $105,000.
Step 3: Factors that Influence Your Earning Potential
Now that you have a general idea of the numbers, let's elaborate on the factors that can significantly impact what you make at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
A. Geographic Location
The cost of living and local market demand for labor play a massive role. For example:
California vs. Arkansas: A sales associate in a high-cost-of-living state like California will likely earn more per hour than a sales associate in a lower-cost-of-living state like Arkansas, even for the same role.
City vs. Rural Area: Urban areas often have higher wages due to increased competition for talent and a higher cost of living.
B. Experience Level and Seniority
This is a universal truth in the job market.
Entry-Level: Positions like cashier or sales associate typically start at the lower end of the pay scale.
Mid-Level: As you gain experience and take on more responsibilities, like becoming a team lead or a specialized associate (e.g., in a particular sporting goods department), your pay will increase.
Senior/Management: Store managers, district managers, and corporate roles command significantly higher salaries due to their increased responsibilities, strategic impact, and leadership duties.
C. Specific Department or Skill Set ⚽️️
Academy Sports + Outdoors has various departments, and some may pay slightly more due to the specialized knowledge required.
Outdoor/Hunting/Fishing: If you have expertise in firearms, fishing gear, or camping equipment, you might be able to leverage that for slightly better pay, especially in sales roles where product knowledge is key.
Footwear/Apparel: While general retail, specialized knowledge here can also be an asset.
Corporate Departments: Roles in areas like IT, marketing, supply chain, or human resources at the corporate level are generally higher paying due to their specialized skills and broader company-wide impact.
D. Performance and Bonuses
While base pay is a given, some roles, particularly in sales or management, may have opportunities for bonuses or incentives based on individual or store performance. This can significantly boost your overall earnings.
Step 4: Beyond the Paycheck - Benefits and Perks
While salary is crucial, it's not the only thing to consider when evaluating a job. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits that add to the overall compensation package.
A. Employee Discounts ️
One of the most tangible perks for employees is the merchandise discount.
Merchandise Discount: As a team member, you're eligible to receive a 20% merchandise discount on eligible items in Academy stores and on academy.com. This can be a significant saving if you regularly purchase sports or outdoor gear.
Vendor Discounts: Employees may also gain access to discounts on over 1,000 popular brands by learning more about Academy's vendors and their products.
B. Work-Life Balance & Flexibility ♀️
Academy emphasizes some flexibility for its employees.
Flex Time: This can include options to pick up or trade shifts in stores, numerous shift options in distribution centers, and even schedule flexibility (arrival/departure times) in corporate roles.
Remote Work Options: Their Customer Care team offers remote work opportunities.
C. Professional Development and Growth
Academy Sports + Outdoors seems to invest in its employees' growth.
Training Opportunities: In a recent year, team members completed over 500,000 hours of training.
Internal Advancement: A significant percentage of store management positions (e.g., 43% in 2021) were filled via internal promotions, indicating opportunities for career progression.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may consider reimbursement even if your field of study is outside the retail industry. This is a huge benefit for those looking to further their education.
D. Other Perks
Discount Network: Access to a full range of discounts and rewards for sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Health and Wellness: While specific details vary by plan and eligibility, most full-time positions would typically include health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: Opportunities to participate in 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans.
Step 5: How to Research Specific Pay for Your Situation
While the averages above are helpful, you'll want to get the most accurate information for your specific circumstances.
A. Utilize Online Salary Aggregators
Websites like Comparably, Payscale, and ZipRecruiter collect salary data from current and former employees.
Search by Job Title and Location: Be sure to input the exact job title you're interested in and your geographic location (city and state) for the most relevant results.
Look at Ranges and Averages: Don't just focus on the average; pay attention to the typical range. This gives you a better idea of what's possible based on experience and other factors.
B. Check Job Postings
When Academy Sports + Outdoors posts job openings, they sometimes include a salary range in the description. This is a direct insight into what they are currently willing to pay.
C. Network and Ask (Carefully!) ️
While it's generally frowned upon to directly ask someone what they make, you can network with people who work in similar retail environments or even at Academy itself. They might offer insights into general pay trends or what to expect during negotiations. Online forums or professional groups can also be a source of anecdotal information.
D. Consider Your Value Proposition
When you apply or interview, be ready to articulate your skills, experience, and what makes you a valuable asset. This can help you negotiate for a salary at the higher end of the range. Highlight any specialized knowledge you have that aligns with their product offerings.
Step 6: Negotiating Your Salary
Don't be afraid to negotiate, especially for higher-level positions!
Do Your Research: Go into negotiations armed with data from Step 5.
Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasize your relevant experience, skills, and any certifications that make you a strong candidate.
Be Realistic: Understand the typical pay ranges for the role and your experience level. Asking for something significantly outside the norm might be detrimental.
Consider the Total Compensation: If the base salary isn't exactly what you hoped for, consider if other benefits (like health insurance, tuition reimbursement, or generous employee discounts) make up the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to determine if Academy Sports + Outdoors offers competitive pay?
Compare the reported salaries for similar positions at other major retail or sporting goods companies in your area using online salary tools. Also, factor in their benefits package.
How to get a higher starting salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Highlight relevant experience, specialized product knowledge (e.g., firearms, fishing gear, electronics), and any leadership skills during your application and interview process. Consider negotiating after receiving an offer.
How to advance your career and increase your pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on strong performance, seek out training opportunities, express interest in leadership roles, and be open to taking on more responsibilities. Internal promotions are common.
How to understand the benefits package offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Request a detailed breakdown of all benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee discounts, during the hiring process.
How to find out about specific job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the "Careers" section on the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website. You can typically search by location and job category.
How to prepare for an interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company culture, understand the job description thoroughly, and be ready to discuss your experience with customer service, teamwork, and relevant product knowledge.
How to get an employee discount at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Once hired, you'll be informed about the employee discount policy, which typically provides a percentage off merchandise purchases, usually 20%.
How to become a store manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
This usually involves starting in an entry-level or team lead position, demonstrating strong leadership and sales skills, and then applying for internal management development programs or open management roles.
How to calculate your hourly wage from an annual salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Divide the annual salary by 2080 (assuming a standard 40-hour work week for 52 weeks). For example, $30,000 / 2080 = $14.42 per hour.
How to find out what Academy Sports + Outdoors pays in your specific city or state?
Use online salary aggregators like Comparably, Payscale, and ZipRecruiter, and filter your search by the specific job title and your desired city/state.
