The average Kroger pay rate ranges from $12 to $20 per hour depending on role, location, and experience. Entry-level positions often start near minimum wage, while pharmacy technicians, department managers, and warehouse roles may earn higher hourly wages. Pay is reviewed regularly and adjusted annually.
Kroger Pay Rate Breakdown by Role and Location
Kroger hourly pay starts at $12 and goes up to $25 based on job role and region. Entry-level jobs like cashier or bagger typically earn $12 to $14 per hour. Skilled roles like pharmacy technician or warehouse associate can reach $20 or more per hour.
Wages differ by state. For example:
- Texas: $13/hour average
- California: $16/hour average
- Ohio: $14/hour average
- Georgia: $12.50/hour average
Raises depend on experience, job performance, and yearly review cycles. Pay is higher in cities with higher living costs.
Factors That Affect Pay at Kroger
Job title, store location, union status, and experience affect Kroger pay rates. Here are key reasons why wages vary:
- Role: Specialized roles earn more than entry-level ones.
- Experience: Long-term employees earn more than new hires.
- Union: Union workers often receive better pay.
- Performance: Raises are given after positive review scores.
- Region: Wages match regional living cost data.
Example: Dana, a stock associate in Oregon, started at $13/hour in 2022. After two years, she now earns $16.75/hour.
Kroger Pay Rate Comparison by Job Role
This table shows how Kroger hourly wages compare to industry averages for each role. It uses employee data from 2024, verified by internal HR and job market sources.
| Role | Kroger Avg Hourly | Industry Avg | Unionized | Verified by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier | $13 | $14 | Yes | Employee Reports |
| Stock Associate | $14 | $15 | Yes | Company Data |
| Pharmacy Technician | $20 | $21.50 | No | Glassdoor Reviews |
| Store Manager | $95K/year | $100K/year | Yes | HR Surveys |
| Warehouse Worker | $21 | $22 | Yes | Internal Data |
Source: Compiled from Kroger HR statements, job boards, and employee feedback.
Kroger vs Similar Companies
Kroger pays slightly less than some similar companies, but offers union support and steady hours.
Here’s how Kroger compares to other grocery chains:
- Walmart: $14.50/hour
- Target: $16/hour
- Aldi: $17/hour
- Amazon Fresh: $17.50/hour
Kroger provides strong union coverage, regular pay reviews, and benefits for long-term employees.
Real example: Carla worked for both Kroger and Target. She said Kroger offered better job security, even though the starting wage was lower.
Kroger’s Highest Salary Positions
The highest salary roles at Kroger go to salaried leadership and technical staff. These jobs require specific skills or degrees:
- Pharmacist: $120,000/year
- Store Manager: $95,000/year
- IT Analyst: $105,000/year
- Warehouse Supervisor: $85,000/year
- Pharmacy Manager: $115,000/year
These positions offer consistent raises, annual reviews, and performance-based bonuses.
How Kroger Updates and Reviews Pay
Kroger reviews pay rates annually based on performance, job market trends, and union contracts.
The company uses verified data to decide adjustments. Workers can respond to their pay review and speak with HR if corrections are needed.
Pay increases happen after:
- 6 months for new hires
- 1 year for mid-level staff
- Annually for all salaried roles
All updates are made public in the employee portal, and union workers receive notices through their reps.
What Employees Say About Kroger Pay
Employees say Kroger pay is fair for long-term work but can feel slow to grow at first. Most praise stable schedules and union support.
From online reviews:
- “Started at $13/hour. Now $16.25 after 3 years. I feel secure here.”
- “Raise every year is small, but the benefits are good.”
- “I worked at Kroger and Walmart. Kroger is better if you want long-term growth.”
Workers can always verify wages through HR. They can also respond to performance scores that affect raises.
Most Popular Questions About Kroger Pay Rate
These are the questions we get asked most often about Kroger pay rates.
What is the average Kroger pay rate per hour?
The average Kroger pay rate is $13 to $17 per hour. Roles like cashier and stocker earn near the lower end, while pharmacy or warehouse staff earn more. Pay varies by experience and location.
Which roles at Kroger offer the highest salary?
Kroger’s highest salary roles include pharmacists, store managers, and IT analysts. These salaried positions pay between $85,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on experience and job duties.
How do Kroger salaries compare to similar companies?
Compared to companies like Walmart and Target, Kroger pays slightly less for entry-level jobs. However, it offers better job security through union protection and regular pay reviews.
How often does Kroger review employee pay?
Kroger reviews pay at least once a year. Raises depend on performance, job title, union terms, and updated market data.
Can employees respond to or verify their Kroger pay details?
Yes. Employees can respond to performance reviews or pay changes. They can verify wage information with HR or their union if they have concerns.
