One Walmart employee recently posted on TikTok what most would likely consider to be an epiphany: making $15.50 per hour as a personal shopper, she’s barely below the raises and promotions most people outside of her organization consider the norm. The video caught fire so fast that onlookers were shocked that the wages for a role with constant action, attention to detail, and managing customer satisfaction in a high-paced retail environment were so modest.
The video made thousands of commenters note, with the majority writing the following:
I thought Walmart paid way more than that, especially with all those promotions they talk about.
But just exactly how do they do promotions and raises at Walmart, anyway? Let’s get into it.
Performance-based raises — not always guaranteed
Walmart does have yearly performance reviews, in which employees are eligible for raises. But the raises don’t go to everyone—they’re heavily weighted according to performance. An employee who gets a high grade may see their hourly rate increase a bit more than an employee who meets standards.
To their surprise, the firm does not automatically award yearly increases to everyone. That explains part of the shock that numerous individuals felt upon learning that the personal shopper had been at the same pay grade for several years, despite that they had been working there without interruption.
Also, cost-of-living increases are implemented from time to time in order for wages to remain in line with inflation. Those are up to Walmart corporate management and are not necessarily every year.
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Promotions are earned, not just handed out
Walmart has always positioned itself as a company that rewards hard work and loyalty, often boasting of the stories of employees advancing from the cash register to store manager. And though career pathing is part of their hiring process, all promotions do not come by length of service alone.
At Walmart, policy, performance, and skill development play many more times role than how long an associate has been employed. What that means is a newer associate who’s doing a great job and who receives leadership training can advance sooner than a longer-tenured associate who has had a mediocre pace.
The firm also offers internal training and development programs, including “Pathways” and “Academy” training, to help associates build into leadership or technical roles.
Variable pay and no fixed salaries for most
For non-management jobs like personal shoppers, cashiers, and stockers, Walmart does not offer fixed salaries. Instead, pay is hourly and varies based on store location, job title, and performance. Some management jobs do involve more traditional pay, with bonuses and fixed salary scales.
This decentralized pay system provides a guarantee that two personal shoppers in two different states—or two stores—may earn a different hourly wage.
A wake-up call regarding retail wages
The viral video reminded us that wage growth is not automatic in large-box companies, even for hard-working employees. Although the model at Walmart does have opportunities, it requires effort, excellent performance, and even a bit of luck in being in the right place to view the right job postings.
For those who are trying to puzzle out how to advance, asking the right questions will assist:
- Which specific training sessions must I go to
- How do I become rated above on my performance appraisals
- What are the hottest jobs in my store
These are the steps to turning a $15.50 salary into a lot more.
