How Much Does a Trader Joe’s Manager Make? Here’s the Answer

Managing a supermarket is no mean feat, folks—and even stores that exude chill and good vibes take a lot of work. Like any other grocery chain, store managers at Trader Joe’s have a big job on their hands, juggling staffing, operations, targets, and overall leadership in a company that continues to expand at a good clip. It’s probably no surprise, therefore, that they’re compensated well for their time and efforts.

What you might not know, though, is just how lucrative it is to be a manager at TJ’s. According to FinanceBuzz, Trader Joe’s store managers make a whopping $132,000 per year on average. That’s all before any of the other benefits, which look pretty good to us.

Paid Time Off, Retirement Plans, and a Hefty Store Discount Sweeten the Deal

Although TJ’s managers can make a good chunk of change, it’s worth pointing out that it’s a pretty steady climb to get there. On average, most Trader Joe’s workers make anywhere from $14.28 to just under $28 per hour, and the salary for some store managers can be a lot lower than that $132k mark. The amount you earn, as with other supermarkets, is based on a combination of store size, location, experience, and performance. Store managers based in busier places, like New York City, will likely take home more than those in quieter areas.

No matter what your salary range is, though, if you work at Trader Joe’s, you also have access to a host of other perks. TJ’s is notable for offering its workers paid time off (or PTO), which you accrue as you work—even if you’re part-time. Crew members can also access health and retirement plans through the company, including a 401(k) option.

Oh, and its store discount doesn’t hurt, either. All Crew members and employees can get up to 20% off all products in Trader Joe’s, bringing down the price of a weekly bill pretty significantly and allowing them cheaper access to all of those snacks, granolas, and pasta sauces. Hey, look, we wouldn’t say no to that one.

Other Grocery Chains Also Compensate Their Managers Well

If you thought that Trader Joe’s was alone in offering its managers a decent pay packet, you’d be mistaken—and in fact, some other stores can do significantly better. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that the base pay for Walmart store managers had increased to $160,000 per year, up from a previous base of $130k. Some managers can earn just north of $250,000 annually, and that’s before bonuses, incentives, and stock options, which can ultimately see them earning well over half a million dollars.

At Costco, meanwhile, the annual salary for store managers sits at around $138,000, as confirmed by Costco exec Patrick Callans to SFGate. That’s before other nifty perks, which can raise the actual amount you earn significantly. Make no mistake, people: Retail pays.