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With over 1,900 stores nationwide and competitive starting pay, Target remains one of America’s most popular places to work in retail.
See the Opportunities bellow:
But what's it really like to work there, how much can you expect to earn, and how do you get your foot in the door?
We've put together this complete guide to Target careers to help you decide if the red bullseye is right for your next career move.
What's the Starting Pay at Target?
Let's talk money first. Target made headlines when it raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour nationwide in 2020, putting it ahead of many retail competitors. Here's what you can expect to earn in various positions:
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier/Guest Advocate | $15-$19 | $16 |
| Sales Associate | $15-$19 | $16 |
| Retail Sales Associate | $15-$20 | $17 |
| Sales Team Leader, Retail | $19-$25 | $22 |
| Team Leader, General | $19-$26 | $23 |
| Warehouse Worker | $17-$25 | $20 |
- Store Team Members: $15-$19 per hour (varies by location and experience)
- Specialized Roles (Tech, Beauty): Up to $21 per hour
- Team Leaders: $19-$25 per hour
- Executive Team Leaders: $50,000-$70,000 per year
- Store Directors: $80,000-$170,000+ per year
Remember that these rates can be higher in expensive cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, where Target often pays $17-$24 per hour for starting positions.
Emily, a Guest Advocate in Chicago, shared: "I started at $16.75 per hour, which was significantly better than my previous retail job. After 18 months and a promotion to a specialty sales area, I'm now making $18.50."
What Jobs Are Available at Target?
Target offers a wide variety of positions, so you're not stuck doing just one thing. Here are the main job categories you'll find:
Store Positions
Front of Store
- Guest Advocate (Cashier): Running registers, handling returns, and helping shoppers
- Service Desk: Managing returns, online pickups, and customer issues
Sales Floor
- General Merchandise: Stocking shelves and helping customers across the store
- Specialty Sales: Working in specific departments like Style, Beauty, Tech, or Grocery
- Fulfillment: Picking and packing online orders for shipping or in-store pickup
- Drive Up: Preparing and delivering orders to customers' cars
Specialty Roles
- Starbucks Barista: Operating the in-store coffee shop
- Food Service: Working in stores with Target Cafe or other food offerings
- Asset Protection: Preventing theft and ensuring store security
Brandon, who works in Fulfillment, told us: "I chose fulfillment because I'm always moving and the day goes by fast. I average 15,000-20,000 steps per shift, so it keeps me active while I earn a paycheck."
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Leadership and Corporate Roles
If you're looking beyond entry-level work, Target offers:
- Team Leader positions managing specific departments
- Executive Team Leader roles overseeing larger areas of the store
- Store Director positions running entire locations
- Corporate opportunities at their Minneapolis headquarters
What Benefits Does Target Offer?
Target has seriously stepped up its benefits game in recent years. Here's what's available:
For All Team Members (Including Part-Time)
- 10% discount on Target purchases (20% on wellness items like produce and athletic gear)
- 401(k) with 5% company match
- Paid time off (accrued based on hours worked)
- Access to cheaper healthcare options
For Eligible Team Members (Usually 25+ Hours/Week)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Mental health counseling and resources
- Family leave benefits
Education Benefits
- Debt-free college program covering tuition and books
- Tuition assistance for other courses
Jessica, who's been with Target for three years, said: "The education benefits are what keep me here. I'm getting my business degree completely paid for while working part-time. It's saving me thousands in student loans."
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What's It Really Like Working at Target?
Every workplace has its pros and cons. Here's the real deal on Target:
The Good Stuff:
- Modern, clean work environment
- Generally positive team atmosphere
- More flexible scheduling than many retailers
- Clear paths for advancement
- Better pay than many retail competitors
The Challenges:
- Busy, fast-paced environment (especially during holidays)
- Weekend and evening shifts required for most positions
- Physical demands (standing, lifting, walking)
- Dealing with occasional difficult customers
Miguel, a Team Leader in California, shared: "Like any retail job, it can be stressful during peak times. But compared to other places I've worked, Target treats employees better and promotes from within more consistently."
How to Get Hired at Target
Ready to apply? Here's how to improve your chances:
The Application Process
- Apply online at corporate.target.com/careers or at in-store kiosks
- Complete the assessment questions honestly
- Prepare for the interview by researching Target's values
- Follow up within a week if you haven't heard back
Tips from Successful Applicants
- Show flexibility with your schedule (especially weekends)
- Highlight customer service experience in your application
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for the Target brand
- Dress business casual for interviews (red and khaki isn't necessary but doesn't hurt)
- Apply during peak hiring seasons (August-September and October-November)
Recent hire Tyler advises: "In my interview, they asked a lot about how I handled difficult customers in previous jobs. Having specific examples really helped me stand out."
Best Times to Apply
Target does most of its hiring during two main periods:
- Back-to-school season (July-September)
- Holiday hiring (September-November)
However, they hire year-round as needed, so don't wait if you're ready to apply now.
Career Growth at Target
One of Target's strengths is promoting from within. About 75% of store leaders started as hourly team members.
Typical career paths include:
- Store Operations: Team Member → Team Leader → Executive Team Leader → Store Director
- Specialized Track: General Merchandise → Specialty Sales → Department Specialist → Team Leader
- Supply Chain: Warehouse Worker → Operations Captain → Operations Manager
Maria, now an Executive Team Leader, started as a cashier five years ago: "I never planned to make Target a career, but they kept offering advancement opportunities. Each promotion came with significant pay increases and more responsibility."
Is Target Right for You?
Target might be a good fit if you:
- Value work-life balance but can work some weekends and holidays
- Enjoy a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Want better-than-average retail pay and benefits
- Are looking for growth opportunities
- Prefer a modern work environment
It might not be ideal if you:
- Need a completely fixed schedule
- Dislike customer service
- Can't handle physical work (standing, walking, lifting)
- Prefer working alone with minimal supervision
Ready to Wear Red and Khaki?
Target continues to expand its workforce and increase wages, making it a solid choice in the retail job market. With a starting wage of at least $15 per hour, benefits for part-timers, and clear advancement paths, it offers advantages over many competitors.
If you think Target could be right for you, your next step is to check for openings at your local store through Target's careers website. Good luck with your application!
