What Costco jobs pay and what positions are available
Costco hires for warehouse, customer service, and management roles across its warehouses and member service centers. Starting pay varies by location and role, but warehouse positions typically begin between $17 and $20 per hour depending on your state and the local cost of living. Supervisory and specialist roles pay more. Costco publishes current openings on its careers website, organized by location and job category.
Most entry-level positions are in the warehouse: cashiers, cart attendants, merchandise handlers, and forklift operators. Customer service roles include membership desk staff and phone support. Costco also hires for pharmacy, optical, food court, and gas station positions at locations that have those departments. Supervisory and management tracks exist for people who start in entry-level roles and move up.
Key Takeaways
- Costco posts all job openings on its careers website at costco.com/careers, sorted by warehouse location and job type.
- Starting warehouse positions typically pay $17 to $20 per hour, with pay varying by state and local market conditions.
- You apply directly through the Costco careers site; the company does not use third-party job boards for most positions.
- Costco offers health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off to both full-time and part-time employees after a waiting period.
- The hiring process usually involves an online application, a phone or in-person interview, and a background check before you start.
How to find Costco job openings in your area
Go to costco.com/careers and select your state and city, or the warehouse location nearest you. The site shows all open positions at that location, including the job title, a description of duties, and the hourly wage or salary range. You can filter by job category (warehouse, member services, pharmacy, management) to narrow the list.
If your nearest warehouse is not showing openings, check back regularly — Costco posts new positions as they become available, and turnover means jobs open throughout the year. You can also call the warehouse directly and ask when they expect to hire next, or visit in person and speak to someone in human resources. Some warehouses hire seasonally for the holiday period.
What the application and interview process looks like
You create an account on the Costco careers site, fill out an online application with your work history and availability, and upload a resume if you have one. The application asks about your experience, why you want to work at Costco, and your preferred shift. After you submit, Costco's system screens applications and contacts candidates who match the job requirements.
If selected, you will have a phone or in-person interview with a warehouse manager or supervisor. They typically ask about your work history, how you handle difficult situations, and your availability for the shift they need to fill. The interview usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. If you move forward, Costco runs a background check, which includes a criminal history search and sometimes a driving record check if the role involves operating equipment or vehicles.
The entire process from application to job offer usually takes one to three weeks, depending on how quickly the warehouse needs to fill the position. You will receive an offer letter by email or phone, which states your start date, shift, pay rate, and any conditions (such as passing a drug test or physical exam for certain roles).
Pay, benefits, and what happens after you start
Costco pays by the hour for warehouse and customer service roles. Starting pay is set by your state's minimum wage and Costco's internal pay scale, which adjusts for local cost of living. After you complete your first 90 days, you become may be able to access for health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. Part-time employees receive these benefits after meeting hour thresholds, which vary by state.
Costco also offers dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and an employee discount on Costco purchases. Employees can join the union (if the warehouse is unionized, which varies by location) and gain additional protections around scheduling, grievances, and wage increases. Wage increases happen annually, and supervisory roles offer higher pay and additional benefits.
Your first day includes orientation, where you learn Costco's policies, safety procedures, and how to use the warehouse systems. You will be assigned a mentor or trainer who shows you how to do your specific job. Most people are trained on the job for their first week or two before working independently.
Costco's scheduling and shift options
Costco warehouses operate early morning through evening, and shifts vary by location and season. Common shifts are 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight stocking shifts. When you apply, you indicate which shifts work for your schedule. Costco tries to honor shift preferences but cannot always may provide them, especially during busy periods.
Part-time positions typically offer 20 to 30 hours per week, while full-time positions are 35 to 40 hours. Scheduling is usually posted two to four weeks in advance, and you can request time off through the warehouse system. During peak seasons (holidays, summer), Costco may ask employees to work extra hours or different shifts than usual.
Requirements and what disqualifies you
You must be at least 18 years old to work in a Costco warehouse. You need a valid form of identification and proof of your right to work in the United States (such as a Social Security number or work visa). For certain roles — such as forklift operator or pharmacy technician — Costco requires specific certifications or licenses, which they may help you obtain after you are hired.
A criminal background check is standard. Costco does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records, but serious felonies, theft convictions, or violence-related charges may prevent hiring. Drug testing is required for some positions and locations. If you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to do the job, you can request a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or after you start.
Advancement and moving into management or specialized roles
Costco promotes from within. If you start as a cashier or merchandise handler, you can move into supervisory roles, department management, or specialized positions like pharmacy technician or optical assistant. Advancement typically requires working in your current role for at least one to two years, demonstrating reliability and leadership, and sometimes completing additional training or certifications.
Supervisory positions pay significantly more than entry-level roles and include benefits like bonuses and additional paid time off. Costco also offers tuition reimbursement for employees who want to pursue education related to their career. Many long-term Costco employees have moved from warehouse positions into corporate roles in accounting, human resources, or supply chain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to work at Costco?
Costco does not require a high school diploma or GED for most entry-level warehouse positions. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid form of identification. Some specialized roles, such as pharmacy technician, may have additional education requirements.
Can I work at Costco if I have a criminal record?
Costco does not automatically reject people with criminal records. The company reviews each case individually. Serious felonies, theft convictions, or violence-related charges are more likely to disqualify you, but minor offenses may not. You can ask the hiring manager about your specific situation before you apply.
How long does it take to get hired after I apply?
The process usually takes one to three weeks from application to job offer. This includes time for your application to be reviewed, an interview, and a background check. Some warehouses move faster if they need to fill positions urgently.
Does Costco hire remote or office workers?
Most Costco jobs are in warehouses or at member service centers. The company does hire for corporate roles in accounting, human resources, supply chain, and technology, but these positions are typically filled through a separate corporate careers portal and usually require prior experience or a college degree.
What happens if I fail the background check or drug test?
If you fail a drug test or have a disqualifying criminal record, Costco will not move forward with your hiring. You can reapply after a set period, which varies by location. If you believe the background check contains an error, you can dispute it through the background check company.