Understanding how much you can earn at a company like Kroger is a common question, whether you're considering a new job, evaluating career paths, or simply curious. Kroger, being one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, offers a wide range of roles, from entry-level positions in stores to specialized corporate and management jobs. The compensation for these roles can vary significantly based on factors like job title, experience, location, and whether you're working full-time or part-time.
So, if you're asking "How much money do you make working at Kroger?" – let's dive in and explore!
Step 1: Consider Your Role and Department – What Do You See Yourself Doing?
Before we get into specific numbers, think about the kind of work you're interested in at Kroger. Are you looking for a customer-facing role on the floor, a specialized position in the pharmacy, or perhaps something behind the scenes in a warehouse or corporate office? Your specific job title and the department you work in will be the primary determinants of your earning potential.
Kroger employs a vast workforce across various functions. Here's a general breakdown of departments and common roles:
Retail/Store Operations:
Cashier
Courtesy Clerk/Bagger
Grocery Stocker
Deli/Bakery Associate
Produce Clerk
Meat Cutter/Clerk
Customer Service Representative/Manager
Front End Supervisor
Assistant Store Manager
Store Manager
Pharmacy/Healthcare:
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacist
Nurse Practitioner
Warehouse/Supply Chain:
Order Selector
Warehouse Worker
Forklift Operator
Stocker
Corporate/Administrative:
Accountant
Software Engineer
Data Analyst/Scientist
Marketing Specialist
Human Resources Specialist
Project Manager
Each of these roles comes with its own pay scale, reflecting the responsibilities, required skills, and market demand.
Step 2: Hourly Wages vs. Annual Salaries – Understanding the Different Pay Structures
Kroger jobs generally fall into two main pay structures: hourly wages and annual salaries.
2.1: Hourly Wage Positions
Most in-store and entry-level positions at Kroger are paid an hourly wage. This means your earnings will depend directly on the number of hours you work.
Average Hourly Pay: As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee in the United States is around $14.92 per hour. However, this can range widely, with some positions starting as low as $8.41 and others reaching up to $24.28 per hour.
Common Hourly Ranges by Role:
Courtesy Clerk/Bagger: Often in the $12 - $15 per hour range.
Cashier/Grocery Stocker: Typically $13 - $16 per hour.
Deli/Bakery Associate: Around $14 - $16 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician: Can range from $16 - $23 per hour, sometimes higher based on experience and certification.
Front End Supervisor: Generally $15 - $25 per hour.
Warehouse Worker/Order Selector: Often $14 - $19 per hour, with some specialized roles reaching higher.
2.2: Annual Salary Positions
Management, corporate, and some highly specialized roles are typically salaried positions. This means you receive a fixed annual income, regardless of the exact hours worked (though overtime may still apply in some cases depending on the role's classification).
Average Annual Salary: The estimated average annual salary across all roles at Kroger can be around $31,000 to $54,000 per year, but this is heavily skewed by the wide variety of positions.
Higher-Paying Salaried Roles (Examples):
Store Manager: Can range from $45,000 to $75,000+ per year.
Assistant Store Manager: Typically $34,000 to $50,000 per year.
Pharmacist: Among the highest-paid roles, often $130,000 to $150,000+ per year.
Software Engineer: Can range from $107,000 to $179,000+ per year for various levels.
Marketing Operations: Reported as high as $211,000 per year.
Project Manager: Around $170,000 per year.
Step 3: Geographic Location - Where You Live Matters
Kroger's pay rates can vary significantly depending on the state and even the city where you work. This is due to factors like the cost of living, local labor markets, and minimum wage laws.
3.1: States with Higher Average Pay
Generally, states with a higher cost of living tend to have higher average wages at Kroger. Examples of states that may offer higher pay include:
Washington: Potentially averaging around $37,400 per year.
California: Around $36,200 per year.
Oregon: Approximately $35,200 per year.
Alaska: Around $34,800 per year.
Colorado: Approximately $34,000 per year.
3.2: Local Market Influences
Even within a state, a Kroger store in a major metropolitan area might offer slightly higher wages than one in a rural town to compete with other employers and account for local living expenses.
Step 4: Experience and Tenure - Growing Your Earnings
Your experience level and how long you've been with Kroger can directly impact your pay.
4.1: Starting Wages vs. Experienced Pay
Entry-Level: As a new employee, you'll likely start at the lower end of the pay scale for your position.
Increases with Experience: As you gain experience and demonstrate proficiency, you become eligible for pay raises. Many companies, including Kroger, have a structured system for raises based on performance reviews and time with the company.
Skill-Based Pay: For roles requiring specialized skills (like a skilled butcher, lead deli clerk, or certified pharmacy technician), your pay will reflect that expertise.
4.2: Union Contracts
It's important to note that many Kroger employees are part of a union. Union contracts often dictate pay scales, raises, and benefits, providing a structured progression for wages over time. These contracts can lead to more predictable pay increases and often include defined benefit pension plans.
Step 5: Benefits and Perks - Beyond the Base Salary
While the base hourly wage or annual salary is crucial, Kroger offers a benefits package that adds significant value to your overall compensation. These benefits can often be a substantial part of your "total compensation."
5.1: Health and Wellness
Health Insurance: Full-time Kroger employees are typically eligible for affordable health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Prescription medications may also be available at a reduced cost.
Disability and Life Insurance: Kroger often provides disability insurance (covering a percentage of salary if you can't work due to illness/injury) and basic life insurance. Voluntary life insurance may also be available.
5.2: Retirement and Financial Planning
401(k) Plan: Kroger offers a 401(k) plan where you can contribute a portion of your wages. They often provide a company match, for example, 100% match for the first 3% and 50% for the next 2% of your contribution.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Some long-term employees may be enrolled in a defined benefit pension plan, which provides a reliable income stream in retirement.
5.3: Employee Discounts and Education
Employee Discounts: Kroger associates often receive discounts on groceries and other merchandise. The percentage can vary by position (e.g., a manager might get a higher discount than a courtesy clerk). They also have an "Associate Discounts" program for travel, entertainment, and more.
Tuition Reimbursement/Education Program ("Feed Your Future"): This is a significant perk! Kroger offers an education benefit that can provide up to $3,500 per year or a total of $21,000 for employees pursuing further education, from GEDs to PhDs. This benefit is also available for part-time associates.
5.4: Paid Time Off (PTO)
Vacation Leave: The amount of vacation leave typically increases with your tenure and hours worked. Full-time employees might start with around seven days after one year and can accrue up to 30 days for long-term employees.
Personal Days: Employees may also receive paid personal days, with the number potentially increasing each year up to a maximum.
Sick Leave: Kroger typically offers limited sick leave to full-time workers.
Step 6: Career Growth and Advancement – Increasing Your Earnings Over Time
Kroger emphasizes internal growth and provides opportunities for advancement, which directly correlates with increased earning potential.
6.1: Training and Development
Kroger invests in its team's growth through comprehensive training programs and leadership development initiatives. These programs can equip employees with the skills needed to move into higher-paying roles.
6.2: Promotion Paths
Many employees start in entry-level positions and work their way up to supervisor, assistant manager, and even store manager roles. Each promotion comes with a significant increase in responsibility and, consequently, compensation. Corporate positions also offer clear career ladders with increasing salary bands at each level.
Step 7: Factors That Can Impact Your Take-Home Pay
While we've discussed gross pay, it's important to remember that your take-home pay will be affected by several deductions.
7.1: Taxes
Federal Income Tax
State Income Tax (if applicable)
Local Income Tax (if applicable)
Social Security Tax
Medicare Tax
7.2: Deductions
Health Insurance Premiums: Your share of the cost for health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) Contributions: The amount you choose to contribute to your retirement plan.
Union Dues: If you are part of a union, dues will be deducted.
Other Voluntary Deductions: Such as life insurance, disability insurance, or other benefit programs you opt into.
It's always a good idea to use a paycheck calculator to estimate your net pay based on your specific situation.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate your potential hourly earnings at Kroger?
To calculate your potential hourly earnings, you'll need to know the specific hourly wage for your role and the average number of hours you expect to work per week. Multiply your hourly wage by the number of hours worked to get your weekly gross pay, then multiply by 52 for an estimated annual gross pay.
How to get a raise at Kroger?
Raises at Kroger are typically based on performance reviews, tenure with the company, and, for unionized employees, the terms of their collective bargaining agreement. Consistent good performance, taking on more responsibility, and demonstrating loyalty can help you secure raises.
How to apply for a job at Kroger?
You can apply for jobs at Kroger through their official careers website (Krogerfamilycareers.com). They often post openings on various job boards as well, but the company website is the most direct route.
How to qualify for benefits at Kroger?
Eligibility for benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off usually depends on your employment status (full-time vs. part-time) and how long you've been employed. Full-time employees typically become eligible for comprehensive benefits after a certain probationary period.
How to use Kroger's tuition reimbursement program?
Kroger's "Feed Your Future" program offers tuition reimbursement. You'll typically need to be an active employee, meet certain eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum hours worked), and apply through the company's internal education benefits platform. Details and specific requirements can be found with HR.
How to advance your career at Kroger?
To advance your career at Kroger, focus on excelling in your current role, participating in training and development programs, expressing interest in promotions to your supervisor, and networking with other employees and managers. Seeking out leadership opportunities within your department can also be beneficial.
How to find out the exact pay for a specific Kroger role in your area?
The most accurate way to find out the exact pay for a specific role in your area is to look at current job postings on Kroger's careers website or reputable job boards, as these often list salary ranges. You can also inquire during the interview process. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, Levels.fyi, and ZipRecruiter also provide reported salary data, but these are averages and estimates.
How to negotiate your salary at Kroger?
While entry-level positions may have less room for negotiation, for more specialized or management roles, you might have some leverage. Research average salaries for comparable positions, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and be prepared to articulate your value to the company.
How to get full-time hours at Kroger?
Securing full-time hours often depends on store needs, your performance, and availability. Express your interest in full-time work to your manager, be reliable, and take on additional shifts when available. Sometimes, transitioning to full-time involves moving into a lead or supervisory role.
How to understand the total compensation package at Kroger?
To understand your total compensation package, look beyond just your base pay. Factor in the value of health insurance benefits, retirement contributions (like 401(k) matching and pension plans), paid time off, employee discounts, and tuition reimbursement. These benefits can add thousands of dollars to your overall compensation annually.
