Get a job at Costco by applying through their official careers website, creating an online profile, and submitting an application for a specific location and role. Improve your chances by demonstrating strong customer service skills, availability for flexible shifts, and prior retail or warehouse experience.
Understand the Costco Hiring Process
Costco uses a location-specific, online-first hiring process that requires applicants to create an account and submit a complete application through the company’s careers page.
Costco Wholesale hires based on availability, attitude, and fit for manual labor or customer service roles. The application process begins online. After submitting, local hiring managers review applications and invite candidates to interviews based on qualifications and demand.
Each store manages its own hiring. Jobs vary by department, some focus on warehouse operations, while others are customer-facing like cashier or membership services.
Hiring Process Overview:
- Go to Costco Careers page
- Create a login profile and fill out your job interest form
- Apply to specific positions at one or more locations
- Visit the warehouse to introduce yourself, if possible
- Prepare for a short interview process, which may involve a drug test and availability screening
Common job roles include:
- Cashier
- Stocker
- Forklift driver
- Front-end assistant
- Food court worker
These roles often require customer interaction, long hours on your feet, and flexible schedules, especially on weekends and holidays.
Explore Costco Job Types and Positions
Costco offers full-time and part-time jobs across warehouse, retail, and business services roles.
Over 70% of Costco employees work in retail warehouse locations, while others support distribution, business delivery, or corporate office functions.
Common entry-level jobs:
- Cashier assistant: Bags items, helps customers, stocks nearby products
- Membership assistant: Handles new memberships and renewals
- Food court worker: Prepares and serves Costco’s popular items
- Stock replenisher: Handles restocking during off-hours and weekends
- Front-end assistant: Supports cashiers and directs customer flow
Corporate and specialty roles:
- Pharmacy tech
- IT support
- Accounting and payroll
- Marketing and analytics
- Call center agents
All positions are listed with a job description, including hours, requirements, and pay.
Know the Requirements and Qualifications
To work at Costco, you must be at least 18, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and able to perform physical labor or customer-facing duties.
Required skills include:
- Ability to lift 40+ pounds
- Communication and teamwork
- Punctuality and reliability
- Reading and understanding instructions
- Willingness to stay focused during long shifts
Some roles, like forklift driver, require certifications. No college degree is required for most warehouse roles, but high school education or GED is often expected.
Standout traits:
- Prior experience in retail, customer service, or warehouse jobs
- Clear interest in Costco’s values (quality, value, member service)
- Strong availability, especially for weekends or night shifts
You can upload a cover letter during the application to explain your skills or past job performance.
How to Apply Online for Costco Jobs
Start by visiting the Costco Careers page and applying to a specific job at a local store. Applications must include your full availability, job history, and current contact details.
Application Steps:
- Go to costco.com/jobs
- Search by city, state, or zip
- Select an open position
- Create an online profile
- Upload your resume and optional cover letter
- Submit your application
After applying, the application stays active for 90 days. If you aren’t contacted, reapply.
Table: Costco Job Application Steps
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply Online | Visit the Costco Careers page and submit an application. | Applications are online; some stores may require in-person submission. |
| 2. Check Location | Visit the warehouse if your location isn’t listed online. | Some stores don’t use the online platform. |
| 3. Introduce Yourself | After applying, go to the warehouse and speak with a manager. | Personal introductions can improve your chances. |
| 4. Dress Professionally | Present yourself well when visiting or interviewing. | First impressions matter. |
| 5. Reapply Often | Submit a new application after 90 days. | Applications expire after 3 months. |
| 6. Target Seasonal | Apply during holiday or spring hiring periods. | Seasonal roles often lead to full-time jobs. |
| 7. Network | Ask current employees if they can refer you. | Referrals help but aren’t required. |
| 8. Prepare for Tests | Be ready to complete a test or demonstration. | Some positions require skill testing. |
| 9. Veterans | Contact regional HR after applying to get interview priority. | Costco values military service. |
Ace the Costco Interview Process
The interview is usually short, focusing on your work ethic, availability, and customer service skills.
Typical questions cover:
- Why do you want to work at Costco?
- How do you deal with angry customers?
- Can you work weekends or late shifts?
- Tell us about a time you helped a team.
Costco looks for people who are:
- Polite and professional
- Punctual
- Able to explain their experience clearly
- Willing to work hard and stay focused
Wear clean, business-casual clothes to all interviews. Always speak clearly, answer directly, and explain with examples from past jobs or school.
Understand What Happens After You’re Hired
After being hired, Costco provides paid orientation, safety training, and on-the-job coaching.
New employees get a full walkthrough of their department, warehouse rules, and company policies. You’ll learn:
- How to operate equipment safely
- How to interact with members
- Where to take breaks
- Who your supervisors are
- How to clock in and out
Training time is paid, and you will usually work 20–40 hours per week depending on your position. Costco tracks performance during a probationary period, usually 90 days.
Explore Costco Employee Benefits
Full-time employees at Costco receive competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and access to bonuses.
Costco is known for its employee benefits. Workers report high satisfaction with:
- Health insurance for full-time and part-time workers
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and vacation
- Free membership card
- Regular raises based on tenure
The average starting pay is $18.50 per hour, with many workers earning over $25 per hour after 5 years. Costco pays better than most retail chains.
Costco also promotes from within. Over 70% of warehouse managers started in entry-level jobs.
Typical Questions About Getting Hired at Costco
Can I apply to more than one Costco location at the same time, and does it increase my chances?
Yes. You can apply to several stores. Each hiring manager reviews local applications. Visit each store to speak with a manager.
What should I do if my preferred Costco location isn’t accepting online applications?
Visit the store and ask about openings. Not all locations are listed online, especially new stores or smaller warehouses.
What happens to my application after 90 days, and should I reapply?
Your application expires. You must reapply every 90 days to stay active in the system.
Final Tips for Getting a Job at Costco
- Be persistent. Apply every 90 days and follow up in person.
- Stay flexible. Open availability increases your chances.
- Speak clearly. During interviews, explain your experience with strong examples.
- Dress well. Even if you’re just dropping off a resume.
- Apply seasonally. Costco hires more workers before the holidays.
- Be ready to work hard. Costco values workers who can handle manual labor and busy stores.
- Be a team player. Managers want employees who work well with their co-workers and support customer service goals.
