Not all well-paying jobs are office jobs, and many don’t require a college degree. While many people know that good money can be made in blue-collar jobs like electricians and construction, they may not realize that there are similarly well-paying jobs in retail.
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High-paying retail jobs typically require corporate experience, so you may have to work your way up the career ladder. However, there are jobs at major retailers that pay six-figure salaries. Here are some of the highest-paying retail jobs.
Forklift Operator at Home Depot – $43,000
Forklift operators at Home Depot lift heavy loads and precisely place building materials, home improvement products, and other warehouse items. Their primary responsibilities include moving merchandise, organizing inventory, and ensuring products are easily available for customer purchases and access by staff.
Pay for forklift operators at Home Depot is slightly lower than Costco, ranging from $38,000 to $50,000, with the average salary being $43,000. However, it may be easier to get certified at Home Depot than at Costco.
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Forklift Driver at Costco – $52,000
Forklift drivers aren’t necessarily the highest-paid employees at Costco, but they do receive decent pay and all they need is a forklift license. Forklift drivers at Costco move large amounts of goods, including unloading deliveries from trucks and organizing inventory in warehouse areas. Safety is a top priority, as they must navigate busy aisles and make sure everything meets safety standards.
Forklift drivers at Costco typically earn between $44,000 and $62,000 per year, with the average salary being $52,000.
Licensed Optician at Costco – $64,000
Opticians assist customers in selecting eyeglasses and ensure that glasses and contact lenses are properly fitted according to prescriptions. They can also educate customers on lens care and eyeglass maintenance.
Licensed opticians earn between $51,000 and $80,000 on average at Costco. The average salary is $64,000. To get a job as an optician, you need certification from the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners. This includes studying for and passing the organization’s basic certification exam.
Leadership Team Leader at Target – $77,000
A senior team leader at Target is responsible for overseeing store operations, from customer service to logistics. They are essentially Target’s version of an assistant store manager. Senior team leaders are involved in hiring, planning and performance evaluation.
Executive salaries typically range from $67,000 to $89,000 per year, with the average salary being $77,000.
Walmart Auto Care Center Manager – $88,000
Walmart Auto Care Center Managers are responsible for the automotive service areas in Walmart stores. They lead a team of technicians and other employees who perform vehicle maintenance and repairs. Auto Care Center Managers may also be responsible for scheduling services, managing parts and supplies inventory, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
The salary of an Auto Care Center Manager ranges from $72,000 to $110,000, with the average salary being $88,000.
Walmart Loss Prevention Manager – $98,000
The job of Loss Prevention Managers at Walmart is to protect the store’s assets, reduce theft, and provide a safe shopping environment for customers. They develop security policies, oversee surveillance, and conduct investigations of theft and other security violations. They also train staff on security protocols and work with law enforcement to handle more serious security issues. Their work helps a store minimize its losses and ensure its profitability.
A Loss Prevention Manager at Walmart typically makes between $79,000 and $123,000 per year, with the average salary being $98,000. The job can be quite dangerous, and there have been news reports of shoplifters threatening Loss Prevention employees with weapons. Although their job is to protect the merchandise, Walmart stresses that the safety of its employees and customers is always its top priority.
Walmart Pharmacist – $124,000
Walmart pharmacists are responsible for correctly dispensing medications and providing health counseling to customers. They may also administer vaccinations and perform health screenings. Pharmacists manage inventory, ensure prescriptions are filled correctly, and advise customers on drug interactions and side effects.
Walmart pharmacists are well paid, with an average salary of between $110,000 and $141,000 per year. The median salary for this position is $124,000, of which $120,000 is base salary and $4,000 is bonus.
Of course, pharmacists must have a doctorate in pharmacy, which typically requires at least four years of training. However, there is currently a shortage of pharmacists in the United States, so now may be a good time to invest in the necessary training.
Walmart Store Manager – $128,000
Walmart store managers oversee all store operations. They are responsible for achieving sales goals, managing inventory, and implementing company policies. Store managers also handle all human resources matters, including hiring, training, and developing their teams.
Walmart recently increased the annual base salary for store managers to $128,000. Managers can also receive substantial bonuses—up to double their salary—if they meet all of their store’s profit goals. This incentive is designed to encourage managers to work toward maximizing their store’s profitability and improving customer service.
Captain of Trader Joe’s – $132,000
Captains are Trader Joe’s store managers who oversee all aspects of store operations. They manage a team of associates, overseeing their training and daily tasks to ensure a high level of customer service. Captains are also responsible for inventory management and maintaining the overall store environment to provide customers with a welcoming and efficient shopping experience.
With salaries ranging from $99,000 to $185,000, with an average salary of $132,000, captains are well paid. Meeting sales goals can also increase their income, as retail store managers typically receive bonuses when they meet the store’s profit goals. Unfortunately, you can’t apply to be a captain from outside the store; you have to be promoted from within the store.
All salary information comes from Glassdoor.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 of the Highest Paying Jobs at Costco, Walmart and More: See How Much You Can Earn
