Best and Worst Jobs at Costco (Part 1 of 2): Best Jobs

According to multiple measures, Costco employees are satisfied with their jobs. For example, according to the article on which this post is based, it won Comparably’s Best Company for Perks and Benefits award in 2022, Best Place to Work in Seattle (location of the company’s worldwide headquarters), A+ by workers for overall culture (e.g., employee perks; job security, great pay, benefits; opportunities for professional development). However, there are large differences in how much different jobs are desired. This recent article identifies and discusses some of the “Best” and “Worst” jobs at Costco. 

Best Jobs

Meat Cutter

The meat portions are cut in the store. According to the article, with the exception of pharmacists, meat cutters are some of the highest-paid non-management employees, earning both a higher salary and receiving benefits. Other (non-monetary) benefits include being able to work away from shoppers, thus avoiding having to deal with customer service concerns. Further support for the positive view of this job is that it is hard to get these jobs, there is little turnover, and promotions to this position tend to be internal (vs. hiring from outside) due to the high demand for this position.

Pharmacist

According to the article, Costco is ranked as the top place to work as a retail pharmacist.  These employees are among the highest paid non-management workers and earn good benefits. In addition, whereas pharmacists at other locations may not get mandatory breaks, those working at Costco do. Pharmacists working at other locations (e.g., hospitals) may also be required to work less convenient hours (e.g., night shifts; holidays) vs. those working at Costco, where the hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Furthermore, although Costco gets very busy at times, the pharmacy is separate from the rest of the store (located off to the side and somewhat “hidden” by the aisles of toiletries and supplements. Therefore, the pharmacists are less likely to become overwhelmed by swarms of customers. The article also points out that, through working directly with members, the pharmacists have opportunities for learning and professional development. 

Optometrist

The optometrists at Costco are independent contractors rather that Costco employees. They rent space in the warehouse and handle the exams. In contrast, Costco deals with the retail elements, including the glasses and the opticians who help members select, fit and order frames, and fit and order contacts.  Apparently both optometrists and opticians enjoy working in the Optical Department. 

The optometrists are virtually guaranteed a full patient load and autoomy over their practice. The opticians get good pay, benefits, growth opportunity, and an enjoyable place to work. 

Tire Shop Worker

Employees working in the tire shop earn a competitive starting salary and can earn even more when they increase their hours. Although the tire center can get busy, the employees don’t actually interact much with customers. According to the article, the tire workers tend to be satisfied with the teams with which they work. The one main limitation of this position listed is that the tire center is not located within the warehouse. By not being in the store itself,  it can be more difficult for workers to stand out as an exceptional employee if they are trying to switch jobs to work in a new department. 

Stocker

According to the article, because they work before or after the store opens, these employees have the distinction of being among the very few people that have seen empty Costco stores. Some of the highlights of this position are being able to work in a fun environment (e.g., music), working without manager supervision, and not dealing with customers. They also earn a good hourly wage and have a good pathway to moving up and becoming a warehouse stock supervisor.

Front-end assistant

The article describes the front-end assistant as the “most multifaceted of Costco’s positions.” The primary task of these employees is helping make the warehouse is run as smoothly as possible. This goal requires participating in a variety of tasks, including moving carts, directing checkout line traffic, assisting cashiers, unloading groceries onto conveyor belts, and packing boxes. Unlike other positions, there is not a standard day for these employees. The article says that the variety of tasks required in this position can lead to it being “hectic”. However, there are also many assets of the job. There are many of these positions available, thus enabling people to start and remain working within the company. The pay is good, the employees are seen by manager and therefore likely to be noticed for high quality performance, and can move up in the company. In addition, the variety of tasks and multiple ways to provide support to other employees offer many opportunities for front-end assistants to be seen as a valued teammates. Furthermore, through performing a variety of tasks and interacting with many other employees, front-end assistants can learn a lot about how the store works. This knowledge is helpful for those who want to work for the organization over a long period of time.

Do you agree that these jobs sound good? If you worked at Costco, would these be the positions you’d like to have?