How Much Does Walmart Pay Stockers In 2022? [Full Guide] - 33rd Square (2024)

The average hourly wage for Walmart stockers ranges from $11 to $15 per hour, which equals about $23,000 to $31,200 annually for full-time employees. Entry-level stockers typically start at $11 – $12 per hour, with experienced workers earning up to $15 per hour.

As a former Walmart stocker myself, I‘ve seen firsthand how competitive the pay can be for retail stock positions. In this detailed guide, I‘ll tell you everything a potential Walmart stocker needs to know, from salary and benefits to job duties and advice for getting hired.

Whether you‘re looking for a flexible part-time gig or a stable full-time job, read on to learn if stocking shelves at the world‘s largest retailer is right for you!

What Exactly Does a Walmart Stocker Do?

Walmart stockers, also known as stocking associates, have a wide range of duties related to keeping the store‘s shelves full of products.

As a stocker, your daily tasks will include:

• Unloading trucks packed with inventory and merchandise
• Scanning and checking in new inventory using handheld devices
• Carefully stocking shelves, endcaps, coolers, and displays with products
• Rotating older stock and removing expired items from shelves
• Creating neat, eye-catching displays for promotions and sales
• Placing accurate price labels and signage in the proper locations
• Organizing backstock items and replenishing low inventory on shelves
• Assisting customers by locating products and answering questions
• Keeping the sales floor clean, safe, and organized
• Using equipment like pallet jacks, ladders, and motorized equipment safely
• Working on a team to complete tasks efficiently and effectively

It can be fast-paced, physical work that requires attention to detail, organization, time management skills, and commitment to friendly customer service. Walmart takes pride in their stocking staff, who ensure millions of customers each day can find the products they need.

Hourly Pay Rate and Salary for Walmart Stockers

The average pay for Walmart stockers is around $13 per hour. However, pay can range from $11 per hour up to $15 per hour depending on:

• Experience level – entry-level stockers start around $11/hr vs. $14 or $15 for the most experienced
• Full-time vs part-time – full-time stockers often earn higher hourly rates
• Location – pay scales are higher in expensive urban areas like NYC or LA
• Shift worked – overnight and early morning shifts pay up to $1 per hour more
• Tenure – longer-tenured stockers get higher pay from annual raises
• Performance – top stockers can earn bonuses and quicker pay increases

Here‘s a breakdown of the typical hourly pay by experience level:

• Entry-level stocker: $11 – $12 per hour
• Experienced stocker: $13 – $14 per hour
• Highly experienced stocker: $14 – $15 per hour

Based on a full-time schedule of 35-40 hours per week, the average annual salary for Walmart stockers ranges from $23,000 – $31,200.

Part-time stockers working 20-30 hours per week will earn $13,000 – $20,000 annually.

According to Walmart‘s 2021 Annual Report, the average full-time hourly associate earned $14.26 per hour. This suggests typical stocker wages are on par with company-wide averages.

How Do Walmart Stocker Wages Compare to Other Retailers?

Walmart‘s stocker pay is quite competitive compared to similar positions at major retail chains:

As you can see, Walmart matches or exceeds the average pay offered by other major retailers like Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy. In fact, a Payscale survey found Walmart stockers actually earn 6% higher wages than the national average.

The pay is especially competitive for entry-level positions requiring no prior experience. Of course regional differences, cost of living, and other factors impact real wages. But overall, Walmart provides solid compensation for stockers.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Walmart Stocker

As mentioned earlier, Walmart stockers handle a wide array of duties related to keeping shelves stocked and the sales floor organized.

Here is a more in-depth look at some of your daily tasks and responsibilities:

Unloading and Organizing Inventory

Each day, Walmart store receives multiple truckloads of new inventory that needs to be unpacked and processed:

• Safely unload trucks using pallet jacks, lifts, and other tools
• Open boxes and scan barcodes on merchandise to log and count items
• Sort items by department, check for defects, and label when needed
• Neatly organize backstock items in the stockroom or other storage areas

Stocking Shelves and Displays

Once new inventory is prepped, it needs to be stocked on shelves and displays:

• Carefully stock correct product quantities in assigned areas of the store
• Create visually appealing displays that highlight promotions and new products
• Rotate older stock to the front and place newer stock behind
• Remove expired or damaged goods and dispose of properly
• Place sign holders, tags, and price labels in correct product locations

Providing Customer Service

Stockers support shoppers even though not directly selling:

• Greet and assist customers looking for items or recommendations
• Escort customers to aisles where products are stocked when needed
• Offer to check backstock for out of stock items customers want
• Let managers know about inventory missing from shelves customers need

Maintaining Store Appearance

Stockers help keep the overall sales floor looking great:

• Straighten aisles and tidy shelves that have gotten disorganized
• Sweep, mop, and pick up any debris that has collected in work areas
• Clean display cases, fixture surfaces, and sanitize as needed
• Identify sections of the floor that need attention from cleaning crews
• Dispose of cardboard, plastic wrap, and other trash from stocking

Administrative and Reporting Duties

Stockers provide key support with inventory management:

• Complete daily tracking logs on stocking activities and issues
• Participate in regular inventory audits and cycle counts
• Identify fast/slow selling items and note sections with frequent out of stocks
• Report damaged goods, expired products, and other issues
• Make recommendations on ways to improve processes and procedures

This wide range gives stockers valuable experience across many retail operations roles.

Skills and Qualities of Successful Walmart Stockers

To thrive as a Walmart stocker, there are certain skills and attributes that serve you well in this fast-paced role:

• Physical stamina and mobility – must be on feet 8+ hours and lift/carry up to 50 lbs
• Organization – manage diverse tasks and keep shelves orderly
• Time management – work efficiently without direct supervision
• Teamwork – collaborate with unloaders, salesfloor associates, and managers
• Customer service mindset – friendly, helpful attitude toward shoppers
• Attention to detail – ensure accuracy in all duties
• Multitasking – juggle varied responsibilities in busy environment
• Reliability – show up on time every scheduled shift
• Basic math – calculate quantities, inventory totals, etc. accurately
• Equipment operation – properly and safely use pallet jacks, lifts, and balers
• Technology – ability to learn store systems/handheld devices quickly

Walmart looks for stockers committed to providing fast, friendly service and ensuring their stores help customers save money and live better.

Work Environment and Schedule

The work environment for Walmart stockers includes:

• Indoor – all stocking duties are inside the temperature-controlled store
• Early mornings or overnights – most shifts are 4am-1pm, 9pm-6am, 10pm-7am; few daytime slots
• Year-round – steady work each week, including summers and holidays
• Full or part-time – set weekly schedule ranging 10-40 hours per week
• Weekends required – Saturday and Sundays are busiest sales days requiring full staff
• Moderate noise – store music, pages overhead, fork lifts beeping, light machinery
• Casual dress code – basic Walmart uniform of shirt/polo and khakis or jeans
• Physical nature – on feet entire shift, bending, kneeling, lifting heavy boxes
• Team environment – work alongside 20-50 other stockers and associates

The overnight shifts allow Walmart to be fully stocked every morning. So late night "night owl" types tend to enjoy and thrive in stocker roles. Occasional day shifts may be required to cover vacations or staff shortages.

Walmart Stocker Hours and Shifts

The most common shifts for Walmart stocking associates are:

Overnight Shifts

• 10pm to 7am
• 11pm to 8am

Spending the night unpacking trucks, stocking shelves, and preparing for the next day‘s customers. Better hourly wages and less customer interaction.

Early Morning Shifts

• 4am to 1pm
• 5am to 2pm

Finish stocking anything not completed overnight and get final items on shelves before the store opens. Higher pay than normal day shifts.

Day Shifts

• 7am to 4pm
• 8am to 5pm

Provide additional stock support once the store opens. Deal with more customers than overnight roles. Required to rotate to overnights occasionally.

Most stockers work 32-40 hours per week on a set schedule. There are also part-time roles at 20-30 hours weekly. Schedule consistency is a perk many retail/grocery jobs lack.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Walmart Stocker

Some advantages of being a Walmart stocker include:

• Steady, reliable work with consistent weekly schedule
• No need to interact with customers all day if working overnight
• Can listen to music/podcasts while working independently
• Physical job keeps you active and makes shifts go by quickly
• Employee store discount of 10% on regular purchases and special deals
• Eligible for quarterly bonuses, overtime pay, and annual raises
• Opportunity to learn retail operations skills and advance over time
• Tuition reimbursem*nt programs to earn a college degree

Potential downsides to weigh include:

• Overnight shifts can disrupt sleep schedules and be tough long-term
• Starting wages still relatively low, requiring strict budgeting
• Fast, repetitive work can be tiring for muscles and joints
• Moving and lifting heavy objects has potential for strains and injuries
• Job security relies heavily on store‘s overall performance
• Part-time roles don‘t qualify for full benefits like insurance
• Schedule makes work/life balance tricky and restricts social life
• "Blackout" periods with mandatory overtime around holidays

Overall, if you don‘t mind shift work and enjoy hands-on roles, stocking can be a solid gig. Just know the realities before committing long-term.

Benefits for Walmart Stockers

The benefits available to Walmart stockers depends on whether you work part-time or full-time:

Full-Time Stocker Benefits

Stockers working over 30 hours per week qualify for:

• Health insurance – medical, dental, vision plans with affordable premiums
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% company match
• Associate stock purchase plan with company match up to 15%
• Life insurance of $17,500 for associates; more for managers
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• 10% store discount and other exclusive savings programs
• Paid time off accrual for vacations and sick time
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Adoption benefits to help cover associated costs
• Some tuition reimbursem*nt and credits for advancing your education

Part-Time Stocker Benefits

For part-time stockers under 30 hours per week, the main benefits include:

• 10% Walmart employee store discount
• 401(k) retirement plan, but no company match
• Paid time off accrual but less than full-time roles
• Associate assistance programs like crisis counseling and financial planning
• Option to purchase various insurance plans at associate rates

So aiming for full-time employment unlocks much better benefits in addition to higher income. Even part-time roles get major perks like the store discount.

How Much Do Walmart Department Managers Make?

Many stockers view becoming a Walmart department manager as a potential promotion path down the road.

Department manager wages average around $16 – $22 per hour, which equals about $33,000 – $46,000 per year. There is also potential for annual bonuses up to $4,000 based on store performance metrics.

Roles like electronics, garden center, or automotive department manager offer the top pay band. Grocery and front-end department managers tend to be a tier below.

The jump to salary management is significant, making the long hours and added responsibilities worthwhile for many. Minimum 1-3 years of management experience is typically required to qualify.

How to Get Hired as a Walmart Stocker

If you want to get a Walmart stocker job, follow these top tips:

• Check the careers page and job board on Walmart‘s website frequently, as stocker openings pop up routinely based on turnover and seasonality. Apply ASAP when interesting roles appear, as competition can be stiff.

• Target smaller Walmart stores which tend to have more stocker openings than huge superstores which receive 500+ applications per job posting.

• Highlight any warehouse, inventory, retail stocking, or merchandising experience on your application, even if from smaller local businesses. Transferable skills matter.

• Emphasize your organization, punctuality, communication abilities, and teamwork – soft skills critical for success.

• If you have an open schedule with flexibility to work overnights preferred shifts, note this in your application and interviews.

• Dress professionally for interviews, with tidy appearance, firm handshake, and friendly demeanor. First impressions are key.

• Express interest in growing with Walmart long-term. Turnover is costly for them – loyalty matters.

• Be prepared to pass a background check and drug screening when hired. False positives do happen, so disclose any prescriptions upfront.

With Walmart hiring ~300,000 new associates annually, your odds of landing a stocker role are solid if you showcase the right attitude and availability. Remember, try connecting with store managers directly if applications go unanswered. Persistence pays off!

Is Working as a Walmart Stocker Right For You?

Before applying for Walmart stocking jobs, reflect honestly on whether the role and work environment seem like a good fit:

• Are you comfortable working overnight and early morning shifts, including weekends? Do you consider yourself a "night owl"?

• How do you feel about very physical jobs that require lifting, bending, walking, etc. for 8+ hours at a time?

• Are you detail-oriented and able to keep shelves perfectly stocked and organized?

• Do you have patience dealing with frustrated customers when items are out of stock or hard to find?

• Are you reliable with great attendance? Callouts and lateness frustrate store managers.

• Does a role with set duties and minimal supervision suit you better than nonstop interaction and sales requirements?

• Would you enjoy the steady, secure paycheck and benefits Walmart provides?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then applying to Walmart stocker positions makes perfect sense!

Just know it can take persistence, a great attitude, and flexibility to ultimately land one of these coveted roles. But once hired, you‘ll gain invaluable experience that serves as an excellent retail foundation.

Conclusion

I hope this insider guide provided a comprehensive overview of the Walmart stocker job, from typical hourly pay rates to what the work entails day-to-day.

While stocking shelves might not have been your dream job growing up, it can be a wonderful foot in the door to start a career with the world‘s largest company. Plus you‘ll earn a steady paycheck with bonuses while staying active and learning new skills.

Just be realistic about the early morning hours, physical demands, and fast pace required to excel. If you believe you‘ve got what it takes, don‘t hesitate to check Walmart job listings and get your application in today!

With competitive pay, benefits for full-timers, and advancement potential, Walmart stocking positions remain quite popular. So the key is standing out from the hundreds of other applicants. Highlight your retail experience, passion for customer service, and enthusiasm to grow long-term with Walmart.

Thanks so much for reading and best of luck with your job search! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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