Looking for a job at Costco in 2026? You’re making a smart move. Costco Wholesale is consistently ranked as one of the best companies to work for in the United States, offering competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and genuine opportunities for career growth — even without a college degree.
Whether you’re searching for your first job or looking for a stable career with real advancement potential, Costco has positions that could change your financial future. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about landing a job at Costco this year.
Why Work at Costco?
Costco isn’t just another retail job. The company has built a reputation for treating employees exceptionally well, and the numbers back it up. With over 300,000 employees across 600+ warehouses in the U.S., Costco maintains an employee retention rate that’s far above the retail industry average.
The reason is simple: Costco pays more, offers better benefits, and promotes from within. Many warehouse managers and even corporate executives started as entry-level employees pushing carts in the parking lot.
In a market where most retail jobs pay minimum wage and offer few benefits, Costco stands apart as an employer that genuinely invests in its workforce.
Available Positions at Costco
Costco offers a wide variety of roles to fit different skills and schedules. Here are the most common positions you can apply for:
- Front End Assistant (Cashier) — Operate registers, process member transactions, and provide customer service.
- Stocker / Merchandise Handler — Receive shipments, stock shelves, and organize the warehouse floor.
- Food Court Associate — Prepare and serve food items including pizza, hot dogs, and smoothies.
- Bakery Associate — Bake and package fresh breads, cakes, muffins, and other bakery goods.
- Deli / Meat Department — Cut, package, and display meat and deli products following safety standards.
- Tire Center Technician — Install, balance, and rotate tires for members’ vehicles.
- Membership Assistant — Sign up new members, process renewals, and handle membership inquiries.
- Cart Attendant — Collect shopping carts from the parking lot and assist members with loading purchases.
- Pharmacy Technician — Assist pharmacists with filling prescriptions and serving customers (certification required).
- Optical Department — Help members select eyewear, process orders, and perform basic adjustments.
Part-time and full-time positions are available, with most warehouses offering flexible scheduling options for students and those with other commitments.
Requirements to Apply
One of the best things about Costco is that most positions don’t require previous experience or a college degree. Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- Be at least 18 years old (16 for some positions in certain states).
- Have a valid work authorization in the United States.
- Be available to work weekends and holidays (this is a big one — Costco requires flexibility).
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
- A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
For specialized positions like Pharmacy Technician or Optical, specific certifications or licenses may be required. But for the vast majority of warehouse roles, Costco will train you on everything you need to know.
Salary and Compensation
This is where Costco truly shines. The company is known for paying significantly above the retail industry average. Here’s what you can expect:
- Starting wage: $17.50 – $19.50/hour for most entry-level positions.
- After 5+ years: Many employees earn $25 – $30+/hour.
- Supervisors/Managers: $55,000 – $80,000+ annually.
- Warehouse Managers: $100,000 – $150,000+ annually.
Costco also provides regular raises based on hours worked — not performance reviews or manager discretion. This transparent system means you know exactly when your next raise is coming.
In addition to hourly wages, eligible employees receive semi-annual bonuses that can add thousands of dollars to your annual income.
Benefits Package
Costco’s benefits are often compared to those of Fortune 500 companies — and they’re available even to part-time employees who work at least 20 hours per week:
- Health Insurance — Medical, dental, and vision coverage at very low employee cost.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan — Company match up to 50% of your contributions.
- Paid Time Off — Vacation days, sick leave, and personal days that increase with tenure.
- Employee Discount — Free Executive Membership ($130 value) plus exclusive employee discounts.
- Life & Disability Insurance — Company-paid life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.
- Dependent Care Assistance — Pre-tax savings for childcare expenses.
- Employee Assistance Program — Free counseling, legal advice, and financial planning services.
- Stock Purchase Plan — Buy Costco stock at a discounted rate through payroll deductions.
These benefits kick in after a relatively short waiting period, making Costco one of the most generous employers in the retail sector.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Applying for a job at Costco is straightforward, but there are some things you should know to maximize your chances:
Step 1: Visit the Costco Careers Website
Go to costco.com/jobs and browse available positions by location. You can filter by city, state, or ZIP code to find warehouses near you.
Step 2: Create an Account
You’ll need to create a candidate profile with your contact information, work history, and availability. Be thorough — incomplete applications are often skipped.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Select the position(s) you’re interested in and submit your application. You can apply to multiple locations and positions at the same time.
Step 4: Wait for Contact
If your application is selected, a hiring manager will reach out — usually by phone. Response times vary, but most candidates hear back within 1–3 weeks.
Step 5: Interview
Costco typically conducts in-person interviews at the warehouse. Be prepared to discuss your availability, work ethic, and why you want to work at Costco.
Step 6: Background Check & Drug Test
If you pass the interview, you’ll undergo a standard background check and drug screening before receiving a formal job offer.
Tips for Getting Hired
Competition for Costco jobs can be intense because of the excellent pay and benefits. Here’s how to stand out:
- Apply during hiring seasons — Costco ramps up hiring before holidays (October–November) and during new warehouse openings.
- Be flexible with your schedule — Candidates willing to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends have a significant advantage.
- Highlight teamwork — Costco values team players above all else. Emphasize collaborative experiences in your application.
- Show genuine interest — Research Costco’s values (quality, value, member service) and reference them in your interview.
- Follow up — If you haven’t heard back in two weeks, call the warehouse directly and politely inquire about your application status.
- Consider starting seasonal — Many permanent employees started as seasonal hires during busy periods.
Career Growth at Costco
What makes Costco unique in the retail world is its promote-from-within culture. The company actively avoids hiring managers from outside — nearly every supervisor, department manager, and warehouse manager started as an hourly employee.
Typical career progression looks like this:
- Year 1: Entry-level position (cashier, stocker, food court)
- Years 2–3: Senior hourly employee with regular pay increases
- Years 3–5: Supervisor or department lead
- Years 5+: Assistant Manager or Department Manager
- Years 10+: Warehouse Manager ($100K+ salary)
This isn’t just a possibility — it’s the standard path at Costco. The company provides ongoing training, mentorship programs, and leadership development to help employees advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to work at Costco?
You must be at least 18 years old for most positions. Some states allow 16-year-olds for certain roles like cart attendant.
Does Costco hire people with no experience?
Absolutely. Most warehouse positions require no prior experience. Costco provides comprehensive on-the-job training for all new hires.
How much does Costco pay per hour?
Starting wages range from $17.50 to $19.50 per hour, depending on the position and location. Wages increase regularly based on hours worked.
Do part-time employees get benefits?
Yes! Part-time employees who work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for health insurance, 401(k), and other benefits after a qualifying period.
Is it hard to get hired at Costco?
It can be competitive due to the excellent compensation package. Being flexible with your schedule, applying during hiring seasons, and showing genuine enthusiasm are your best strategies.
Can Costco employees shop during off-hours?
Yes, all employees receive a free Executive Membership and can shop at any Costco warehouse.
Working at Costco isn’t just a job — it’s the beginning of a career that can provide financial stability, excellent benefits, and real opportunities for advancement. If you’re ready to take the next step, start your application today and discover why hundreds of thousands of Americans choose to build their careers at Costco.
