Curious about what it's like to work at Academy Sports + Outdoors, especially when it comes to compensation? You've come to the right place! Understanding a company's pay structure and benefits is a crucial part of any job search. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to expect regarding salaries, hourly wages, and the overall compensation landscape at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Step 1: Discovering the World of Academy Sports + Outdoors Compensation!
Have you ever wondered what goes into determining how much a company like Academy Sports + Outdoors pays its employees? It's not just a flat rate for everyone! Factors like your role, experience, location, and even the department you work in all play a significant part. Let's dive in and explore these aspects so you can get a clearer picture.
| How Much Does Academy Sports And Outdoors Pay |
Step 2: Unpacking Average Salaries and Hourly Wages
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a range of compensation depending on the position. Here's a general overview of what you might expect:
Average Hourly Rates
For hourly positions, like those in retail stores, the pay can vary. Based on recent data, the average hourly rate for Academy Sports + Outdoors employees is around $13.37 per hour. However, this can fluctuate.
Retail and Sales Assistants: Typically, these roles see wages in the range of $13.09 to $17.35 per hour.
Cashiers: You might expect to earn around $12 per hour, with a range of $9 to $15.
Receiving Associates: These positions generally pay around $13.63 to $18.20 per hour.
Inventory Control Specialists: The average hourly rate is about $14, with a range of $10 to $19.
Team Leads: For those in a leadership role within a store, the hourly wage can be around $16, with a range of $11 to $24.
Average Annual Salaries
When it comes to salaried positions, particularly at the corporate level or for management roles, the figures are considerably higher. The estimated average annual salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors is around $149,549, or $71 per hour. However, the median salary is closer to $122,215, or $58 per hour.
Let's look at some specific examples:
Director of Marketing: This can be a highly compensated role, with an estimated annual salary of up to $351,121.
Group Product Manager: Employees in this role can earn an estimated $218,344 annually.
Marketing Manager: An average annual salary of about $123,643 can be expected.
Data Scientist: This position can see an average of approximately $126,976 annually.
Senior Designer: An estimated annual salary of around $107,614.
Customer Support: The average for this department is about $145,745 annually.
Engineering: Roles within this department average around $133,794 annually.
It's worth noting that the highest-paid job at Academy Sports + Outdoors is often a Director of Marketing, while a Customer Service Representative (CS Rep) might be on the lower end, around $42,445 annually.
Step 3: Understanding the Factors Influencing Pay
Several key factors can influence how much you get paid at Academy Sports + Outdoors:
3.1. Job Role and Responsibilities
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As seen above, different positions come with different pay scales. Management, corporate, and specialized roles (like IT or marketing) generally command higher salaries than entry-level retail positions. The more responsibility, technical skill, or leadership required, the higher the potential compensation.
3.2. Experience Level
Like most companies, Academy Sports + Outdoors often rewards experience. Someone with years of relevant experience in a particular field or role is likely to earn more than an entry-level employee. Internal advancement also plays a significant role, with 43% of store management positions filled via internal promotions in 2021.
3.3. Geographic Location
Pay rates can vary significantly based on the cost of living and labor market in a specific region or city. For instance, salaries in Texas show an average annual pay of around $56,314, but within Texas, cities like Eagle Pass ($62,359 annually) and Hutto ($61,021 annually) show higher averages than the state's overall average. Conversely, major metropolitan areas often have higher pay scales to account for higher living expenses.
3.4. Department and Industry Demand
Certain departments, such as technology, product development, or advanced analytics, might offer higher compensation due to the specialized skills required and the demand for such professionals in the current market.
3.5. Performance and Bonuses
Many positions, especially at higher levels, may include performance-based bonuses or incentives that can significantly increase overall compensation. Your individual performance can also influence merit-based raises.
Step 4: Exploring the Benefits Package
Beyond the base salary, Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain employees. These benefits can significantly add to the overall value of your compensation.
4.1. Health & Wellness
Academy provides various options to support employee health:
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Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage is typically offered.
Dental Insurance: Coverage for dental care.
Vision Insurance: Benefits for eye care.
Life Insurance: Financial protection for employees and their families.
4.2. Work-Life Balance
To promote a healthy work-life integration, Academy offers:
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays: The amount varies based on role and years of service. Academy also offers "flex holidays" where employees can choose when to use certain holidays.
Maternity & Parental Leave: Up to 10 weeks of maternity leave or up to 2 weeks of parental leave may be available for new parents.
Flexible Scheduling: This can include pick-up/trade shifts in stores, various shift options in distribution centers, and flexible arrival/departure times in corporate roles. Remote work is also an option for some Customer Care teams.
4.3. Financial Benefits
Academy aims to support employees' financial well-being:
401K / Retirement Plan: Opportunities to save for retirement.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Allows employees to purchase company stock, often at a discounted rate.
Pay-on-Demand: This benefit allows employees to access their earned wages before their regular payday, which can be very helpful for managing finances.
Merchandise Discount: A significant perk is the 20% merchandise discount available to team members on purchases in stores and online.
4.4. Personal & Professional Development
Academy invests in its employees' growth:
Training Opportunities: Extensive training programs are offered, with over 500,000 hours of training completed by team members in 2021. This includes programs like Manager in Training, Team Lead Development, and more.
Internal Advancement: As mentioned, a considerable percentage of management roles are filled internally, showing a commitment to employee growth.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer reimbursement for tuition, even if the field of study is outside the retail industry.
Step 5: How to Research Pay for Specific Roles ️♀️
If you're looking for information on a very specific role at Academy Sports + Outdoors, here's how you can conduct your own research:
5.1. Utilize Salary Websites
Websites like Comparably, Payscale, and ZipRecruiter are excellent resources. They aggregate salary data from employees and job postings, providing averages, ranges, and even breakdowns by location and experience.
Pro-Tip: When using these sites, search for the exact job title you're interested in (e.g., "Academy Sports + Outdoors Sales Associate" or "Academy Sports + Outdoors Distribution Center Team Member").
5.2. Check Job Postings
When Academy Sports + Outdoors posts job openings on their careers website or other job boards (like LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.), they occasionally include salary ranges in the description. Even if a specific figure isn't listed, the level of responsibility and required qualifications can give you an idea of the pay scale.
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5.3. Network and Informational Interviews
If possible, connect with current or former Academy Sports + Outdoors employees. They can offer first-hand insights into compensation, work culture, and career progression. This is often the most accurate and nuanced information you can get.
5.4. Consider Employee Reviews
Sites like Comparably and Glassdoor feature employee reviews, which often include sections where employees can comment on their compensation and benefits. While these are subjective, they can provide a qualitative understanding of employee satisfaction with pay. Many reviews mention that while the work environment can be good, the pay might be considered lower compared to some other retailers, especially for front-line roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Academy Sports + Outdoors Pay
How to understand the average salary data?
Average salary data typically represents the mean compensation across all reported salaries for a specific role or company. It's useful as a general benchmark but remember that individual pay can vary based on factors like experience and location.
How to negotiate salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To negotiate salary, research the typical pay range for your desired role and location, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and be prepared to articulate your value to the company. Emphasize how your contributions will benefit Academy Sports + Outdoors.
How to factor in benefits when evaluating an offer from Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Consider the monetary value of benefits like health insurance premiums, retirement plan contributions, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts. These can add significant value beyond your base salary.
How to get a raise at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on consistently exceeding expectations in your current role, taking on new responsibilities, and documenting your achievements. Once you've built a strong case, schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss a raise.
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How to find out the pay for a specific store location?
While general company data exists, pinpointing exact pay for a specific store can be challenging. Your best bet is to look at local job postings, utilize salary websites filtered by city, or network with employees in that particular area.
How to compare Academy Sports + Outdoors pay to competitors?
Use salary comparison websites (like Payscale or Comparably) to compare average pay for similar roles at other sporting goods retailers or general retail chains in your area. This will give you a sense of how competitive Academy's compensation is.
How to understand the difference between hourly and salaried pay?
Hourly pay is based on the number of hours worked, often with overtime for hours beyond a standard workweek. Salaried pay is a fixed annual amount, regardless of hours worked, and usually applies to management or professional roles.
How to inquire about pay during an interview?
It's generally best to wait until later stages of the interview process (after expressing strong interest in the role) to discuss compensation. You can say, "Could you provide some insight into the salary range for this position?" or "What does the typical compensation package look like for this role?"
How to interpret employee reviews about pay?
Employee reviews offer subjective insights. Look for recurring themes regarding pay satisfaction, fairness, and potential for growth. While helpful, remember they represent individual experiences and may not reflect the entire company's compensation philosophy.
How to maximize your earning potential at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on acquiring in-demand skills, pursuing internal promotions, and consistently demonstrating high performance. Taking advantage of development programs and aiming for roles with greater responsibility can also increase your earning potential.