Trader Joe's Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Trader Joe's in the United States is $145,689. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $70. Salaries at Trader Joe's typically range from $127,694 to $165,496 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Trader Joe's’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Trader Joe's's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Pilot Travel Centers LLC $116,070
-20.3%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
99 Cents Only Stores $145,921
+0.2%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
The Estée Lauder Companies $147,197
+1.0%
Confirms The Estée Lauder Companies is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Elite Flower $124,403
-14.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Elite Flower primarily operates.
Retail & Wholesale Industry $123,318
-15.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Trader Joe's

Considering a career at Trader Joe's? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
It’s a stable workplace with a focus on steady progress rather than rapid changes. The workload is manageable, and the work-life balance is respected. The benefits are competitive, and the leadership team is inspiring. The company’s size provides job security, and the corporate culture promotes teamwork. Working here has been a rewarding experience.
Love the dynamic work culture. Benefits like health coverage, retirement plans, and employee discounts are solid perks. Great company with a strong focus on employee development. The company fosters innovation and teamwork. Managers are supportive, and the workload is fair. The company also emphasizes innovation, often implementing new strategies to stay ahead in the market. The company invests in...
My time here has been generally satisfactory. Training programs are solid. Good work-life balance for retail.

Trader Joe's Overview

Website
www.traderjoes.com
Founded In
1967
Employees
15,000 - 50,000 employees
Industry
Retail & Wholesale
Headquarter Address
800 S Shamrock Ave Monrovia California CA 91016
Revenue
$10B - $50B
Phone Number
+1 6265993700
Social Media
About Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is a privately held national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. Trader Joe's has store locations nationwide and is headquartered in Monrovia, California.

What Benefits Does Trader Joe's Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Trader Joe's offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Los Angeles?

Understanding the cost of living near Los Angeles is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Trader Joe's.
Los Angeles' Cost of Living Index is approximately 173.3 (73.3% more expensive than US average; 23.9% more than CA average). Driven by extremely expensive housing, high transportation costs, and above-average goods/services. When planning your budget based on a salary from Trader Joe's, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,500 - $3,800+ A significant portion of Trader Joe's salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $100 (Metro TAP card varies) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $700 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,050 - $6,450+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Trader Joe's

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Trader Joe's?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Trader Joe's is approximately from $127,694 to $165,496. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Trader Joe's pay compared to Pilot Travel Centers LLC?

The average annual salary at Trader Joe's is $145,689, or an hourly wage of $70, in comparison to Pilot Travel Centers LLC which pays $116,070 per year or $56 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Trader Joe's?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Trader Joe's due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Trader Joe's?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Trader Joe's, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Trader Joe's in Los Angeles is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Trader Joe's in Los Angeles is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Trader Joe's and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Los Angeles" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What factors influence salary increases at Trader Joe's?

Salary increases at Trader Joe's are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.