What retail workers actually earned in 2025

The data, pulled from recent proxy statements filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, underscores the reliance many retailers place on part-time and seasonal labor. Because these companies are required to disclose their median employee compensation, the figures offer a rare look at the middle of the payroll spectrum. At the lower end of the scale, firms like Ross Stores and Burlington reported median annual earnings near $10,000 to $11,000, reflecting workforces heavily composed of part-time associates. Even among fast-food giants, the figures remain modest; the median worker at a company-owned Burger King earned $11,075, while a Taco Bell employee at Yum Brands brought home $15,346.

As the list moves toward big-box retailers and specialized chains, the median pay climbs significantly. Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, reported a median annual income of $30,520 for its massive workforce. Meanwhile, hardware retailers and e-commerce leaders showed higher figures, likely driven by a larger proportion of full-time roles. The Home Depot reported a median of $37,881, and Amazon’s global median reached $40,206. Costco topped the group with a median compensation of $49,186, bolstered by a business model that often favors higher wage floors for its staff. These figures highlight how drastically retail compensation shifts depending on whether a company relies on a high-turnover, part-time model or a more permanent, full-time staff structure.