Considering a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia? Want to know what your paycheck might look like? Let's dive in and explore the world of compensation at Academy Sports in the Peach State!
Step 1: Unraveling the Basics - What's the Average?
So, you're curious about how much Academy Sports + Outdoors pays in Georgia. Well, let's cut to the chase!
Generally, the average hourly rate for an Academy Sports + Outdoors employee in Georgia is around $15.87 per hour as of early July 2025. When we look at annual salaries, the average Academy Sports + Outdoors salary in Georgia is approximately $25,113 per year, with reported salaries ranging from $17,000 to $36,000 annually.
Now, that's an average, and as you might guess, salaries can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Think of it like buying sports gear – a simple basketball might be one price, but a high-end, professional-grade tennis racket will be much more!
Step 2: Drilling Down to Specific Roles and Their Paychecks
Just like a sports team has different positions, Academy Sports + Outdoors has various roles, and each comes with its own pay scale. Let's break down some common positions and what you might expect to earn.
Sub-heading: Sales Associate & Cashier Salaries
These are often entry-level positions where you'll be on the front lines, helping customers find what they need or checking them out.
Sales Associate: Expect an hourly wage in the range of $9 to $17, with an average of about $12-$13 per hour.
Cashier: Similar to sales associates, cashiers typically earn between $9 and $15 per hour, averaging around $12 per hour.
Sub-heading: Inventory Control Specialists & Receiving Associates
If you prefer working behind the scenes, managing merchandise, these roles might be for you.
Inventory Control Specialist: These roles tend to pay a bit more, ranging from $10 to $19 per hour, with an average of around $14-$15 per hour.
Receiving Associate: Expect an hourly rate between $13.63 and $18.20, with some reported rates for "Receiving" as high as $15.00-$17.45 per hour.
Sub-heading: Leadership & Management Roles
For those looking to take on more responsibility, leadership positions naturally come with higher compensation.
Team Leader (General/Store): These roles can see hourly rates from $11 to $24, with an average of approximately $16 per hour. Some sources indicate a range of $17.70-$20.06 per hour for a Team Lead.
Operations Manager: This is a more senior management position. Salaries for an Operations Manager at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Rome, GA, for instance, can range from $40,000 to $175,000 annually, with an estimated average of around $124,892 per year including bonuses. This wide range indicates significant variance based on experience, store size, and location within Georgia.
Step 3: Understanding the Influencers - What Affects Your Pay?
Several factors play a significant role in determining how much you'll earn at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia. It's not just about the job title!
Sub-heading: ️ Location, Location, Location!
Even within Georgia, the cost of living and local market demand can influence wages. A store in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta might offer slightly higher pay than one in a smaller town, simply due to different economic conditions.
Sub-heading: Experience and Skills
The more experience you bring to the table, and the more specialized your skills are, the better your earning potential. For example, an experienced sales associate with a proven track record might negotiate a higher starting wage than someone with no retail experience. Similarly, if you have specific product knowledge (e.g., expertise in firearms, fishing, or outdoor camping gear), that could be an asset.
Sub-heading: ⏰ Full-time vs. Part-time
Hourly rates might be consistent, but full-time employees will naturally earn more overall due to working more hours. Full-time positions also typically come with a more comprehensive benefits package.
Sub-heading: Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
It's not just about the hourly wage or annual salary! Academy Sports + Outdoors offers various benefits that add to the overall compensation package. These can include:
Merchandise Discount: As an employee, you're often eligible for a discount on products, usually around 20%. This can add up if you're a frequent shopper for sporting goods!
Flexibility: Academy Sports + Outdoors often offers flexible scheduling options, including the ability to pick up or trade shifts.
Personal & Professional Development: They offer training opportunities, and a significant percentage of store management positions are filled through internal promotions, showing a path for career growth. They even offer tuition reimbursement for furthering your education.
Team Member Perks: Access to discounts and rewards on sporting events, theme parks, and restaurants.
Step 4: Navigating the Job Search - Finding Opportunities
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, how do you go about finding a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia?
Sub-heading: Online Job Boards
Websites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and the official Academy Sports + Outdoors careers page are excellent places to start. You can filter by location and job title to find relevant openings.
Sub-heading: ♀️ In-Store Inquiry
Sometimes, the best way to get a feel for a store and express your interest is to visit in person. While they might direct you to apply online, it shows initiative and allows you to briefly introduce yourself.
Sub-heading: Networking
If you know anyone who works at Academy Sports + Outdoors, reach out! They might have insights into openings or be able to refer you.
Step 5: Making Your Application Shine
Once you find a position, it's time to put your best foot forward!
Sub-heading: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Don't use a generic resume. Highlight experiences and skills that are directly relevant to the retail or sports industry. If the job description emphasizes customer service, share examples of your strong customer service skills.
Sub-heading: ️ Prepare for the Interview
Research common interview questions and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your passion for sports, your experience in customer service, and how you handle challenging situations.
Sub-heading: Show Your Enthusiasm!
Academy Sports + Outdoors is all about sports and the outdoors. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the products and lifestyle they promote. This can make a big difference in a competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to research Academy Sports + Outdoors salaries in specific Georgia cities?
You can use online salary aggregators like Payscale, Zippia, and Glassdoor, and filter by specific cities within Georgia (e.g., "Academy Sports + Outdoors salary Atlanta").
How to negotiate salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research average salaries for the specific role and your experience level, highlight your relevant skills and experience during the interview, and be prepared to articulate your value to the company.
How to get a management position at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia?
Typically, this involves gaining significant retail experience, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and often progressing through internal promotions within the company.
How to apply for a job at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Visit their official careers website (careers.academy.com) or popular job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter to browse and apply for open positions.
How to find out about employee benefits at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Information on benefits like merchandise discounts, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement can often be found on their careers website or discussed during the interview process.
How to know if Academy Sports + Outdoors offers good career growth?
Academy Sports + Outdoors has a stated focus on internal promotions, with a significant percentage of store management roles filled this way, suggesting good opportunities for advancement.
How to prepare for an interview at Academy Sports + Outdoors?
Research the company, understand the job description, prepare examples of your customer service and teamwork skills, and be ready to discuss your interest in sports and outdoor activities.
How to find part-time jobs at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Georgia?
On their careers page or job boards, you can typically filter job listings by "part-time" to see available opportunities.
How to get a job at an Academy Sports + Outdoors distribution center in Georgia?
Look for specific job postings for roles like "DC Clerk" or "Shipping/Receiving" at their distribution centers, often located in areas like Jeffersonville, GA.
How to understand the pay structure at Academy Sports + Outdoors (hourly vs. salary)?
Most entry-level and associate positions are hourly, while management roles often transition to a salaried structure, sometimes with additional bonus opportunities.
