Hey there! Ever wondered what it's like to work at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia, and more importantly, what kind of pay you can expect? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking for your first job, a part-time gig, or a career change, understanding the earning potential is a crucial first step. Let's dive deep into the world of Academy Sports + Outdoors' hourly wages in the Peach State.
Step 1: Understanding the Landscape of Retail Pay in Georgia ️
Before we pinpoint Academy Sports + Outdoors, it's essential to grasp the broader retail salary landscape in Georgia. The retail sector is diverse, with various roles and responsibilities, all of which influence hourly rates.
Georgia's Minimum Wage vs. Retail Averages
Georgia has a state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, but for most employees, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies. However, many retail companies, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, often pay above this minimum to attract and retain talent. The average hourly pay for a general Retail Worker in Georgia is around $14.48 per hour, with a range that can go from $9.74 to $21.72 per hour depending on experience, role, and location. This gives us a good baseline to compare against.
Step 2: Unveiling Academy Sports + Outdoors' General Hourly Pay in Georgia
So, what's the average hourly pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia? As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for an "Academy Sports Outdoors Sports" (a general term often used for store-level employees) in Georgia is approximately $15.87 per hour. Keep in mind that this is an average, and individual pay can vary.
Factors Influencing Your Hourly Wage
Job Role: Different positions command different pay rates. A cashier's average pay will likely differ from that of an inventory control specialist or a team leader.
Experience: Like any job, more experience often translates to higher pay. If you have previous retail or relevant sports industry experience, you might start at a higher rate.
Location within Georgia: Wages can vary slightly depending on the specific city or region in Georgia. Larger metropolitan areas like Atlanta or Sandy Springs might see slightly higher rates compared to more rural locations, though this isn't always a strict rule.
Full-time vs. Part-time: While the hourly rate might be similar, full-time positions often come with a more comprehensive benefits package, which indirectly adds to the overall compensation.
Performance and Tenure: As you gain tenure and prove your value, opportunities for raises and promotions can arise, increasing your hourly wage over time.
Step 3: Breaking Down Hourly Pay by Specific Roles ️
Let's get more granular and look at some common roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors and their typical hourly pay ranges in Georgia.
Entry-Level and Customer-Facing Roles
Cashier: For a cashier at Academy Sports + Outdoors, you can typically expect an average hourly wage around $12. The range can be from $9 to $15 per hour.
Sales Associate / Retail Sales Associate: As a sales associate, your role is crucial in assisting customers and driving sales. The average hourly pay for this role is around $12 to $13, with a range of $9 to $20 per hour. Your ability to engage customers and your product knowledge can impact your earnings.
Customer Service Representative (CSR): Similar to sales associates, CSRs focus on addressing customer inquiries and resolving issues. The estimated average hourly pay for a CSR is around $13, with a range of $9 to $17 per hour.
Operational and Leadership Roles
Inventory Control Specialist: These roles involve managing stock, receiving shipments, and ensuring accurate inventory. An Inventory Control Specialist at Academy Sports + Outdoors typically earns an average of around $14 per hour, with a range of $10 to $19.
Team Leader, General / Store Team Leader: If you're looking for a supervisory role, a Team Leader position at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia can bring an estimated average of $16 per hour, with a range of $11 to $24. These roles come with more responsibility, including managing staff and overseeing daily operations.
Distribution Center Roles
It's worth noting that if you're considering a role in an Academy Sports + Outdoors Distribution Center in Georgia, the pay structure can be quite different. The average hourly pay for an Academy Distribution Center employee in Georgia is significantly higher, around $30.20 per hour. This can range from about $11.98 to $52.57 per hour, depending on the specific role (e.g., equipment operator, loss prevention, etc.) and experience.
Step 4: Understanding Additional Compensation and Benefits
Beyond the hourly wage, it's important to consider the overall compensation package. Academy Sports + Outdoors often offers a range of benefits that can add significant value to your employment.
Common Benefits and Perks:
Employee Discounts: A popular perk for retail employees is a merchandise discount. Academy Sports + Outdoors generally offers a 20% merchandise discount on items in-store and online. This can be a great way to save money on your own sporting goods and outdoor gear.
Flexible Schedules: Especially for store roles, Academy Sports + Outdoors aims to provide flexibility, including the ability to pick up or trade shifts. This is a significant benefit for those balancing work with other commitments.
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays: Employees are eligible for PTO and recognized paid holidays, with increments varying based on role and years of service.
Training and Development: Academy Sports + Outdoors invests in employee training, with opportunities for both job-specific skills and general knowledge enhancement. There's also a focus on internal advancement, with a good percentage of store management positions filled by internal promotions.
Tuition Reimbursement: For those looking to further their education, Academy Sports + Outdoors offers tuition reimbursement, even if your field of study isn't directly related to retail.
Health and Wellness: While specific details on health insurance plans would need to be confirmed directly with Academy, many larger retailers offer medical, dental, and vision coverage options to eligible employees.
Retirement Plans: Typically, companies like Academy Sports + Outdoors offer 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans, often with some form of company match, which is a valuable long-term benefit.
"Pay-on-Demand" Options: Some reports indicate that Academy Sports + Outdoors might offer "pay-on-demand" services, allowing employees to access a portion of their earned wages before their regular payday. This can be a significant financial flexibility tool.
Step 5: Comparing with the Cost of Living in Georgia
When evaluating an hourly wage, it's crucial to consider the cost of living in the area you'll be working. Georgia is generally considered an affordable state to live in compared to the national average.
Key Cost of Living Factors in Georgia:
Housing: Housing costs vary widely across Georgia. For instance, the median monthly mortgage cost is around $1,514, while median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,084. Cities like Statesboro and Augusta tend to have lower housing costs compared to Atlanta or Sandy Springs.
Utilities: Average monthly utility bills include around $134 for electricity, $141 for gas, and $108 for cable & internet.
Food: The average annual cost for food and beverages (off-premises consumption) per person is estimated at $3,699, which breaks down to about $308 per month.
Transportation: Annual transportation costs can vary significantly, from about $5,477 for a single adult to over $15,000 for two working adults with three children.
Understanding these costs helps you assess whether the hourly pay from Academy Sports + Outdoors aligns with your personal financial needs and the general cost of living in your specific Georgia location.
Step 6: Applying for a Job at Academy Sports + Outdoors
If the pay and benefits sound good, the next step is to apply!
How to Find and Apply for Jobs:
Official Careers Website: The most reliable place to find job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors is their official careers website (careers.academy.com). This site will list all available positions, both in stores and distribution centers, across Georgia.
Job Search Platforms: Websites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor also list Academy Sports + Outdoors job openings. These platforms often provide salary insights and employee reviews as well.
In-Store Application: While less common now, some stores might still accept walk-in applications or provide information about current openings. It never hurts to visit a local store to inquire and show your interest.
Tips for a Successful Application:
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the job description, such as customer service, sales, inventory management, or sports knowledge.
Highlight Your Passion: If you have a genuine interest in sports or outdoor activities, mention it! Academy Sports + Outdoors values employees who can connect with their products and customers.
Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your experience, your ability to work in a team, and how you handle customer interactions. Research common interview questions and practice your responses.
Step 7: Negotiating Your Offer (If Applicable)
While hourly retail positions often have less room for negotiation than salaried roles, it's not entirely out of the question, especially if you have highly relevant experience or specialized skills.
What to Consider for Negotiation:
Your Experience: If you have a strong background in a similar retail environment or possess specialized knowledge (e.g., in firearms, fishing, or camping gear), you might be able to advocate for a slightly higher starting wage.
Market Rate: Be aware of the average pay for similar roles in your specific area. If Academy's initial offer is significantly below what competitors are paying, you could bring that up.
Demand for the Role: If Academy is having difficulty filling a particular position, you might have more leverage.
Remember, even a small increase in hourly pay can add up significantly over a year!
Frequently Asked Questions about Academy Sports + Outdoors Pay in Georgia ❓
How to find out the exact pay for a specific Academy Sports + Outdoors job in my Georgia city?
The best way is to check job postings on Academy's official careers website or major job boards, as they often list expected pay ranges or provide estimated averages for specific locations. You can also inquire during the interview process.
How to increase my hourly pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
You can increase your pay by gaining more experience, taking on more responsibilities, demonstrating strong performance, and pursuing promotions to higher-paying roles like team leader or specialist positions.
How to know if Academy Sports + Outdoors offers good benefits in Georgia?
Academy Sports + Outdoors generally offers a competitive benefits package including discounts, flexible scheduling, PTO, and opportunities for development and tuition reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is typically provided upon job offer.
How to apply for a job at an Academy Sports + Outdoors Distribution Center in Georgia?
Jobs at distribution centers, which often have higher hourly pay, can be found on Academy's careers website under "Distribution Center" or "Supply Chain" categories.
How to prepare for an interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company, understand the job description thoroughly, prepare answers for common behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service"), and be ready to discuss your interest in sports or outdoor activities.
How to get a management position at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To move into management, focus on excelling in your current role, showing leadership potential, actively participating in training programs, and expressing your interest in advancement to your supervisors.
How to know if Academy Sports + Outdoors offers full-time or part-time jobs?
Academy Sports + Outdoors typically offers both full-time and part-time positions. Job postings will clearly indicate the employment type.
How to use my employee discount at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Once employed, you'll receive information on how to utilize your 20% merchandise discount, usually through an employee ID or a specific online code.
How to find reviews about working at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia?
Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Payscale provide employee reviews and insights into company culture and compensation at Academy Sports + Outdoors in various locations, including Georgia.
How to negotiate my salary offer at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
While entry-level retail positions have limited negotiation room, if you have highly relevant experience or specialized skills, you can politely inquire if there's flexibility in the starting hourly rate, backing up your request with your qualifications and market research.
