Dollar General pay rates range from $8 to $11 per hour for entry-level positions like cashiers and sales associates. Assistant managers typically earn $12 to $15 per hour, while store managers can make between $40,000 and $60,000 annually depending on location and experience.
What Does Dollar General Pay and How Is Compensation Structured?
Dollar General uses a standardized pay system based on job role, experience, store performance, and region. Most hourly employees receive pay between $10 and $17 per hour, with salaried management roles earning up to $63,000 per year. Pay structures at Dollar General stores follow federal and state labor guidelines while aligning with local market rates and operational budgets.
Hourly employees such as cashiers and sales associates are compensated for every hour worked. Full-time employees working more than 30 hours per week may qualify for paid time off, vacation, and health benefits. Part-time roles receive hourly wages based on average regional pay and demand for labor. All hourly employees are tracked by electronic systems to ensure compliance and accuracy in wage distribution.
The Dollar General Corporation offers bonuses and merit-based increases to many store-level and distribution center roles. District managers and corporate staff receive annual salaries, which vary depending on experience and department.
The company’s pay frequency is typically weekly or bi-weekly, depending on location. In many stores, payday occurs on Friday. This gives workers predictable income cycles and helps them plan around family, health, or transportation needs.
How Much Do Entry-Level Employees Make?
Entry-level positions at Dollar General, such as sales associates, cashiers, and retail workers, typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour in 2025. In states with higher minimum wages, such as California and New York, entry-level pay can begin at $15 or higher. Urban stores and locations with high turnover tend to offer higher starting rates to attract reliable workers.
Sales associates handle a range of store tasks including:
- Stocking shelves
- Assisting customers
- Cleaning aisles and public areas
- Managing carts and displays
- Reporting theft or security issues
Cashiers are responsible for:
- Operating the register
- Handling returns
- Processing payments
- Offering customer support at checkout
Both roles play a major part in keeping stores running smoothly and maintaining a friendly, safe environment for all visitors. Dollar General responds to changes in labor supply by adjusting base wages as needed, especially in areas where competing companies raise their minimum hourly rates.
Many co workers report that entry-level jobs at Dollar General are easy to learn, with short onboarding periods and paid training. While base pay is not high compared to other sectors, these roles are ideal for students, part-time workers, or people re-entering the workforce.
What Do Managers and Supervisors Earn?
Assistant managers at Dollar General earn an average of $15 to $18 per hour. These roles are often full-time and require at least six months to a year of experience in retail, food service, or another customer-facing field. Assistant managers support store managers in leading staff, opening/closing the store, and handling operational tasks.
Key assistant manager duties:
- Assigning duties to workers
- Ensuring all required paperwork is completed
- Scheduling team shifts
- Managing safe deposits and till reports
- Supporting employees during high-traffic hours
Store managers earn a base annual salary between $48,000 and $63,000, depending on store size, sales volume, and region. High-performing stores in large markets can offer up to $30 per hour equivalent in salary.
Dollar General store managers oversee:
- All store operations
- Recruiting and hiring new staff
- Inventory management and security
- Tracking profit/loss reports
- Ensuring co workers meet company standards
These roles require strong leadership, multi-tasking, and communication skills. Store managers must also attend regular corporate meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews.
Many managers are promoted internally from sales associate or assistant roles. Employees who show reliability, action-oriented behavior, and a desire to grow in their role often find Dollar General to be a company where long-term careers can grow quickly.
Corporate and Warehouse Pay Rates
Outside of retail stores, Dollar General employs thousands of people in warehouses, supply chain facilities, and corporate offices. These roles typically offer higher base pay, along with structured work schedules, performance bonuses, and long-term career options.
Warehouse pickers and stock handlers earn between $20 and $24 per hour. These positions are physically demanding and involve standing, lifting, and moving boxes for most of the shift. Shift availability can include early morning, night, and weekend schedules depending on volume.
Common warehouse positions include:
- Picker/packer
- Forklift operator
- Inventory auditor
- Maintenance staff
- Warehouse supervisor
Full-time warehouse workers are often eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401(k) contributions and paid holidays.
At the corporate level, salaries vary widely depending on role. Entry-level corporate roles in marketing, accounting, or supply chain typically begin around $45,000 to $55,000 per year. Senior roles can exceed $100,000 annually. Dollar General Corporation offers relocation support, bonuses, and vacation time for many salaried employees in these departments.
The corporate team supports stores by:
- Creating sales and marketing strategies
- Managing hiring and human resources systems
- Analyzing market trends
- Coordinating distribution center logistics
Whether you’re interested in customer service, finance, or logistics, corporate roles at Dollar General provide career options that fit a variety of skills.
Pay Frequency, Raises, and Bonus Structure
Employees at Dollar General are paid weekly or bi-weekly. New hires confirm their pay cycle during onboarding. Most workers are paid every Friday through direct deposit or pay card. The company uses electronic time tracking to ensure accurate hours and fast processing.
Raises are typically given once per year during annual review periods. Raises are based on individual performance, attendance, and sometimes sales performance. Many employees report receiving a pay increase of $0.25 to $1.00 per hour after 6 to 12 months on the job.
Bonuses are less common for entry-level workers but are available for store managers and assistant managers. These bonuses are tied to store performance metrics such as:
- Monthly sales
- Shrink reduction
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Profit margins
Occasional seasonal incentives are offered for employees working peak holiday hours or covering night shifts. These vary by location and are typically announced by store management.
Dollar General also offers referral programs in select markets, paying bonuses to employees who help hire reliable new staff. Confirm with your manager whether your store participates.
Dollar General Pay vs. Other Discount Retailers
Dollar General salaries are generally equal to or slightly above the discount retail average in many markets. Entry-level pay is often similar to that of Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and regional competitors. However, some stores may offer lower or higher starting rates depending on location.
Dollar General has nearly 20,000 stores nationwide, allowing the company to offer jobs in both rural and urban areas. In many small towns, Dollar General is the only major discount store, giving it more flexibility in setting wages.
Competitor comparisons:
- Family Dollar: Starting wages from $11.00–$12.50 per hour
- Dollar Tree: Starting wages from $10.50–$11.75 per hour
- Walmart: Entry roles start at $14.00–$17.00 per hour depending on role and region
While Walmart and Target may offer higher hourly wages, Dollar General is often viewed as easier for entry-level employees due to lower customer traffic, simpler stores, and faster promotion timelines.
Employees looking to gain retail experience quickly often find Dollar General a more easy place to begin their journey.
Dollar General Pay Table (2025)
| Position/Role | Typical Hourly Pay (2025) | Pay Range (Low–High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate | $12 – $15 | $10.00 – $15.50 | Entry-level, varies by region and experience |
| Cashier | $10 – $12 | $9.84 – $14 | Often entry-level; lowest reported rates |
| Lead Retail Sales Associate | $13 – $16 | $10.78 – $15.97 | Some supervisory duties |
| Assistant Manager | $15 – $18 | $14.00 – $18.00 | Requires some experience |
| Store Manager | $23 – $30 | $16.92 – $30.00 | Salaried roles can reach $48K–$63K annually |
| Picker (Warehouse) | $20 – $24 | $19.75 – $23.95 | Distribution roles, higher pay |
| Average (All Roles) | $12 – $17 | $8.89 – $23.56 | National average varies by state/location |
| Top Earners (All Roles) | $20+ | Up to $40+ (rare) | Management or specialized roles |
Questions
Does Dollar General offer different starting pay rates based on location?
Yes. In areas like California or New York, base pay is higher due to local wage laws and labor demand.
Are there pay incentives for working night shifts or holidays?
Some stores offer bonuses or shift differentials for nights or holidays, depending on district policy.
How quickly can employees expect raises?
Raises are reviewed annually but may occur sooner based on performance or promotion.
Can part-time workers earn the same hourly pay as full-time employees?
Yes. Pay is based on role and experience, not hours worked.
Are there bonuses or profit-sharing plans?
Store leaders may qualify for performance-based bonuses. Hourly employees rarely receive bonuses outside of seasonal incentives.
How does Dollar General pay compare to competitors?
Dollar General pay is generally equal to or slightly better than similar discount retailers, though competitors like Walmart may offer higher base pay in urban areas.
In Summary
Dollar General provides steady, predictable income for retail workers, warehouse staff, and store leaders across the United States. Whether you’re seeking a part-time role, a long-term career, or a job with growth potential, Dollar General offers one of the largest footprints in American retail — and opportunities to grow are always present.
With an average Dollar General salary ranging from $12 to $17 per hour for most positions, and strong promotion pathways, many employees find it to be a dependable, family-friendly employer with benefits and paid time options. If you value team culture, reliable hours, and a company that rewards consistency, Dollar General is worth considering.
