Hello there! Are you considering a career with Academy Sports + Outdoors in Missouri, or perhaps just curious about their compensation structure in the "Show Me State"? You've come to the right place! Understanding what a company pays is a crucial step in career planning, and we're here to break down how much Academy Sports + Outdoors employees can expect to earn in Missouri. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Landscape – What Influences Pay?
Before we get into specific numbers, it's essential to grasp that salaries are rarely one-size-fits-all. Several factors play a significant role in determining how much you might earn at Academy Sports + Outdoors, or any retail employer in Missouri.
1.1. Job Role and Responsibilities
Naturally, a store director will earn significantly more than a sales associate. The level of responsibility, required skills, and management duties directly correlate with higher pay. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, roles can range from:
Entry-level positions: Like Cashiers, Sales Associates, or Stock Team Members. These are often hourly roles.
Specialized roles: Such as those in the gun bar, fishing, or camping departments, which might require specific product knowledge.
Team Leads/Supervisors: Who oversee small teams or specific departments.
Management positions: Including Assistant Store Managers, Operations Managers, and Store Directors.
Corporate and Distribution Center roles: While our focus is on Missouri stores, it's worth noting that corporate and distribution center roles in other states (and potentially with remote options) will have vastly different pay scales, often much higher.
1.2. Experience Level
Are you just starting your career, or do you have years of retail experience under your belt? Your prior work history, especially in a similar retail environment, can influence your starting pay and potential for raises. Academy Sports + Outdoors, like many companies, often has salary bands that account for different experience levels within the same role.
1.3. Location within Missouri
Missouri isn't a monolith when it comes to the cost of living. Major metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City generally have a higher cost of living, which can translate to slightly higher wages to attract and retain talent compared to smaller towns in the state. For example, the average cost of living in Town and Country, MO, is 33% higher than the national average, with housing being 148% higher. While Missouri generally has a lower cost of living compared to the national average (with a cost of living index of 89.0 in Q3 2024), within the state, there will be variations.
1.4. Full-time vs. Part-time
Hourly wages might be similar, but full-time employees often receive a more comprehensive benefits package, which adds significant value to their overall compensation.
1.5. Performance and Tenure
Good performance reviews can lead to merit-based raises. The longer you stay with the company and demonstrate strong performance, the more opportunities you'll have for increased earnings and advancement.
Step 2: Diving into the Numbers – What Academy Sports + Outdoors Pays
Let's look at some general figures for Academy Sports + Outdoors salaries in Missouri, keeping in mind that these are averages and actual pay can vary.
2.1. Overall Average Pay
As of July 1, 2025, the average annual pay for an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in Missouri is approximately $56,698 a year. This breaks down to roughly $27.26 an hour, or $1,090 per week, and $4,724 per month. It's important to note that this figure likely includes a range of positions, from entry-level to management.
2.2. Hourly Wage Breakdown for Store Roles
For more specific retail positions, here's what you might expect in terms of hourly pay:
Sales Associate: Typically ranges from $9 to $17 per hour, with an average of around $12 per hour.
Cashier: Similar to sales associates, with an average of about $12 per hour, usually ranging from $9 to $15.
Retail Sales Associate: On average, about $13 per hour, with a range of $10 to $20.
Inventory Control Specialist: Often earns slightly more, averaging $14 per hour, with a range of $10 to $19.
Customer Service Representative (CSR): An average of $13 per hour, ranging from $9 to $17.
Team Leader/Store Team Leader: These roles typically command higher hourly rates, averaging around $16 per hour, with ranges from $11 to $24.
Receiving Associate: Expect an hourly pay in the range of $13.63-$18.20.
2.3. Comparison to General Retail Salaries in Missouri
It's helpful to put Academy Sports + Outdoors' pay in context. The average retail salary in Missouri is about $30,982 per year, with salaries generally ranging between $16,000 and $56,000 annually. When looking at hourly wages for general retail in Missouri, the average is around $14.80 per hour, with most salaries ranging from $13.75 to $15.77 per hour.
This suggests that while entry-level positions at Academy Sports + Outdoors align with the broader retail market, higher-level and specialized roles within Academy Sports + Outdoors can potentially offer more competitive compensation.
Step 3: Beyond the Hourly Wage – Understanding Benefits and Perks
Compensation isn't just about the hourly rate or annual salary. A comprehensive benefits package can significantly add to the overall value of your employment. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits and perks that are worth considering:
3.1. Standard Benefits
Pay-on-demand: This can be a significant advantage, allowing employees to access their earned wages before the traditional payday.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Available for both part-time and full-time team members, which is a valuable benefit for work-life balance.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy Sports + Outdoors values education and may offer reimbursement, even for fields of study outside the retail industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Flexible Schedules: Especially beneficial for students or those balancing other commitments.
401K: For retirement planning, often with employer matching contributions (though specifics would need to be confirmed).
Employee Stock Options: Some employees may have access to these, providing a stake in the company's success.
3.2. Employee Perks
Merchandise Discount: A 20% discount on merchandise in Academy stores and on academy.com is a notable perk, especially for those passionate about sports and outdoors.
Expert Savings: Discounts on over 1,000 popular brands through partnerships with vendors.
Discount Network: Access to a range of discounts and rewards for sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Career Growth and Training: Academy Sports + Outdoors is committed to career growth, offering various training courses like their Manager in Training Program, Team Lead Development, and other programs designed to sharpen skills. Many store management positions are filled through internal promotions.
Step 4: Career Progression and Growth Opportunities
One of the best ways to increase your earnings at Academy Sports + Outdoors is through career advancement. The company emphasizes internal promotions and offers structured development programs.
4.1. Internal Advancement
Many employees have moved up the ranks from a Team Member to a Store Director. This demonstrates a clear path for progression within the company. For instance, an employee might start as an Outdoors Team Member and progress through roles like Team Lead, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, and eventually Store Director.
4.2. Training Programs
Academy Sports + Outdoors invests in its employees' development through various training initiatives. These programs not only equip employees with the skills needed for specific roles but also foster general knowledge and leadership abilities.
Step 5: What Employees Say – A Glimpse into the Work Environment
Employee reviews can provide valuable insights into compensation satisfaction and the overall work culture. While experiences vary, some common themes emerge:
5.1. Compensation Feedback
Some employees express that the pay, particularly for entry-level roles, can be low compared to other retailers, with minimal annual raises. However, others value the PTO and 401K benefits. There's a sentiment that for lead positions, the compensation might not always align with the level of responsibility.
5.2. Work Environment and Management
Many reviews highlight positive aspects like good coworkers and teamwork. However, some constructive feedback points to areas where leadership could improve, such as communication, management training, and providing more resources for new hires.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a range of job opportunities in Missouri, from entry-level retail positions to management roles. While hourly wages for sales associates and cashiers are generally in line with the broader retail market in Missouri, the company provides valuable benefits such as tuition reimbursement, merchandise discounts, and clear paths for internal career progression.
If you're considering a role at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Missouri, it's advisable to:
Research specific job openings: Look at the responsibilities and any posted salary ranges for the roles you're interested in.
Consider the complete compensation package: Don't just focus on the hourly wage. Factor in benefits like PTO, discounts, and potential for advancement.
Negotiate if appropriate: Especially for higher-level positions, there might be room for negotiation based on your experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate my potential hourly wage at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To estimate your potential hourly wage, first identify the specific job role you're interested in. Then, look at the average hourly rates for that position (e.g., Sales Associate $12/hour) and consider your experience level, as this can influence where you fall within the typical range.
How to apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Missouri?
You can apply for jobs at Academy Sports + Outdoors directly through their official careers website (careers.academy.com). Search for "stores" jobs and filter by "Missouri" to see available openings.
How to negotiate salary with Academy Sports + Outdoors?
For entry-level hourly roles, there may be limited negotiation room. However, for supervisory or management positions, you can negotiate by highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and any certifications that make you a strong candidate, as well as researching typical salaries for similar roles in Missouri.
How to progress my career at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers training programs and emphasizes internal promotions. To progress, demonstrate strong performance, express interest in leadership roles, and take advantage of any development programs they offer, such as the Manager in Training program.
How to understand the benefits package offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
When offered a position, carefully review the benefits summary. Ask about details for PTO accrual, 401K matching, health insurance options (if applicable for your role), and specifics on tuition reimbursement and employee discounts.
How to find out about specific job openings in my Missouri city?
On the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website, after selecting "stores" jobs, you can often filter by specific cities or zip codes within Missouri to narrow down your search to locations near you.
How to compare Academy Sports + Outdoors pay to other retail jobs in Missouri?
Research average salaries for similar retail positions at other major retailers in Missouri using salary aggregators like ZipRecruiter or Payscale, then compare them to the figures provided for Academy Sports + Outdoors.
How to utilize the employee discount at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
As an employee, you typically receive a 20% discount on merchandise. This discount can be used both in-store and online at academy.com, usually by presenting your employee ID or linking your employee account online.
How to access pay-on-demand at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Specific details on accessing pay-on-demand will be provided during onboarding. It's usually through a third-party app or platform that partners with the company, allowing you to access a portion of your earned wages before payday.
How to provide feedback on compensation or work environment at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Many companies have internal HR channels, anonymous surveys, or direct feedback mechanisms through managers or employee reviews platforms where you can share your thoughts on compensation or the work environment.
