The Ultimate Guide to Academy Sports + Outdoors Salaries: A...

For anyone with a passion for hunting, fishing, camping, and sports, a career at Academy Sports + Outdoors can seem like the perfect fit—a way to merge personal interests with professional ambition. But beyond the appeal of being surrounded by the latest gear, a crucial question remains: What can you actually expect to earn? Understanding the compensation structure, salary potential, and career pathways at a major retailer like Academy is fundamental to making an informed career decision.

This guide is designed to be your definitive resource on Academy Sports + Outdoors salaries. We will dissect compensation across all levels of the company, from in-store hourly positions to high-level corporate roles. As a career analyst, I've spent years helping professionals navigate their career paths, and I recall a conversation with a young manager who found his calling not just in selling products, but in equipping a local community for a healthier, more active lifestyle; his job satisfaction was intrinsically linked to this purpose. This guide aims to provide you with the same clarity, combining hard data with actionable advice to help you chart your own course.

Whether you're a high school student considering your first job, a seasoned retail professional looking for a new opportunity, or a corporate specialist exploring your options, this article will provide the detailed insights you need.

### Table of Contents

[What Do You Do at Academy Sports + Outdoors? A Look at Key Roles](#what-do-you-do)
[Average Academy Sports + Outdoors Salary: A Deep Dive](#average-salary)
[Key Factors That Influence Your Salary at Academy](#key-factors)
[Job Outlook and Career Growth in the Sporting Goods Industry](#job-outlook)
[How to Start and Advance Your Career at Academy](#how-to-start)
[Conclusion: Is a Career at Academy Sports + Outdoors Right for You?](#conclusion)

What Do You Do at Academy Sports + Outdoors? A Look at Key Roles

Academy Sports + Outdoors is more than just a storefront; it's a massive, multi-faceted operation with over 280 stores in 18 states, multiple distribution centers, and a corporate headquarters in Katy, Texas. This means career opportunities are incredibly diverse, spanning three primary domains: Retail Operations, Distribution & Logistics, and Corporate. Understanding these distinct areas is the first step to understanding salary potential.

1. Retail Store Operations: This is the most visible part of the company and where the majority of employees work. These are the team members who directly interact with customers, manage inventory on the sales floor, and run the day-to-day business of each store.

Core Responsibilities: Customer service, operating cash registers (point-of-sale), stocking shelves, maintaining store appearance, providing product expertise in specialized departments (like firearms, fishing, or footwear), and executing sales promotions.
Common Job Titles: Cashier, Sales Team Member, Department Lead, Asset Protection Specialist, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager.

2. Distribution & Logistics: The backbone of the retail operation, these facilities are responsible for receiving products from vendors, storing inventory, and fulfilling orders for both retail stores and online customers. These roles are critical for ensuring that the right products are in the right place at the right time.

Core Responsibilities: Unloading and loading trucks, operating material handling equipment (like forklifts and pallet jacks), picking and packing orders, managing inventory control systems, and ensuring safety compliance within the warehouse.
Common Job Titles: Warehouse Associate, Order Filler, Forklift Operator, Logistics Coordinator, Shipping & Receiving Clerk, Warehouse Supervisor, Operations Manager.

3. Corporate Headquarters: Located near Houston, the corporate office (or "Store Support Center") is the strategic heart of Academy. Professionals here are responsible for the overall direction of the company, including merchandising, marketing, finance, technology, and human resources.

Core Responsibilities: Depending on the department, tasks can range from analyzing sales data and selecting new products (Merchandising/Buying), developing national advertising campaigns (Marketing), managing the company's finances (Finance/Accounting), building and maintaining e-commerce and IT infrastructure (Technology), to recruiting and training employees (Human Resources).
Common Job Titles: Buyer, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, E-commerce Specialist, Data Scientist, IT Support Specialist, Human Resources Generalist, Supply Chain Planner.

### A "Day in the Life" of a Store Team Lead

To make these roles more tangible, let's imagine a day in the life of a Team Lead in the Outdoor department:

8:45 AM: Arrive at the store for the opening shift. Huddle with the Store Manager and other leads to discuss daily sales goals, new promotions, and any specific tasks for the day (like a big shipment of tents arriving).
9:00 AM: The doors open. You spend the first hour walking your department—camping, hunting, and fishing—ensuring everything is perfectly presented, price signs are accurate, and aisles are clear.
10:30 AM: You're approached by a family looking to buy their first set of camping gear. You spend 20 minutes asking about their trip, explaining the differences between tent types, demonstrating how to use a camp stove, and recommending appropriate sleeping bags for the season. You help them make a confident purchase.
12:00 PM: The new shipment of tents has arrived. You coordinate with a Sales Team Member to start unboxing, checking inventory against the manifest, and stocking the new product on the sales floor.
1:00 PM: Lunch break.
2:00 PM: You notice a new team member is struggling with a customer's question about fishing licenses. You step in to assist and then spend 15 minutes coaching the new hire on the state's regulations and where to find information.
4:00 PM: The store is getting busy. You step in to help at the firearms counter, ensuring all federal and state regulations are followed meticulously for a firearm sale.
5:30 PM: You do a final walk-through of your department, create a task list for the closing shift, and update the Assistant Manager on the day's progress and any customer issues before clocking out.

This example illustrates how a mid-level retail role at Academy blends customer service, product knowledge, operational tasks, and leadership—a combination that is key to advancing within the company.

Average Academy Sports + Outdoors Salary: A Deep Dive

Salaries at Academy Sports + Outdoors vary significantly based on the role, location, and employee's experience level. To provide a clear picture, we will analyze compensation data from reputable sources like Payscale, Glassdoor, and Salary.com, breaking it down by the three main career areas.

*Disclaimer: The following figures are estimates based on aggregated, publicly available data and are subject to change. They are intended to provide a general framework for compensation.*

### Retail Store Salaries

These roles form the foundation of Academy's workforce and are typically paid on an hourly basis, with management moving to salaried compensation.

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

Entry-Level (Cashier/Team Member): Pay is competitive for the retail sector and often starts above the federal minimum wage. As of late 2023, many reports indicate starting wages in the $12 to $14 per hour range, varying by state and local market conditions.
Mid-Level (Team Lead): Taking on supervisory responsibilities comes with a pay bump, typically into the $16 to $18 per hour range. These roles are a critical stepping stone toward management.
Senior-Level (Management): Assistant Store Managers (ASMs) transition to a salary, with averages around $55,000. Store Managers, who are responsible for the entire store's performance, see a significant increase, with average base salaries around $85,000. Top-performing managers in high-volume stores can earn well over six figures when bonuses are included.

### Distribution Center Salaries

Compensation in logistics is also primarily hourly, rewarding skills in operating machinery and efficiency.

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

Warehouse roles generally offer a higher starting wage than entry-level retail due to the more physically demanding nature of the work and the skills required. Certified Forklift Operators can command a premium, often earning $18 or more per hour. Salaried supervisory roles start around $60,000 and increase with experience and facility size.

### Corporate "Store Support Center" Salaries

Corporate salaries are highly dependent on the specific function (e.g., IT vs. Marketing) and professional experience. These roles offer the highest earning potential within the company.

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

Entry-level corporate roles for recent graduates typically start in the $55,000 to $70,000 range. Experienced professionals, such as Buyers or Financial Analysts with 5+ years of experience, can expect to earn between $75,000 and $100,000. Senior leadership positions, like Directors and Vice Presidents, command salaries well into the six figures, commensurate with their strategic impact on the company.

### Beyond the Base Salary: Understanding Total Compensation

A salary figure alone doesn't tell the whole story. Academy Sports + Outdoors, like many large corporations, offers a benefits package that significantly increases the total value of your compensation.

Bonuses and Profit Sharing: Salaried employees, particularly at the management and corporate levels, are often eligible for annual performance-based bonuses. These can range from 5% to 20% (or more for senior executives) of their base salary, tied to both individual and company performance.
Health and Wellness Benefits: This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, which are significant financial benefits. Academy also typically offers life insurance and disability coverage.
Retirement Savings: The company offers a 401(k) plan with a company match. This is essentially free money toward your retirement and a critical component of long-term financial planning. For example, a common match is 100% on the first 3% of your contribution and 50% on the next 2%.
Employee Discount: This is a highly valued perk, allowing employees to purchase products at a substantial discount (often 20% or more). For those passionate about the outdoors, this can translate into hundreds or thousands of dollars in savings per year.
Paid Time Off (PTO): This includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, providing crucial work-life balance.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Academy is a publicly-traded company (ASO on the NASDAQ). An ESPP, if offered, allows employees to buy company stock at a discount, providing a direct stake in the company's success.

When evaluating a job offer from Academy, it's essential to consider this entire package, not just the number on your paycheck.

Key Factors That Influence Your Salary at Academy

Your salary at Academy Sports + Outdoors isn't a fixed number; it's a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of your personal qualifications and external market forces. Understanding these factors is the key to maximizing your earning potential. This is the most critical section for anyone looking to negotiate a better salary or plan a high-growth career path within the company.

### 1. Level of Education

While a passion for the outdoors is a great starting point, formal education directly impacts the types of roles you can access and your corresponding salary.

High School Diploma or GED: This is the standard requirement for most entry-level hourly roles in retail stores and distribution centers, such as Cashier, Sales Team Member, and Warehouse Associate. While sufficient for these positions, upward mobility into salaried management or corporate roles often requires further education.
Associate's Degree: An associate's degree in business, retail management, or a related field can give you an edge for supervisory positions like Team Lead or Warehouse Supervisor. It demonstrates a foundational understanding of business principles and a commitment to professional development.
Bachelor's Degree: This is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level corporate positions at the Store Support Center in areas like Finance, Marketing, HR, IT, and Merchandising. A bachelor's degree in a specialized field (e.g., a B.S. in Computer Science for an IT role or a B.A. in Marketing) is often non-negotiable. For store management tracks, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Retail Management can accelerate advancement and lead to higher starting salaries. An entry-level Financial Analyst with a B.S. in Finance might start at $65,000, whereas someone without a relevant degree would be unlikely to secure the role.
Master's Degree (MBA, etc.): An advanced degree is most impactful for senior leadership and highly specialized roles. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is particularly valuable for those aiming for Director, VP, or C-suite positions in strategy, finance, or operations. A Master's in Data Science or Supply Chain Management can lead to high-paying, high-impact roles. A Senior Manager with an MBA might command a salary 15-25% higher than a counterpart with only a bachelor's degree.
Certifications: Specific certifications can provide a significant salary boost in certain fields. For distribution center roles, a Forklift Operator Certification is essential and directly increases hourly pay. In IT, certifications like CompTIA A+ (for support roles) or PMP (Project Management Professional) for project managers are highly valued. For firearms sales, any state or federal licenses and safety certifications are required and demonstrate expertise.

### 2. Years of Experience

Experience is arguably the single most powerful driver of salary growth at Academy. The company, like most, rewards proven performance and accumulated knowledge.

Entry-Level (0-2 Years): At this stage, you are learning the fundamentals.
Retail: You'll likely be in an hourly role (Cashier, Team Member) at the starting pay scale for your location (e.g., $12-$15/hour).
Corporate: As a recent graduate in a role like an Analyst or Coordinator, you can expect a starting salary in the $55,000 - $70,000 range. The focus is on demonstrating potential and mastering core job functions.
Mid-Career (3-8 Years): You have a proven track record and have developed specialized skills.
Retail: You may have been promoted to Team Lead ($16-$21/hour) or Assistant Store Manager ($50,000-$65,000). You are now responsible for coaching others and managing specific store operations.
Corporate: As an experienced Analyst or a Specialist, your salary should climb to the $70,000 - $95,000 range. You're expected to work more independently and contribute to larger projects. This is often the stage where one moves from an "Analyst" to a "Senior Analyst" or from a "Specialist" to a "Manager."
Senior-Level (8+ Years): You are a leader and a strategic thinker.
Retail: This is the level of a high-performing Store Manager ($85,000 - $110,000+) or a multi-unit leader like a District Manager (often $120,000+). Your compensation is heavily tied to the performance of the stores under your command.
Corporate: You are now a Senior Manager, Director, or VP. Your salary will likely be in the $120,000 - $200,000+ range. Your responsibilities are broad, impacting entire departments or the company as a whole. Your bonus potential also increases significantly at this level.

### 3. Geographic Location

Where you work for Academy has a major impact on your paycheck, primarily due to variations in the cost of living and local labor market competition. A Store Manager in a major metropolitan area will earn significantly more than one in a small, rural town.

Salary aggregators like Salary.com have tools that calculate these differences. For example, let's compare the potential salary for an Assistant Store Manager (national average ~$55,000) in different markets:

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Houston, TX | ~$56,100 | +2% | Corporate HQ location, major metro |

| Atlanta, GA | ~$55,550 | +1% | Major metro, competitive retail market |

| St. Louis, MO | ~$53,900 | -2% | Lower cost of living than coastal cities |

| Springfield, IL | ~$52,800 | -4% | Smaller city, lower cost of living |

| Rural Alabama | ~$50,600 | -8% | Low cost of living, less competitive labor |

*Source: Analysis based on cost-of-living data from Salary.com and Payscale.*

Key Takeaway: While a higher salary in a big city looks attractive, it's crucial to weigh it against higher costs for housing, transportation, and taxes. The most financially advantageous location is often one with above-average salaries but a below-average cost of living.

### 4. How Academy Salaries Compare to Competitors

While we are focused on Academy, understanding how its pay stacks up against direct competitors is crucial for negotiation and career planning. Let's compare reported average salaries for a key role: Store Manager.

| Company | Average Reported Store Manager Salary | Source(s) |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Academy Sports + Outdoors | ~$85,000 | Glassdoor, Payscale |

| Dick's Sporting Goods | ~$90,000 | Glassdoor, Salary.com |

| Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's | ~$82,000 | Payscale, Indeed |

| Big 5 Sporting Goods | ~$75,000 | Glassdoor |

This data suggests that Academy is highly competitive within its industry, generally on par with its major rivals. Dick's Sporting Goods may have a slight edge in some reported averages, but this can vary by location and the specific bonus structure. This information is powerful; if you have experience at a competitor, you can leverage that to negotiate a salary at the higher end of Academy's typical range.

### 5. Area of Specialization (Department)

Within the corporate structure, what you *do* is just as important as your level of experience. Some departments are seen as more critical to revenue generation or strategic growth, and are compensated accordingly.

Merchandising & Buying: This is the lifeblood of any retailer. Buyers who can successfully identify trends, negotiate with vendors, and select products that fly off the shelves are incredibly valuable. These roles often have a strong compensation package with significant bonus potential tied directly to the profitability of their product categories.
E-commerce & Digital Marketing: As retail shifts online, roles in this department are in high demand. Specialists in SEO, SEM, digital analytics, and e-commerce platform management can command premium salaries. Their work has a direct, measurable impact on online revenue, making their value easy to demonstrate.

The Ultimate Guide to Academy Sports + Outdoors Salaries: A Deep Dive into Compensation and Careers

Table of Contents

What Do You Do at Academy Sports + Outdoors? A Look at Key Roles

Average Academy Sports + Outdoors Salary: A Deep Dive

Key Factors That Influence Your Salary at Academy