Supermarket Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following mean hourly rates and annual salaries for supermarket workers by specialty in May 2024, according to the DOL:

• first-line supervisors of retail sales workers, $22.75 ($47,320 annually)
• butchers and meat cutters, $18.73 ($38,960 annually)
• stockers and order fillers, $17.83 ($37,090 annually)
• food preparation workers, $16.63 ($34,590 annually)
• cashiers, $15.00 ($31,200 annually)

Some employees may make less per hour, down to the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (approximately $15,080 annually), while specialized workers in some departments may earn more. Department managers can earn $60,000 or more annually.

Many supermarket workers are part-time employees and do not receive fringe benefits; full-time employees often receive medical benefits and vacation time. Supermarket workers often are eligible for discounts at the stores in which they work, depending on their company policy. The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union represents many supermarket workers concerning pay, benefits, and working condition issues.