Considering a career with Academy Sports + Outdoors? Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a leadership role, understanding the potential earnings and benefits is key. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the various factors that influence pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Understanding Compensation at Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors, a prominent sporting goods and outdoor retailer, employs a vast workforce across its stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices. Compensation can vary significantly based on factors like job title, location, experience, and the specific department.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – What's Your Interest?
Before we dive into specific numbers, what kind of role are you curious about at Academy Sports + Outdoors? Are you thinking about a part-time retail position, a full-time management gig, or perhaps a corporate role in marketing or IT? Your interest will guide which salary ranges are most relevant to you!
Once you have a role in mind, read on to understand how pay is generally structured.
Step 2: Hourly vs. Salaried Positions ⏱️
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers both hourly and salaried positions, and the pay structure differs significantly between the two.
Hourly Positions: The Retail Core
The majority of in-store positions, such as Sales Associates, Cashiers, and Store Team Members, are typically paid hourly.
The average hourly rate for Academy Sports + Outdoors employees is around $13.37 per hour, with a general range of $10.43 to $17.48 per hour.
Factors influencing hourly pay:
Experience: More experienced individuals may command slightly higher hourly rates.
Specific Role: Roles like "Inventory Control Specialist" might have a slightly higher average hourly rate than a "Cashier."
Location: Pay rates can fluctuate based on the cost of living and local market demand in different cities and states. For instance, the average hourly pay in Florida might be around $14.05, while in Alabama, it could be closer to $17.04.
Salaried Positions: Management and Corporate Roles
Salaried positions are generally found in management, corporate, and specialized roles within distribution centers. These positions typically come with an annual salary rather than an hourly wage.
The average estimated annual salary, including base and bonus, at Academy Sports + Outdoors, is around $149,549, though the estimated median salary is closer to $122,215.
Examples of salaried roles and their estimated annual compensation:
Director of Marketing: Can be as high as $351,121 annually.
Product Manager: Around $144,874 to $147,148 annually, with a median total compensation of around $132,660.
Software Engineer: Approximately $124,375 annually.
Project Manager: Around $61,200 annually.
Store Director: Can range from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
Loss Prevention Market Manager: Typically $80,000 to $110,000 annually.
Manager Digital Product Management: Ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually.
Important Note: These are estimated averages, and actual compensation can vary based on individual negotiations, performance, and specific responsibilities within the role.
Step 3: Digging Deeper - Factors Affecting Your Paycheck
Several key factors play a significant role in determining how much you can expect to earn at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Job Title and Department ️
As seen above, there's a considerable range in pay based on your specific job. A Director-level position in marketing or product development will naturally earn much more than a Customer Service Representative or a Cashier.
Within corporate, departments like Engineering and Marketing tend to have higher average salaries compared to Admin or Customer Support.
Location, Location, Location! ️
Just like real estate, pay scales can be highly dependent on geographical location. Larger metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living may offer higher wages to attract talent.
For example, an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in Houston, TX, might see an average annual pay of around $57,697, while the average hourly pay in Florida is about $14.05.
Highest-paying cities in Florida for "Academy Sports Outdoors Sports" roles include Port St. Lucie ($18.80/hour) and Plantation ($18.67/hour).
Experience Level
Entry-level positions will generally start at the lower end of the pay scale for their respective roles.
As you gain more experience and develop specialized skills, your earning potential increases. This is evident in the progression from a "Jr. Developer" to a "Senior Developer" or "Lead Engineer."
Academy Sports + Outdoors values internal advancement, with 43% of store management positions filled by internal promotions in 2021, suggesting a clear path for growth and increased earnings.
Skills and Qualifications
Possessing specialized skills, such as proficiency in specific software, certifications, or a strong understanding of particular product categories (e.g., firearms sales requiring specific federal and state requirements), can positively impact your pay.
For corporate roles, advanced degrees or specific technical proficiencies are highly valued.
Performance and Bonuses ⭐
Many roles, especially at the management and corporate levels, may include opportunities for bonuses based on individual performance, team performance, or company profitability.
The "average estimated annual salary" often includes these potential bonuses.
Step 4: Beyond the Base Pay - Benefits & Perks!
When considering a job, it's not just about the base salary or hourly wage. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a range of benefits and perks that contribute to the overall compensation package and employee well-being.
Financial Wellbeing
Competitive Pay: Academy Sports + Outdoors states they offer competitive pay and regularly re-evaluate compensation each year.
401(k) Retirement Plan: They provide a 401(k) plan with a company match of 100% up to 6% of eligible compensation, a significant benefit for long-term financial planning.
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Team members can purchase Academy common stock at a 15% discount through payroll deductions, allowing employees to invest in the company's success.
Pay-on-Demand: Most team members have the ability to access a portion of their earned wages early, often daily, which can be a valuable financial flexibility tool.
Health & Wellness
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance options are typically available for full-time employees.
Dental and Vision Insurance: These are generally part of the benefits package to cover a wider range of healthcare needs.
Life Insurance: Provides financial security for employees' families.
Work-Life Balance & Time Off
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays: Academy provides paid time off, with increments varying based on role, years of service, and other factors. They also offer recognized paid holidays, some of which can be "flex holidays" allowing employees to choose when to use them.
Maternity & Parental Leave: Up to 10 weeks of maternity leave or up to 2 weeks of parental leave may be available for new parents.
Flex Time: Options like picking up/trading shifts in stores, numerous shift options in distribution centers, and schedule flexibility in corporate roles aim to provide a better work-life balance. Remote work options are available for the Customer Care team.
Personal & Professional Development
Training Opportunities: Academy Sports + Outdoors is committed to employee development, with team members completing over 500,000 hours of training in 2021.
Internal Advancement: The company emphasizes promoting from within, with a high percentage of store management positions filled by internal promotions.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer tuition reimbursement, even for fields of study outside the retail industry.
Team Member Perks
Merchandise Discount: Employees are typically eligible for a 20% merchandise discount on products in Academy stores and on academy.com.
Expert Savings & Discount Network: Access to discounts on over 1,000 popular brands and a full range of discounts and rewards for sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Step 5: How to Research Specific Salaries and Apply ️♀️
Now that you understand the factors involved, here's how to find more specific salary information and pursue opportunities at Academy Sports + Outdoors:
Online Salary Aggregators
Websites like Payscale, Comparably, and ZipRecruiter compile salary data reported by current and former employees. These platforms can give you insights into average pay for specific roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors, often broken down by location and experience.
Remember: These are averages based on self-reported data and can vary.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Careers Website
The official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website (careers.academy.com) is your best resource for current job openings and information on benefits.
While they may not list exact salary ranges for every position, they provide detailed job descriptions that can give you an idea of the responsibilities and required qualifications, which directly relate to pay.
Networking and Informational Interviews
If possible, network with current or former Academy Sports + Outdoors employees. They can offer invaluable insights into compensation, company culture, and career progression.
Conducting informational interviews can provide a realistic picture of what to expect in terms of pay and daily responsibilities for specific roles.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate your potential hourly earnings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To estimate your hourly earnings, find the average hourly rate for the specific role you're interested in on salary aggregators like Payscale, and consider factors like your experience and the store's location.
How to improve your earning potential at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Improve your earning potential by gaining more experience, developing specialized skills, seeking internal promotions, and taking advantage of training opportunities offered by the company.
How to apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website (careers.academy.com), search for open positions, and follow the online application instructions, submitting your resume and any other required documents.
How to understand the benefits package offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Review the "Benefits" section on the Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website, which details their offerings for financial well-being, health, time off, and professional development.
How to negotiate salary for a position at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for similar roles and locations, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to articulate your value during the negotiation process.
How to find out about specific job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Check the "Careers" section of the Academy Sports + Outdoors official website, where you can browse job openings by category, location, and job type (full-time, part-time).
How to get promoted within Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on excelling in your current role, demonstrating leadership qualities, actively participating in training programs, and expressing your interest in advancement to your managers.
How to know if a full-time or part-time role is better for pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Full-time roles generally offer more comprehensive benefits (health insurance, 401k) and often higher annual salaries, while part-time roles provide flexibility and may be paid hourly.
How to leverage your experience from other retail jobs at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Highlight transferable skills such as customer service, sales, inventory management, and teamwork on your resume and during interviews, emphasizing how they align with Academy's needs.
How to inquire about a specific salary range during an interview with Academy Sports + Outdoors?
It's generally best to let the interviewer bring up compensation, or, if asked about your salary expectations, provide a range based on your research and confirm that you're open to discussing the full compensation package.
