So, you're curious about how much Academy Sports + Outdoors pays its employees? That's a great question to ask when considering a job in retail, especially with a major player like Academy! Understanding compensation is key to making informed career decisions. While exact figures can vary based on location, experience, and specific roles, we can definitely break down the general pay landscape at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Step 1: Let's Dive Into the Averages! ️♀️
The first thing to understand is that Academy Sports + Outdoors, like most large retailers, has a wide range of pay scales. This isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Your pay will depend heavily on what you do and where you do it.
The average hourly rate for an employee at Academy Sports + Outdoors is around $13.37 per hour. However, this can range from approximately $10.43 to $17.48 per hour. This average encompasses many roles, from part-time retail associates to more specialized positions.
If we look at annual salaries, the estimated average annual salary, including base and bonus, at Academy Sports & Outdoors is roughly $149,549, or $71 per hour. The estimated median salary is $122,215, or $58 per hour. Keep in mind that these higher figures often include corporate and management roles, which naturally command significantly higher salaries than entry-level retail positions.
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| How Much Does Academy Sports Pay Employees |
Step 2: Breaking Down Pay by Role
To get a clearer picture, let's look at some common job titles and their typical pay ranges at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Sub-heading: Retail Store Positions
These are the roles you'd typically find in a local Academy Sports + Outdoors store.
Sales Associate: This is often an entry-level position. Sales Associates generally earn an average of $12 per hour, with ranges from $9 to $17 per hour. Their primary role is to assist customers and help them find the right products.
Cashier: Similar to Sales Associates, Cashiers also average around $12 per hour, with a range of $9 to $15 per hour. Their main responsibility is processing transactions.
Inventory Control Specialist: These roles involve managing stock and ensuring products are available. They tend to earn a bit more, with an average of $14 per hour, and a range from $10 to $19 per hour.
Store Team Lead: A step up from a regular associate, Team Leads oversee sections of the store and assist in daily operations. Their average hourly rate is around $16 per hour, with an estimated range of $11 to $24 per hour. They often need at least two years of relevant experience.
Store Logistics Manager: This is a more senior in-store role, focusing on overall operational excellence. Salaries for these positions will be higher and vary based on store size and location.
Store Manager: As a leadership position responsible for an entire store's operations, customer satisfaction, and profitability, Store Managers earn a significantly higher salary. While specific average figures for "Store Manager" alone are less publicly aggregated, roles like "Academy Manager" (a broader managerial title) can average around $47,067 annually or $22.63 per hour in some areas, with top earners reaching $65,870 annually. A "Sales Manager" at Academy Sports & Outdoors can earn an estimated $154,567 annually, including an estimated base salary of $106,011 with a $48,556 bonus.
Sub-heading: Distribution Center (Warehouse) Positions
Academy Sports + Outdoors operates large distribution centers to manage its vast inventory.
Warehouse Worker/Associate: These roles involve receiving, stocking, and shipping merchandise. In Texas, for example, the average hourly pay for an Academy Warehouse worker is about $19.24 per hour, with a range of $12.32 to $25.75 per hour. In Georgia, the average is around $17.44 per hour, ranging from $11.16 to $23.34 per hour. These figures can vary by location.
Sub-heading: Corporate Positions
For those interested in behind-the-scenes roles at Academy's corporate offices (often in Katy, Texas), compensation is generally much higher and more specialized.
Average Corporate Salary: For corporate jobs, salaries can range widely, with typical annual salaries often falling between $84,000 and $105,000. However, highly specialized roles can go much higher.
Examples of Corporate Roles and Estimated Salaries:
Director of Marketing: Can be very high, with estimates reaching $351,121 annually.
Group Product Manager: Around $218,344 annually.
Director of Engineering: Around $166,560 annually.
Sales Manager: Estimated $154,567 annually.
Senior Product Manager: Around $147,148 annually.
Engineering Manager: Around $143,965 annually.
Marketing Manager: Around $123,643 annually.
Data Scientist: Around $126,976 annually.
Senior Developer: Around $112,892 annually.
Step 3: Factors Influencing Your Pay
It's not just about the job title. Several factors can impact how much you earn at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Sub-heading: Location, Location, Location!
Just like real estate, geographical location plays a significant role in salary. Wages can differ considerably between states and even within different cities in the same state due to varying costs of living and local labor markets. For instance, a warehouse worker in Texas might earn a different rate than one in Georgia.
Sub-heading: Experience and Skills ✨
Naturally, the more experience you have in a similar role or industry, the more leverage you'll have in salary negotiations. Specialized skills, such as expertise in specific sports equipment or advanced inventory management software, can also lead to higher pay.
Sub-heading: Full-Time vs. Part-Time ⌚
Part-time employees typically earn an hourly wage without the full suite of benefits that full-time employees might receive. Full-time positions, especially managerial or corporate roles, often come with a salary plus benefits package that significantly increases the total compensation value.
Sub-heading: Performance and Promotions
Strong performance can lead to raises and promotion opportunities. Academy Sports + Outdoors reportedly fills 43% of its store management positions via internal promotions, indicating a potential for career growth and increased earnings.
Step 4: Beyond the Paycheck: Benefits and Perks!
While the hourly wage or annual salary is important, it's crucial to consider the total compensation package. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits that add significant value for its employees.
Sub-heading: Health & Wellness ⚕️
Academy likely offers health, dental, and vision insurance options, though the specifics will depend on your employment status (full-time vs. part-time) and the plan chosen.
Sub-heading: Time Off & Flexibility
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays: Employees typically receive paid time off, with increments varying based on role and years of service. Academy also offers recognized paid holidays, some of which can be "flex holidays" for employees to choose.
Flex Time: This includes options like picking up/trading shifts in stores, numerous shift options in distribution centers, and flexible schedules in corporate roles. Some customer care roles even offer remote work options.
Maternity & Parental Leave: Up to 10 weeks of maternity leave or up to 2 weeks of parental leave may be available for new parents.
Sub-heading: Financial Benefits
Beyond your base pay, Academy often provides other financial perks.
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401(k) Plan: Many companies offer retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions, which can significantly boost your long-term financial security.
Merchandise Discount: As a team member, you're eligible to receive a 20% merchandise discount in Academy stores and on academy.com. This can be a substantial saving for those who frequently purchase sports and outdoors gear.
Expert Savings Network: Employees can earn discounts on over 1,000 popular brands and access a range of discounts and rewards to sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Sub-heading: Professional Development & Growth
Academy invests in its employees' development, which can lead to career advancement and, consequently, higher pay.
Training Opportunities: In 2021, team members completed over 500,000 hours of training. They offer various training courses, including a Manager in Training Program, Team Lead Development, and other programs to sharpen skills.
Internal Advancement: As mentioned earlier, a significant percentage of store management positions are filled internally, highlighting a strong path for career progression.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer tuition reimbursement, even if your field of study is outside the retail industry.
Step 5: How to Find Current and Specific Pay Information
While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, for the most up-to-date and specific information, here's how you can find it:
Sub-heading: Check Official Career Pages and Job Postings
Academy Sports + Outdoors Careers Website: Always check the official careers section of the Academy Sports + Outdoors website. When they post job openings, they often include salary ranges or at least indicate whether the position is hourly or salaried.
Read Job Descriptions Carefully: Pay attention to the details in the job descriptions. They might hint at the compensation structure or level of experience required, which correlates with pay.
Sub-heading: Utilize Salary Aggregation Websites
Websites like Payscale, Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter collect salary data from current and former employees. These can provide a good estimate for specific roles and locations. Remember, these are averages and estimates, so actual pay may vary.
Sub-heading: Network and Ask Around (Discreetly) ️
If you know someone who works at Academy (or in similar retail roles), they might be able to offer insights, though direct salary discussions can be sensitive. Online forums or professional networking sites might also provide anecdotal information.
Sub-heading: Inquire During the Interview Process
Once you've progressed in the interview process and feel it's appropriate, you can inquire about the salary range for the specific position. It's generally best to let the employer bring up salary first or wait until the second interview round.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Step 6: Is Academy Sports + Outdoors a Good Employer for Pay?
Evaluating whether Academy Sports + Outdoors pays well depends on your perspective and the type of role you're seeking.
For entry-level retail positions, the hourly wages are generally competitive within the retail industry, often falling within the average range for sales associates and cashiers in similar big-box stores. The 20% merchandise discount is a notable perk for those who are frequent shoppers.
For managerial and corporate roles, the salaries become significantly more attractive and competitive with other large companies, especially when considering the comprehensive benefits package. The emphasis on internal promotions and professional development also indicates a commitment to employee growth, which can lead to long-term earning potential.
However, like any large employer, employee satisfaction with compensation can vary. Some employees on review sites might express satisfaction, while others might feel the pay could be higher for the effort involved. It's always a good idea to check recent employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to get a sense of current employee sentiment regarding pay and benefits.
Ultimately, working at Academy Sports + Outdoors can be a rewarding experience for individuals passionate about sports and outdoor activities, and the compensation, especially for higher-level roles and with the added benefits, can be quite favorable.
FAQs: How to...
How to calculate my potential hourly wage at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To estimate your potential hourly wage, research similar roles in your specific geographic area on salary aggregation websites, considering your experience level.
How to negotiate salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for your desired role and experience, highlight your relevant skills and achievements, and confidently state your salary expectations during the offer stage, always being prepared to justify your request.
How to advance my career for higher pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on excelling in your current role, seek out training opportunities, express interest in leadership development programs, and apply for internal promotions as they become available.
How to understand the benefits package beyond just salary?
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the benefits, including health insurance options, retirement plans (like 401k matching), paid time off, and any employee discounts or perks during the interview or onboarding process.
How to find out about specific job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors "Careers" section on their website, or check major job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
How to know if Academy Sports + Outdoors offers tuition reimbursement?
Academy Sports + Outdoors does offer tuition reimbursement; you can find more details on their official careers page under the "Benefits" section or inquire directly with HR.
How to get a merchandise discount as an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee?
Upon employment, you'll typically receive information and access to your employee discount, which is generally 20% on merchandise in stores and online.
How to inquire about parental leave policies at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Details regarding maternity and parental leave (up to 10 weeks for maternity, 2 weeks for parental) are usually provided during the onboarding process or can be clarified by Human Resources.
How to learn about career development programs at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Information on training courses, manager-in-training programs, and internal advancement statistics can be found on their careers website, often under sections related to "Growth & Development" or "Benefits."
How to find out about flexible scheduling options at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Flexible scheduling options like shift trading, various shift options in distribution centers, and flexible arrival/departure times in corporate roles are often highlighted in job descriptions or discussed during the interview process.
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