The short answer is yes, Walmart does still hire part-time workers to supplement its growing number of full-time staff. There are ample opportunities to land part-time roles in areas like cashier, stocker, greeter, and pharmacy technician.
However, in recent years Walmart has shifted towards having more full-time employees make up their US workforce. So part-time positions may be more limited than in the past.
This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about getting a part-time job at Walmart in 2024. You‘ll learn:
- Which positions Walmart hires part-time workers for
- What the typical part-time hours and schedules look like
- Hourly pay rates for different part-time roles
- The benefits available to part-time employees
- Whether part-time work fits your needs as a student, senior, or someone seeking full-time
- How Walmart compares to part-time jobs at Target, Amazon, etc.
Let‘s start by looking at why Walmart has reduced its focus on part-time staff in recent years.
Walmart‘s Strategic Shift Towards Full-Time Employees
In the past, Walmart relied heavily on part-time staffing to control costs and maintain flexibility in scheduling. In 2005, only about 40% of Walmart‘s 1.3 million U.S. employees were full-time.
But this began to change around 2016 when Walmart announced the [Walmart Restorative Scheduling] initiative. The goals of this ongoing strategic shift are to:
- Provide more stability and opportunities for Walmart associates
- Improve recruitment, retention and engagement
- Offer better customer service
Full-time Walmart workers enjoy improved wages, consistent schedules, and enhanced access to benefits. So Walmart is transitioning as many roles as possible to full-time status.
By the end of 2022, Walmart hopes to have two-thirds of its 1.6 million U.S. workers be full-time rather than part-time. As reported by [CNBC] in August 2022, Walmart is on track to meet this goal.
However, Walmart will still need part-time staff to provide flexibility in meeting customer demand. Certain positions also lend themselves better to part-time work.
Next, let‘s look at which roles Walmart still commonly hires part-time employees for.
Common Walmart Part-Time Positions
While full-time jobs are now the focus, Walmart does continue to hire part-time workers to fill gaps in staffing.
Here are some of the positions that are most likely to be part-time roles:
Front End Positions
- Cashier – Running checkout registers and providing customer service
- Greeter – Welcoming customers at store entrance
- Retail Merchandiser – Stocking front end displays and checkout impulse buys
- Cart Attendant – Gathering carts from parking lot
- Door Greeter – Greeting customers, checking receipts, providing carts
Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Technician – Assisting pharmacists by processing prescriptions, insurance claims, etc.
Stocking & Operations
- Stocker – Unloading trucks, organizing inventory, stocking shelves
- Unloader – Unloading and processing newly arrived inventory
- Order Filler – Gathering products for online orders and dispensing curbside pickup
General Merchandising
- General Merchandiser – Organizing and stocking various departments
- Apparel Associate – Organizing, replenishing, and merchandising clothing
- Home Associate – Providing customer service and stocking housewares
Health & Wellness
- Optical Associate – Assisting customers with eye exams, glasses, contacts
- Hearing Associate – Helping customers with hearing tests and aids
During peak seasons like summer and the holidays, Walmart also hires thousands of temporary part-time staff.
Some other positions like warehouse associates, maintenance, and auto care may be open to part-time hires as well depending on individual store needs.
So if you have availability for under 35 hours per week, roles in these areas offer the best chances to get part-time work at Walmart.
Next we‘ll look at what typical part-time schedules and hours look like.
Typical Part-Time Hours and Schedules
Most part-time associates at Walmart work somewhere between 12-27 hours per week on average.
Here is what a standard part-time schedule looks like:
- 3 days per week
- 4 hour shifts
- 12 total hours guaranteed
So on a normal schedule, you would work just 3 days with 4 hour shifts each day, totaling 12 guaranteed hours.
However, opportunities often exist to pick up extra hours beyond the 12 hour minimum. If you express interest and availability for additional hours, you may be scheduled over 20 hours per week.
According to Walmart‘s [part-time scheduling policy], managers are encouraged to provide additional hours to strong performing part-time associates when possible.
Some part-timers are able to get over 30 hours per week depending on factors like:
- Their department‘s staffing needs
- Seasonal customer demand
- Associate availability and willingness to work extra
- Manager discretion
You may also be able to arrange your schedule differently, such as working just 2 days per week but with longer 8 hour shifts. Some managers are willing to accommodate scheduling requests to help meet outside commitments.
The key is letting your manager know if you desire more hours and discussing options to make that work for both parties.
Now let‘s look at typical pay rates for these part-time positions.
Hourly Pay for Walmart Part-Time Jobs
Part-time associates generally earn less than full-time employees at Walmart. Hourly pay can vary significantly depending on factors like:
- Job title
- Department
- Store location
- Associate experience and tenure
Here are some approximate hourly pay ranges for common part-time roles:
| Part-Time Position | Typical Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Cashier | $11 – $15 |
| Stocker | $10 – $19 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $13 – $22 |
| Greeter | $10 – $13 |
| General Merchandiser | $12 – $18 |
| Order Filler | $15 – $19 |
Your exact wage will depend on the above factors. Walmart does provide periodic raises based on performance, so higher pay is possible over time.
For example, a new cashier in Small Town, USA may start around $11/hour. But an experienced cashier in Los Angeles, CA may earn up to $15/hour or more.
Hourly wages for part-time roles tend to top out around $5/hour lower than full-time positions. But part-timers can still qualify for nice benefits, which we‘ll cover next.
Benefits for Walmart Part-Time Employees
One nice perk about part-time work at Walmart is that you can become eligible for benefits based on average weekly hours.
If you work over 30 hours per week on average for your first 60 days, you qualify for the following benefits:
- [Health insurance] – Associate medical plans start at $30 per month
- [Dental insurance] – Plans start at $5 per month
- [Vision insurance] – Plans start at $4 per month
- [401(k)] retirement plan – Associates can contribute after one year of service
- [Employee stock purchase plan] – Purchase Walmart stock at a discount
- 10% store discount and other [associate discounts] on goods
- Paid time off accrual for vacations and sick time
Associates that work under 30 hours per week over the initial 60 day period remain classified as part-time. They can still take advantage of:
- 10% store discount
- Associate purchase programs
- Paid time off accrual but at a lower rate than full-time staff
So even if you‘re unable to consistently get over 30 hours as a part-time associate, you can still benefit from discounts and some basic compensation perks.
How Do Walmart‘s Benefits Compare?
Walmart offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in retail for part-time staff.
For example, Amazon offers no benefits for part-time roles under 20 hours per week. Part-time Amazon employees must wait 90 days and consistently work over 20 hours to qualify for basic medical.
Target also requires part-time team members to average over 25 hours for an initial period before they qualify for medial, dental, and vision plans.
So Walmart sets a lower hurdle of 30 hours to get benefits, and provides store discounts immediately upon hiring.
Let‘s now evaluate some key pros and cons of part-time work at Walmart.
Pros and Cons of Working Part-Time at Walmart
Depending on your personal situation and career goals, part-time work at Walmart can either be an excellent opportunity or poor fit.
For High School and College Students
Pros
- Good source of income while attending school
- Minimum 12 hour schedules fit with classes
- Can request up to 30 hours during summer and holidays
- Discount on college essentials like laptops and dorm items
- Gain customer service and job skills
- Option to stay long-term or leave for a career job after graduation
"Working part-time at Walmart helped me earn money for textbooks and college expenses," said Jamie S., a college sophomore majoring in nursing. "My manager was great about giving me more hours over the summer too. The employee discount was really nice for getting a mini fridge and supplies for my dorm room."
Cons
- 4 hour minimum shifts can be inconvenient with class schedules
- Less ability to work over 30 hours once classes start
- May need to eventually leave Walmart for higher earning career after graduation
Part-time roles at Walmart can provide a flexible source of income for high school and college students. Just be aware schedules may be limited based on availability, and long-term career potential is low.
For Senior Citizens Seeking Supplemental Income
Pros
- Provides a steady paycheck without full-time commitment
- Minimum hours guarantee fits a retiree‘s schedule
- Social interaction and gets you out of the house
- Employee discount helps stretch retirement budget
- Low pressure jobs like greeter or cashier aren‘t too physically demanding
John F., a 72 year old Walmart greeter says, "I wanted to supplement my social security income a few days a week. Being a greeter gives me a reason to stay active while making some extra money."
Cons
- Pay is low compared to career jobs pre-retirement
- On feet for long periods as cashier or stocker
- Dealing with stressed customers can be a challenge
Seniors who want light activity and socializing along with extra income tend to enjoy part-time work at Walmart. Just be mindful of potential physical demands and customer attitudes depending on role.
For Those Seeking Full-Time Work
Pros
- May be able to consistently get 30+ hours if desired
- Opportunity to eventually move into full-time role
- Full benefits kick in if exceeding 30 hour threshold
Cons
- No guarantee of full-time hours
- Lower wages than explicit full-time roles
- May need to add supplemental part-time job to get 40+ hours
- Limited advancement opportunity compared to starting full-time
Trying to earn a full-time income solely through a Walmart part-time job can be challenging. While possible to consistently get 30+ hours, no guarantees exist. And wages tend to cap out under explicit full-time roles.
For Second Job Seekers
Pros
- Minimum hours guarantee won‘t overwhelm your primary job
- Extra income from side job for additional savings
- Employee discounts help balance against lower wages
"I have a full-time job in marketing, but I work weekends and a few weekday evenings as a cashier for extra spending money," explains Alison P. "It‘s nice having the 10% employee discount when I buy groceries too."
Cons
- Hard to coordinate with separate full-time job schedule
- Lower wages than many professional secondary job options
Those seeking a straightforward second job may appreciate Walmart‘s minimum hours guarantee. However, professional second jobs like tutoring or freelancing could offer higher income potential.
As you can see, whether part-time work at Walmart fits your needs really depends on your personal financial situation and career trajectory.
Next we‘ll see how Walmart‘s part-time roles compare to other major retailers.
How Walmart‘s Part-Time Jobs Compare to Other Retailers
Here is an overview of how Walmart stacks up against major retailers when it comes to key factors for part-time workers:
| Retailer | Typical Wages | Minimum Weekly Hours | Benefit Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $10 – $22/hour | 12 hours | 30 hours for 60 days |
| Target | $10 – $24/hour | 12 hours | 25 hours for 60 days |
| Amazon | $12 – $22/hour | 16 hours | 20 hours after 90 days |
| Kroger | $9 – $20/hour | 12 hours | 30 hours |
| Home Depot | $11 – $23/hour | 16 hours | 30 hours |
As you can see, Walmart offers competitive wages, low minimum hour requirements, and one of the fastest paths to benefits eligibility.
However, experienced roles at retailers like Target and Amazon may offer slightly higher pay ceilings. And some chains like Home Depot have higher minimum weekly hours.
So weigh factors like typical pay for your desired role, minimum hour policies, benefits eligibility, and management culture.
Expert Tips for Getting a Part-Time Job at Walmart
If you‘ve decided that part-time work could be a good fit for your situation, here are some tips to help secure a role:
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Check online job listings frequently – New part-time opportunities are posted daily as needs arise. Set up alerts and apply quickly.
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Talk to store managers – Introducing yourself in-person and explaining your interest in part-time work can help your application stand out.
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Have open availability – While Walmart tries to accommodate scheduling needs, having wide-open availability will give you a leg up for part-time placement.
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Highlight previous retail experience – Any customer service, cash handling, or stocking experience from prior retail jobs will appeal to hiring managers.
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Ace the interview – Come prepared to interview with answers that highlight your reliability, work ethic, and desire to help customers.
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Be willing to work multiple departments – Your flexibility will be attractive for filling in staffing gaps across the store.
With an enthusiastic attitude, solid work history, and willingness to pitch in where needed, you can land a part-time job at Walmart.
Key Takeaways: Is Part-Time Right for You?
Here are some final points to consider when weighing whether part-time work at Walmart fits your needs:
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Walmart is moving towards more full-time roles, but still has ample part-time opportunities in areas like cashier, stocking, pharmacy tech, and greeter.
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Standard schedules are around 12 – 27 hours per week over 3 or 4 days. But 30+ hours weekly is possible.
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Hourly pay typically ranges from $10 – $22 depending on role, with periodic raises. Lower than explicit full-time roles.
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Employee benefits like medical/dental insurance kick in at 30+ hours per week. Discounts provided immediately.
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Part-time jobs can work well for students, seniors seeking supplemental income, and those with limited availability.
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Full-time income seekers may be better served starting off in an explicit full-time position.
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Experience can vary greatly depending on quality of direct managers and store culture.
With an open schedule, willingness to work multiple departments, and friendly attitude, part-time roles at Walmart offer a steady source of income. Just be sure your personal financial and career goals align with what part-time work there provides before applying.
