"How much does Academy Sports pay in Arkansas?" is a question many job seekers in the Natural State might ask. While specific figures can vary based on position, experience, and location within Arkansas, we can provide a comprehensive overview. Let's dive into the details!
Step 1: Understand the Factors Influencing Pay
Before we delve into specific numbers, it's crucial to understand that compensation isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. Several factors play a significant role in determining how much Academy Sports + Outdoors pays its employees in Arkansas.
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| How Much Does Academy Sports Pay In Arkansas |
Job Role and Responsibilities
Naturally, a store manager will earn more than a part-time sales associate. The complexity of the job, the level of responsibility, and the required skill set directly impact the salary.
Experience Level
Are you just starting your career, or do you have years of experience in retail or a related field? Entry-level positions typically offer lower pay, while those with a proven track record can command higher wages.
Location within Arkansas
Arkansas has varying costs of living across its cities. Major metropolitan areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Bentonville might offer slightly higher wages to account for a potentially higher cost of living compared to smaller towns.
Full-time vs. Part-time
Part-time employees usually receive an hourly wage, while full-time employees might be on a salary basis and are more likely to be eligible for a wider range of benefits.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Company Performance and Individual Performance
While not always explicitly stated, a company's overall performance and an individual's performance can sometimes influence bonus structures and annual raises.
Step 2: Exploring Average Pay Ranges at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Arkansas
While exact figures for every position in Arkansas are not publicly released, we can use available data to provide a good estimate. Keep in mind these are averages and actual pay may differ.
Hourly Positions
For many entry-level and sales associate roles, Academy Sports + Outdoors typically offers hourly wages.
Retail and Sales Assistants: Based on general data, these roles can range from approximately $13.09 to $17.35 per hour.
Cashier: You might expect a cashier role to be in the range of $9 to $15 per hour.
Inventory Control Specialist: This role often sees hourly rates between $10 to $19 per hour.
Team Lead: A team lead, with more responsibility, could earn around $17.70 to $20.06 per hour.
Salaried Positions
For management and specialized roles, salaries are more common.
Retail Store Manager: An estimated average annual salary for a retail store manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors can be around $55,333, with a range generally from $36,000 to $86,000.
Sales Manager: For a sales manager, the estimated annual salary, including base and bonus, can be around $154,567, with a range from $44,847 to $283,000. It's important to note that this is an estimated average for Sales Managers across the company, not specifically for store sales managers in Arkansas, but it gives a general idea of higher-tier sales roles.
Other Roles: For corporate, distribution, or highly specialized roles, salaries can be significantly higher, reaching well into six figures for positions like Director of Marketing ($351,121 estimated annual) or Director of Product ($210,613 estimated annual). While these may not be directly tied to Arkansas retail stores, they illustrate the potential for higher earnings within the company.
Step 3: Comparing with the Arkansas Retail Landscape ️
It's helpful to see how Academy Sports + Outdoors' pay stacks up against the general retail worker salaries in Arkansas.
The average hourly pay for a Retail Worker in Arkansas is around $14.18 per hour, with most salaries ranging from $11.92 to $15.48.
For a Retail Sales Associate in Arkansas, the average hourly pay is about $12.96 per hour, generally ranging from $11.92 to $13.70.
This suggests that Academy Sports + Outdoors' pay rates for similar roles are generally competitive within the Arkansas retail market, and for some positions, they might even be slightly above the state average.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Step 4: Understanding the Benefits Package
Compensation isn't just about the hourly wage or annual salary. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a range of benefits that add to the overall value of employment. These can be crucial for an employee's financial well-being and work-life balance.
Core Benefits
Flexible Schedules: Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes flexibility, with options for picking up/trading shifts in stores and various shift options in distribution centers.
Pay-on-Demand: This can be a significant benefit, allowing employees access to their earned wages before the traditional payday.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees are eligible for PTO, which is essential for vacations, personal appointments, or sick days.
Professional Development
Training Opportunities: The company invests in employee development, with training courses designed to enhance skills for specific roles. This includes programs like Manager in Training, Team Lead Development, and Team Lead Pro.
Internal Advancement: Academy Sports + Outdoors prioritizes promoting from within, with a significant percentage of store management positions filled by internal promotions. This offers a clear career path for motivated employees.
Tuition Reimbursement: The company supports higher education, offering reimbursement for tuition even if the field of study is outside the retail industry.
Employee Perks
Merchandise Discount: Employees receive a 20% discount on merchandise in Academy stores and on academy.com. This is a considerable perk for sports and outdoors enthusiasts!
Expert Savings Network: Access to discounts and rewards on over 1,000 popular brands, sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Step 5: Considering the Cost of Living in Arkansas
To truly understand how much Academy Sports + Outdoors pay goes in Arkansas, it's essential to consider the cost of living. Arkansas is generally known for having a lower cost of living compared to the national average.
The overall cost of living in Arkansas is about 4% lower than the national average.
Housing is significantly lower, around 22% below the national average.
Utilities are also more affordable, approximately 8% lower.
Food costs are about 4% lower.
However, some categories like goods and services might be slightly higher. This means that a given salary or hourly wage at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Arkansas might provide more purchasing power compared to similar wages in states with a higher cost of living. For example, the cost of living in Little Rock, a major city, is 7% lower than the national average.
Step 6: Finding Job Opportunities
If you're interested in working at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Arkansas, the best place to start is their official careers website.
Visit the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers portal.
Search for job openings by state/province (Arkansas) and category (e.g., Stores, Distribution & Logistics).
You can also filter by full-time or part-time to find positions that fit your needs.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Step 7: Tips for Maximizing Your Earning Potential
Want to earn more at Academy Sports + Outdoors? Here are some actionable tips:
Gain Experience: The more experience you have, especially in retail sales or customer service, the more valuable you become.
Develop Specialized Skills: If you have expertise in a particular department (e.g., fishing, hunting, fitness equipment), highlight it. This can lead to specialized roles or higher pay.
Pursue Leadership Roles: Show initiative and express interest in team lead or management positions. Academy Sports + Outdoors has programs to help you advance.
Negotiate (When Appropriate): For higher-level positions, there might be room for salary negotiation based on your qualifications and market value.
Utilize Benefits: Take advantage of tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and other perks to save money and invest in your future.
Relocate Strategically: While Arkansas generally has a lower cost of living, if you're open to it, consider areas within the state where specific roles might command slightly higher pay due to demand or local market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Academy Sports + Outdoors Pay in Arkansas
How to ascertain the exact pay for a specific role at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Arkansas?
The best way is to check current job postings on their official careers website, as they often list pay ranges or have application processes that reveal this information. You can also inquire during the interview process.
How to get a higher starting salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Highlight your relevant experience, showcase any specialized skills you possess, and, if applicable for the role, research typical industry salaries to negotiate effectively.
How to advance quickly in terms of pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on performance, seek out training opportunities, express interest in leadership development programs, and consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic. Internal promotions often come with pay increases.
How to understand the benefits package offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
The Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website provides a detailed overview of their benefits. During the hiring process, HR will also typically provide comprehensive information.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
How to compare Academy Sports + Outdoors pay with other retail jobs in Arkansas?
Utilize salary aggregators like ZipRecruiter, Payscale, or Glassdoor to compare average retail wages in Arkansas across various companies and roles.
How to determine if the pay is sufficient for the cost of living in my specific Arkansas city?
Use online cost of living calculators (like those found on RentCafe or Numbeo) and input your potential salary/wage to see if it aligns with the expenses in your desired Arkansas location.
How to find part-time jobs at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Arkansas?
On the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website, look for filters that allow you to select "Part-Time" under employment type when searching for store or distribution center positions.
How to inquire about pay and benefits during an interview?
It's generally best to wait until later stages of the interview process. When given the opportunity to ask questions, you can respectfully inquire about compensation and the benefits package.
How to use the employee discount effectively at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Familiarize yourself with the discount policy (20% on merchandise) and plan your purchases to maximize savings, especially on larger items or gear you frequently need.
How to prepare for an interview to increase chances of a good offer from Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company culture, understand the job description thoroughly, prepare examples of how your skills and experience align with their needs, and practice answering common interview questions.
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