How much Target pays store workers, from cashier to boss

Target has raised wages over the years, but not out of kindness. The retailer now pays $15 to $24 an hour for entry-level jobs, and as much as $180K a year for its top store leaders. While Target touts its “team member-first” culture, industry experts say pay hikes are really about worker shortages and retention. Here's a full breakdown of Target's hourly and salaried pay levels.

Retailers have been forced to raise wages due to a shortage of available workers in most markets. Whenever wages go up, companies such as, but not limited to Target, Walmart, and Amazon release statements that make it sound like they have increased pay out of pure benevolence.
That's a sentiment that the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RLIA), a trade organization representing most major retailers in the United States, lays on thick in a recent report.

“Retailers understand that retail workers, who show up day-in and day-out to serve customers and their communities, are the most import asset a company has. The opportunities available to retail workers today are limitless for those looking for a career in retail and flexible for those needing income to support their families during all stages of life,” the RLIA shared.
In reality, wages rise when workers have leverage due to demand or for other reasons, like the job not being that desirable. Retailers do weigh costs like the expense of turnover, and the value of holding onto experienced staff, but they don't pay people just because they want to.

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“Retailers aren’t just raising minimum wages to $15/hour because of the competition to fill jobs right now. They understand that the expense hit will be offset in the long run by better retention and lower costs of hiring and training,” RetailWire expert Dick Seesel wrote.
He noted that business logic, not kindness, was behind the wage increases.
“Employers like Walgreens aren’t doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, but because there are certainly studies to back it up,” he added.

Target has raised its hourly wages.

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Target changed its worker pay rates

Target became one of the first large retail chains to commit to reaching a $15-per-hour minimum wage in 2017. It actually reached that goal in 2020. It went a step further in 2022.

“The company is now taking its next meaningful step by setting a new starting wage range from $15 to $24. The new approach will apply to hourly team members working in Target stores, supply chain facilities and headquarters locations, positioning Target as a wage leader in every market where it operates,” the company shared in a press release.

Exactly what hourly wage Target (TGT) pays within the range will depend on the job and the local market, with market-level wages set by the retailer based on industry benchmarking, local wage data, and more.

At the time, the company also expanded worker benefits, adding a number of new ones:

A debt-free education assistance program with access to more than 40 schools and 250+ business-aligned programs.
Access to health care for all team members via virtual doctor visits and mental health counseling, as well as online resources to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Family-focused investments, including adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and paid family leave.
Access to more stable schedules and one-on-one meetings with team leaders to accommodate team members' desired hours.

Target also expanded its health care benefits.

Expanded access: About 20% of Target's team will now be newly eligible for comprehensive health care benefits. Hourly store team members who work a minimum average of 25 hours a week will be eligible to enroll in a Target medical plan, down from the previous requirement of 30 hours per week.
Reduced enrollment waiting periods: Target also will reduce the waiting period for all eligible hourly team members to enroll in a Target medical plan. Depending on position, eligible team members can access comprehensive health care benefits three to nine months sooner.
Enhanced benefits: Target will provide additional benefits, including virtual physical therapy at no cost, enhanced fertility benefits, and other new wellness offerings as part of most Target medical plans. Team members also will gain faster access to 401(k) plans.

The company, of course, shared the requisite statement about how much it cares about its employees.

“Our team is at the heart of our strategy and success, and their energy and resilience keep us at the forefront of meeting the changing needs of our guests year after year. We continuously listen to our team members to understand what's most important to them, then use the feedback to make investments that meet their needs across different career and life stages,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Kremer.

Here's what Target pays store workers

Entry-level team member (TM)

Base pay typically ranges from $15 to $17+ per hour, varying by location.

Team Lead (TL): Hourly supervisor

Team Leads earn roughly $4+ above the TM base, usually starting around $19-$25/hour, depending on store and experience.
Examples: “A new TL is making $24. The TL who has been there for 20 years…$36 an hour.”

Target salaried pay grades:

Executive Team Leader (ETL): Salaried mid-manager

Salaried role overseeing specific store divisions (e.g. style, tech, fulfillment).
Typical pay range: $55,000-$90,000/year, with averages around $65,000-$85,000.
High-volume stores or more senior ETLs may range from $80,000-$100,000+.

Store Director (SD)/Store Manager: Store-level leader

Salaried position overseeing the entire store.
Typical pay: $90,000-$150,000+ per year. Some in high-volume markets can earn $150K-$180K/year with bonuses.