Costco has figured out how to do many things right. From offering killer bargains for shoppers to treating its employees well, it has become a highly sought-after place to work.
A big reason is that Costco is also known for paying its employees well. In 2025, the company announced a pay increase for its workers, something employees have recently confirmed. One role with particularly solid pay is that of cashiers.
On Reddit, Costco cashiers shared exactly how much they get paid—and it has people considering a career move to the big-box retailer.
What do Costco cashiers get paid?
Redditor BazingaBeeKay shared exactly what they earn as a Costco cashier who also does forklift work:
“I make 32.90 an hour while cashiering, and 33.90 an hour while driving a forklift in the morning. 1.5x on Sundays. It takes about 5 years of full time at Costco to get to top out pay though. My biweekly paychecks are about $1850 after taxes and 13% in my Roth/401k.”
They also shared a photo of what appears to be a Costco employee handbook, with a chart showing hourly wages for cashiers:
People respond to Costco’s wages
The hourly wages range from $21 to $33.90, an impressive amount that shocked many Redditors who were unaware of Costco’s pay scale:
“Ok, I have said how Aldi pays their cashiers well, but Costco just puts them to shame.”
“That’s awesome. No wonder Costco employees always seem happy to be there 😀.”
“wtf… I’m paid worse at a carrier I have been doing for 18+ years and had to go to college for. That’s awesome for you! 👍”
“Detached viewpoint: I work in the mortgage industry and process a lot of loans. I estimate we see at least 5x (possibly 10x) as many Costco employees buying homes compared to Walmart or grocery store employees. TBF, maybe it’s regional, or because those other retailers’ employees already own homes, but to me, it’s interesting. Feels like it says something about employees who feel competitively and adequately paid.”
Some also noted that while the chart may be accurate, wages likely “vary greatly based on state, withholdings, other deductions, etc.”
Costco’s coveted positions
Others noted that becoming a cashier at Costco requires starting lower on the job title totem pole:
“Responders to other Costco questions have made it clear that new employees start on carts (bring back shopping carts) or assistant to a cashier.”
“I know a lot of people apply but very few get the opportunity. The cashiers at my local Costco are long term employees.”
“Those positions are impossible as EVERYONE is trying to get it and they always promote within. Great pay, benefits, retirement they all stay there and rarely have turnover.”
Jobs at Costco are highly coveted, and Costco cashiers have largely positive ratings on Glassdoor. One path that seems to work is seasonal employment:
“At our local Costco, the best time to apply is during the holidays. Start out as holiday help then transition to part time then to full time.”
“This is how half the employees I know got started. Just prove your worth during the seasonal employment.”
