Navigating salary expectations for any job can be tricky, especially in a state like Florida with varying costs of living and a diverse job market. If you're considering a career with Academy Sports + Outdoors in the Sunshine State, you're likely wondering: how much does Academy Sports pay in Florida? This comprehensive guide will break down average salaries, factors influencing pay, and what you can expect as an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in Florida.
Let's dive in and explore what your potential earnings could be!
Step 1: Understanding the General Landscape of Academy Sports + Outdoors Salaries in Florida
First things first, let's get a general idea of what Academy Sports + Outdoors employees earn in Florida. Keep in mind these are averages, and your specific pay will depend on several factors, which we'll explore in detail.
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| How Much Does Academy Sports Pay In Florida |
Average Salaries Across Florida
The average annual salary for an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in Florida is around $25,913 per year, which translates to approximately $12.46 per hour. However, this can range significantly, typically falling between $18,000 and $36,000 annually. It's also worth noting that Academy Sports + Outdoors' Florida-based pay tends to be slightly lower than the national average.
For instance, while the average hourly pay for an "Academy Sports Outdoors Sports" in Florida is about $14.05 an hour, some roles can pay as low as $9.88 and as high as $16.71 per hour. This shows the wide range within the company, even for similar job titles.
Step 2: Deconstructing Pay by Job Title and Department
The type of role you hold within Academy Sports + Outdoors is arguably the most significant factor determining your pay. Management positions naturally command higher salaries than entry-level retail associate roles.
A. Highest Paying Job Titles
If you're looking for the top earners at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Florida, consider these roles:
Store Director: Averaging around $53,147 annually ($26/hour). This is the highest-paying job at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Florida.
Loss Prevention Manager: Approximately $49,265 annually ($24/hour).
Loss Prevention Leader: Around $48,665 annually ($23/hour).
Loss Prevention Supervisor: About $47,810 annually ($23/hour).
Replenishment Analyst: Typically earns $46,271 annually ($22/hour).
These roles often require significant experience, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of retail operations and loss prevention strategies.
B. Common Retail and Hourly Roles
For many, the entry point into Academy Sports + Outdoors is through retail associate or similar hourly positions.
Retail and Sales Assistants: Generally earn between $13.09-$17.35 per hour.
Receiving Associate: Can expect to make $13.63-$18.20 per hour.
Team Lead: Often earns $17.70-$20.06 per hour, reflecting the added responsibility of overseeing a team.
Store Team Member: Ranges from $12.75 to $16.75 hourly.
C. Pay by Department
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Different departments within Academy Sports + Outdoors also have varying pay scales:
Facilities: This department tends to have the highest average salaries, at around $34,548 annually ($17/hour).
Retail: Averages about $27,166 annually ($13/hour).
Warehouse: Typically around $26,190 annually ($13/hour).
Customer Service: Averages about $26,010 annually ($13/hour).
Sales: Generally the lowest, averaging around $23,587 annually ($11/hour).
Step 3: Geographic Impact on Salary Within Florida
Even within the same state, salaries can fluctuate based on the specific city or region due to differences in the cost of living and local market demand.
A. Highest Paying Cities
Certain Florida cities offer slightly higher pay for Academy Sports + Outdoors employees:
Layton, FL: Averages around $26,076 annually ($13/hour).
Pinellas Park, FL: Approximately $25,906 annually ($12/hour).
Lake Mary, FL: About $25,904 annually ($12/hour).
Orlando, FL & Kissimmee, FL: Also around $25,904 annually ($12/hour).
It's crucial to research the average pay in your specific city of interest, as this can impact your overall financial well-being.
B. Consider the Cost of Living
While a city might offer a higher salary, it's essential to weigh that against the local cost of living. Florida's cost of living can vary significantly from one area to another. For example, while the average monthly wage across all occupations in Florida is around $5,249.17, the average monthly rent can be approximately $1,693. Comparing your potential salary to these figures will give you a realistic picture of your earning power.
Step 4: Factors That Influence Your Specific Pay
Beyond job title and location, several individual factors can affect how much you get paid at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Florida.
A. Experience Level
As with any job, experience plays a significant role. Entry-level positions will naturally start at the lower end of the pay scale. With more years of experience, especially in retail, sports equipment, or management, your earning potential increases.
An entry-level Retail Sales Associate with under 1 year of experience might make around $27,886 annually, while someone with 8+ years of experience could earn approximately $30,953.
B. Skills and Specializations
Do you have specialized knowledge in a particular sport or product category? Are you proficient in inventory management systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or visual merchandising? These skills can make you a more valuable asset and potentially lead to higher pay. For instance, a "Firearms Sales Representative" can earn significantly more than a general retail sales associate due to specialized knowledge and licensing requirements.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
C. Performance and Tenure
Good performance reviews, exceeding sales targets, and simply staying with the company for a longer period can lead to raises and promotions. Many companies, including retail giants like Academy Sports + Outdoors, have structured pathways for employee growth.
D. Negotiation Skills
Don't underestimate the power of negotiation! While entry-level hourly positions might have less wiggle room, for more specialized or management roles, having strong negotiation skills can help you secure a better starting salary.
Step 5: Benefits and Perks Beyond the Paycheck
While salary is crucial, it's not the only component of your total compensation. Academy Sports + Outdoors, like many large retailers, often offers a range of benefits that add significant value.
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A. Health & Wellness Benefits
These typically include:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
B. Financial Benefits
401K / Retirement Plan: A great way to save for your future.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Allows employees to buy company stock, often at a discounted price.
C. Work-Life Balance & Development
PTO / Vacation Policy and Paid Holidays: Essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Maternity / Paternity Leave: Support for new parents.
Tuition Reimbursement: Academy Sports + Outdoors values education and may offer reimbursement, even if your field of study is outside the retail industry.
Training Opportunities: The company invests in employee development, with many hours of training provided annually.
Internal Advancement: A significant percentage of store management positions are filled through internal promotions, indicating opportunities for career growth.
D. Employee Perks
Merchandise Discount: A fantastic perk for employees who are enthusiasts of sports and outdoors gear, often around 20%.
Expert Savings: Discounts on products from over 1,000 popular brands.
Discount Network: Access to a full range of discounts and rewards for sporting events, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
Step 6: Comparing Academy Sports + Outdoors Pay to Other Retailers in Florida
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It's helpful to benchmark Academy Sports + Outdoors salaries against competitors and the broader retail industry in Florida.
A. Overall Retail Salary in Florida
The average hourly pay for a general retail worker in Florida is approximately $11.79 to $12.82 an hour. This suggests that Academy Sports + Outdoors' average hourly pay of around $12-$14 is generally competitive within the broader Florida retail market, especially for roles beyond entry-level.
B. Competitor Salaries
When looking at other sporting goods or general retail companies in Florida, Academy Sports + Outdoors' pay falls within a similar range:
DICK'S Sporting Goods: While specific Florida data for DICK'S isn't immediately available, they are a major competitor and often have comparable pay structures.
P.S.K. Supermarkets, LLC: Averages around $33,916 annually in Florida.
Neiman Marcus Group: Averages around $31,547 annually in Florida.
Belk: Averages around $29,493 annually in Florida.
Cabela's: Averages around $28,527 annually in Florida.
This comparison indicates that Academy Sports + Outdoors' compensation is in line with or slightly below some higher-end retail and specialized sporting goods stores, but generally competitive with the broader retail sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to understand the average salary for my specific role at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Florida?
To get the most accurate understanding, look for salary data for your specific job title (e.g., "Retail Sales Associate," "Team Lead," "Store Director") in Florida, rather than just the overall company average. Websites like Zippia, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor provide detailed breakdowns.
How to negotiate a higher salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for your role and experience level, highlight your relevant skills and achievements during the interview process, and confidently state your desired salary range, being prepared to justify it with your value proposition.
How to get promoted at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Focus on exceeding performance expectations, demonstrating leadership qualities, actively seeking training and development opportunities, and expressing your interest in advancement to your manager.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
How to find job openings at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Florida?
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers website, or use popular job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor, filtering by location (Florida) and job title.
How to compare the cost of living with a retail salary in Florida?
Research the average rent, utility costs, and food prices in your target city in Florida. Subtract these estimated monthly expenses from your potential net monthly income to see how much disposable income you'd have.
How to maximize benefits offered by Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Familiarize yourself with all the benefits available, from health insurance options to tuition reimbursement and employee discounts. Enroll in programs that align with your needs and financial goals.
How to gain specialized skills for better pay at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Seek out internal training programs, pursue certifications related to specific sports or product categories, or gain experience in areas like inventory management, visual merchandising, or customer service.
How to understand if Academy Sports + Outdoors is a good employer for long-term career growth?
Look at the company's internal promotion rates, employee reviews regarding career development, and the availability of leadership training programs. The fact that 43% of store management positions are filled internally suggests good growth potential.
How to prepare for an interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company's values and mission, understand the job description thoroughly, prepare answers for common retail interview questions (e.g., customer service scenarios, teamwork, sales experience), and demonstrate enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors.
How to know if Academy Sports + Outdoors' pay is competitive for my experience level?
Compare the offered salary to industry benchmarks for similar roles and experience levels in Florida. Websites like Zippia and ZipRecruiter provide percentile data (e.g., 25th, 50th, 75th percentile salaries) that can help you gauge competitiveness.
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