Supermarket Workers
Overview
Introduction
Supermarket workers are a diverse group. Each supermarket worker is employed in one or more areas of a grocery store, from the checkout lane to the deli counter to the back stock room. Nearly 2.7 million people work as wage and salary employees of grocery stores, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Supermarkets are located in cities and towns across the nation and include large chains and locally owned stores.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average food and beverage store employee earned a mean hourly wage of $14.68 (or $30,530 annually) in May 2019. The following are mean hourly rates and salaries for supermarket workers by specialty in May 2019: first-line supervisors of retail sales workers, $21.89 ($45,530 annually); butchers and meat cutters, $16.20 ($33,690 annually); stockers a...
Work Environment
Grocery stores are often open 24 hours a day, so workers are required for a variety of shifts. Many supermarket workers are part-time employees and work a varied schedule that changes each week. Depending on the time of day they work, the store may be bustling or quiet. Most of the work is indoors, although some outdoor work may be required to deliver groceries, collect carts, and maintain outs...
Outlook
Employment for supermarket workers is generally good. The field has a large turnover with workers leaving to pursue other careers. Many part-time employees are seasonal and must be replaced often. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic caused lock-downs and business closures throughout the world, but supermarkets and supermarket workers are essential and have continued to operate. For the immediate ...