A career in retail can be a dynamic and rewarding path, offering valuable skills in customer service, management, and operations. As one of the most recognizable apparel brands in North America, Old Navy is a major employer and a popular entry point into the industry. But what can you actually expect to earn?
While a simple answer is elusive, this guide will break down the salary landscape at Old Navy. For many in-store roles, you can expect an hourly wage typically ranging from $12 to over $25, while salaried management positions can range from $50,000 to well over $85,000 annually, depending on a variety of factors.
Let's dive into the specifics to understand what a career at Old Navy could mean for your wallet.
What Do Old Navy Employees Do?
While "Old Navy employee" covers a wide range of corporate and logistical jobs, the vast majority of positions are store-based. The most common role is the Brand Associate (often called a Sales Associate). These individuals are the face of the company, responsible for creating a positive customer experience.
Key responsibilities typically include:
- Greeting and assisting customers with finding products.
- Operating the cash register and handling transactions.
- Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the sales floor.
- Restocking merchandise and arranging displays.
- Assisting in the fitting rooms and processing online order pickups.
As employees gain experience, they can move into leadership roles like Lead Associate, Assistant Manager, or Store Manager, where responsibilities shift towards team supervision, scheduling, inventory management, and driving store performance goals.
Average Salaries at Old Navy
Salaries at Old Navy are highly dependent on the specific role, location, and an individual's level of experience. The pay structure is generally divided into hourly wages for associates and annual salaries for full-time management.
Here is a breakdown of typical salary ranges for common roles, based on aggregated data from leading compensation platforms.
- Brand Associate (Sales Associate): The foundational role at Old Navy. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a Brand Associate is approximately $13.59 per hour, with a general range of $11.00 to $17.00 per hour depending on location and experience.
- Stock Associate: Responsible for inventory and backroom operations. Salaries are very similar to Brand Associates, typically falling in the $12.00 to $16.00 per hour range.
- Assistant Manager: This first level of salaried management sees a significant pay increase. Salary.com reports that the average Assistant Store Manager salary is around $52,102 per year, but this can range from $45,000 to $60,000 or more.
- Store Manager (General Manager): The leader of the entire store. According to data from Glassdoor, the total estimated pay for a General Manager at Old Navy is around $86,500 per year, with a typical range between $71,000 and $106,000 annually, including potential bonuses.
*Disclaimer: These figures are national averages and are subject to change. Your actual compensation will vary based on the factors discussed below.*
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary at Old Navy isn't just about your job title. Several key factors play a crucial role in determining your final compensation package.
### Area of Specialization (Role and Department)
This is the single most significant factor. An entry-level Brand Associate working the sales floor will have a different pay scale than a Visual Merchandiser responsible for store aesthetics or a Store Manager accountable for multi-million dollar sales targets. Corporate roles at Old Navy's parent company, Gap Inc., in fields like marketing, data analytics, or supply chain management, follow entirely different and typically higher salary structures that require specialized degrees and skills.
### Years of Experience
Experience is a primary driver of income growth within the retail sector.
- Entry-Level (0-1 years): New hires will typically start at the lower end of the pay band for their role, often at or slightly above the local minimum wage.
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): An experienced Brand Associate may earn a few dollars more per hour than a new hire. This is also the experience level where employees are often promoted to keyholder or assistant manager roles, leading to a substantial pay increase.
- Senior-Level (5+ years): A Store Manager with a decade of experience and a proven track record of increasing sales will command a salary at the highest end of the spectrum for that role.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A Brand Associate in a high cost-of-living city with a high minimum wage, like San Francisco or New York City, will earn a significantly higher hourly wage than an associate in a small town in a state with a lower minimum wage. Companies like Old Navy adjust their pay scales to be competitive in the local market and to comply with state and municipal labor laws. For example, an hourly role in California might start at $16-$17, while the same role in Texas could start closer to $12-$13.
### Level of Education
For most hourly, in-store roles at Old Navy, a high school diploma or equivalent is the standard educational requirement. However, education becomes more influential for leadership positions. While it's possible to be promoted to manager based on experience alone, candidates with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Retail Management may have a competitive advantage and a higher starting salary in management. For corporate positions, a bachelor's degree is almost always a minimum requirement.
### Company Type and Standing
Old Navy is a subsidiary of Gap Inc., which also owns Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. As a large, established corporation, its pay and benefits are generally competitive within the fast-fashion and family apparel retail segment. Salaries are often comparable to major competitors like Target, Kohl's, and H&M. Job seekers can often leverage offers from these competitors to negotiate a better salary at Old Navy.
Job Outlook
The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rise of e-commerce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Retail Salespersons is projected to decline by 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.
However, this statistic doesn't tell the whole story. The BLS also notes that despite the slight decline, there will be about 337,700 openings for retail sales workers each year, on average, over the decade. Most of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force. This high turnover rate means that opportunities, especially at popular employers like Old Navy, will remain plentiful for those looking to enter the field.
Conclusion
Working at Old Navy can be an excellent starting point for a career in retail or a stable job with opportunities for advancement. Your salary will be shaped by a combination of your specific role, your years in the industry, and your geographic location.
Key Takeaways:
- Role is Paramount: Your earning potential is tied directly to your responsibilities, with managers earning significantly more than associates.
- Experience Pays: Longevity and a proven track record lead to higher hourly wages and promotions to salaried positions.
- Location Matters: Pay scales are adjusted for local minimum wage laws and cost of living.
- Growth is Possible: The high number of annual openings in retail and a clear career ladder from Brand Associate to Store Manager provide a tangible path for professional growth.
For anyone considering a job at Old Navy, the outlook is positive. It offers competitive entry-level wages and a structured environment where dedicated employees can build a long-term, successful career in retail management.