Hey there! Ever wondered what it's like to be a manager at a leading sports and outdoors retailer like Academy Sports + Outdoors? You're not alone! Many people are curious about the compensation and career opportunities that come with such a role. Let's dive deep into what a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors can expect to make, covering everything from average salaries to factors that influence pay.
Step 1: Understanding the Manager Role at Academy Sports + Outdoors
Before we talk numbers, it's crucial to understand that "manager" isn't just one job title at Academy Sports + Outdoors. The company, like most large retailers, has a variety of management positions, each with different levels of responsibility and, consequently, different pay scales. These can range from department-specific managers to store-wide leadership roles.
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| How Much Does A Manager At Academy Sports Make |
Sub-heading: Types of Managers
Sales Manager: These managers typically oversee a specific sales department within the store, such as apparel, footwear, or outdoor gear. Their primary focus is on driving sales, managing inventory within their department, and leading their sales associates.
Logistics Manager: Responsible for the operational excellence of the entire store, with a specific focus on supervision and management of logistics, including receiving, stocking, and inventory control.
Assistant Store Manager: Often assists the Store Director in overall store operations, including customer service, team management, and achieving sales targets. This role is a stepping stone to higher leadership.
Store Director (General Manager): The ultimate leader of a specific Academy Sports + Outdoors store. They are responsible for all aspects of store operations, profitability, customer satisfaction, and team development.
Other specialized management roles may exist within larger stores or at the corporate level, such as Firearms Manager (for stores selling firearms) or even corporate-level Product Managers or Marketing Managers.
Step 2: Unpacking the Average Salary Figures
So, what's the bottom line? How much does a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors typically make? The figures can vary, but we can look at data from various sources to get a good estimate.
Sub-heading: General Averages
Based on recent data, the average annual pay for a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors in the United States is approximately $60,445 per year. This translates to roughly $29.06 per hour, $1,162 per week, or $5,037 per month.
It's important to remember that this is an average. Salaries can range significantly depending on the specific management role, location, and individual experience.
Sub-heading: Salary Ranges and Percentiles
25th Percentile: Managers at the lower end of the pay scale (25th percentile) might earn around $47,000 annually.
75th Percentile: Those with more experience or in higher-level management roles (75th percentile) can expect to make closer to $61,500 per year.
Top Earners (90th Percentile): The highest-earning managers, often in senior positions or high-performing locations, can potentially make up to $108,500 or more annually.
Comparably, a platform for salary data, also reports that an Academy Sports & Outdoors Sales Manager earns an estimated $154,567 annually, which includes an estimated base salary of $106,011 with a $48,556 bonus. This suggests that sales management, especially at a higher level, can be quite lucrative within the company. Similarly, an Engineering Manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors is estimated to make around $143,965 annually. This highlights the diversity of roles and their corresponding compensation.
Step 3: Key Factors Influencing Manager Salaries
Several factors play a significant role in determining how much a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors earns. Understanding these can help aspiring managers or current employees gauge their earning potential.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Sub-heading: Location, Location, Location! ️
Just like real estate, location is a huge factor in salary. Managers in areas with a higher cost of living or in regions with a strong demand for retail professionals might earn more. For instance, data indicates that cities like Napa, CA ($78,635), Nome, AK ($74,982), and Berkeley, CA ($74,012) report higher average salaries for Academy Sports + Outdoors roles compared to the national average.
Sub-heading: Experience and Seniority
This is perhaps the most obvious factor. A manager with extensive experience in retail, especially in a leadership capacity, will command a higher salary than someone just starting out in a management role. Progression from Assistant Manager to Store Director, for example, comes with a substantial increase in responsibility and pay.
Sub-heading: Store Performance and Sales Volume
In a retail environment, the performance of the store can indirectly influence manager salaries, particularly through bonus structures. Managers in high-performing stores with strong sales figures may be eligible for higher bonuses and incentives.
Sub-heading: Department and Specialization
As seen with the Sales Manager example, the specific department or area of management can impact pay. Managers overseeing high-revenue departments or those requiring specialized knowledge (like firearms sales or logistics) might have different compensation structures.
Sub-heading: Company Benefits and Perks ✨
While not directly part of the base salary, a comprehensive benefits package significantly adds to the overall compensation. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits, which can include:
Health Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement Programs: Such as 401(k) with company match.
Merchandise Discount: Employees are often eligible for a discount (e.g., 20%) on products sold in stores and online.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy values education and may offer reimbursement, even if the field of study is outside retail.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Training and Development: Opportunities for personal growth, cross-functional training, and career advancement, including Manager-in-Training programs and leadership development courses.
Flexible Schedules: Options for pick-up/trade shifts in stores and schedule flexibility.
These benefits can add substantial value to a manager's total compensation package, making the role more attractive beyond the base salary.
Step 4: Career Path and Growth Opportunities at Academy Sports + Outdoors
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Academy Sports + Outdoors emphasizes internal advancement and provides avenues for managers to grow their careers.
Sub-heading: Internal Promotions and Training
A significant percentage of Academy's store management positions are filled via internal promotions. This demonstrates a commitment to developing talent from within. They offer various training programs, including:
Manager in Training Program
Team Lead Development
Academy Retail University
These programs are designed to enhance the skills needed for specific roles and for general leadership development, preparing individuals for higher management responsibilities. Employees have shared positive experiences of being mentored and promoted into Manager and Store Director positions, sometimes even transitioning to the corporate office.
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Sub-heading: Beyond Store Management
For those with aspirations beyond a single store, Academy Sports + Outdoors offers corporate roles in areas like:
Merchandising
Marketing & Advertising
Finance & Accounting
Information Technology
Supply Chain & Logistics
These corporate positions often come with higher salaries and a broader scope of influence within the company.
Step 5: Strategies to Maximize Your Earning Potential
If you're looking to become a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors or are already one and want to earn more, here are some strategies:
Sub-heading: Gain Relevant Experience and Skills ️
Develop strong leadership skills: Focus on team motivation, performance management, and effective communication.
Become a sales expert: Understand sales metrics, customer engagement, and product knowledge.
Master operational efficiency: Learn about inventory management, logistics, and store operations.
Familiarize yourself with technology: Proficiency in POS systems, inventory software, and Microsoft Office is often preferred.
Sub-heading: Pursue Internal Advancement Opportunities ladder
Actively seek out opportunities for promotion within Academy Sports + Outdoors. Express your interest in leadership roles to your superiors and take advantage of any training programs offered.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Sub-heading: Consider Relocation (If Applicable) ✈️
If increasing your salary is a primary goal, research the average manager salaries in different Academy Sports + Outdoors markets. Relocating to a higher-paying area could significantly boost your income.
Sub-heading: Showcase Your Performance
Consistently exceeding sales targets, improving customer satisfaction, and demonstrating strong leadership will make you a more valuable asset and increase your chances of promotions and raises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manager Salaries at Academy Sports + Outdoors
How to become a manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
To become a manager, typically you need retail experience, strong leadership and customer service skills, and often a willingness to complete internal training programs like their "Manager in Training" program. Many current managers started as hourly team members and were promoted internally.
How to negotiate a higher salary as an Academy Sports + Outdoors manager?
Focus on showcasing your value through your past performance (e.g., sales achievements, improved efficiency, successful team leadership). Research market rates for similar roles and be prepared to articulate why your skills and experience warrant higher compensation.
How to get promoted to a higher management role at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Demonstrate consistent high performance, actively participate in leadership development programs, take initiative, mentor other team members, and express your career aspirations to your superiors.
How to understand the benefits package for Academy Sports + Outdoors managers?
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
The benefits package typically includes health insurance, retirement plans (like 401k), merchandise discounts, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Review the detailed benefits information provided by the company or inquire with HR for a full understanding.
How to calculate total compensation as an Academy Sports + Outdoors manager?
Total compensation includes your base salary plus any bonuses, commissions, and the monetary value of benefits like health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and employee discounts.
How to find current manager job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website (careers.academy.com) or explore job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.
How to prepare for a manager interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company culture, understand the specific manager role's responsibilities, and prepare to discuss your leadership experiences, problem-solving skills, and how you've driven results in previous roles.
How to assess career growth opportunities beyond store management at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Look into corporate roles in areas like merchandising, marketing, finance, and logistics at their headquarters in Katy, TX. Many senior leaders started in store operations and moved to corporate.
How to gain the necessary skills for a management position at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on developing strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Practical experience in a retail environment, even in entry-level positions, is highly valuable.
How to compare Academy Sports + Outdoors manager salaries with other retail companies?
Use salary aggregators like Glassdoor, Comparably, and ZipRecruiter to compare average manager salaries at other large retail chains, especially those in the sports and outdoors sector.
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