Target is one of the most recognizable retail giants in the United States, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals across a vast landscape of roles. For those considering a career with the company, a key question is: "What can I expect to earn?" The answer is complex, with salaries ranging from competitive entry-level hourly wages to substantial six-figure incomes for corporate leaders.
This guide will break down the salary structures at Target, explore the factors that influence pay, and provide a clear picture of the financial potential of a career with the "Bullseye."
What Do People Do at Target Corporation?
Before diving into the numbers, it's crucial to understand that "working at Target" can mean very different things. The company's workforce is broadly divided into two major categories:
1. In-Store and Distribution Roles: This is the public face of Target. These roles include Team Members (cashiers, guest advocates, stocking associates), warehouse workers, and on-site leadership, such as Team Leads and Store Directors. These positions are focused on daily operations, customer experience, and logistics.
2. Corporate Roles: Headquartered primarily in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target's corporate functions are the strategic engine of the company. These roles span dozens of professional fields, including Technology (Software Engineering, Data Science), Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Human Resources.
Your role is the single most significant determinant of your salary, as compensation is tied to the skills, responsibilities, and market demand associated with your specific job.
Average Salary at Target Corporation
Given the wide variety of roles, a single "average salary" can be misleading. It's more helpful to look at the data in segments.
Target has made a public commitment to a competitive starting wage range of $15 to $24 per hour for its hourly team members in stores, distribution centers, and headquarters. The specific starting wage within this range depends on the job and the local market.
For salaried positions, the range is much broader. According to salary aggregator Payscale, the average salary for a Target Corporation employee is approximately $75,000 per year as of late 2023. However, this figure blends high-earning corporate roles with store management positions.
A more granular look at specific positions provides greater clarity:
| Position Title | Average Annual Salary / Hourly Wage | Data Source(s) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Team Member / Cashier | $16 - $18 per hour | Glassdoor, Payscale |
| Team Lead | $22 - $25 per hour | Glassdoor, Salary.com |
| Store Director | ~$135,000 per year | Glassdoor |
| Software Engineer | ~$121,000 per year | Salary.com, Glassdoor |
| Business Analyst (Corporate) | ~$82,000 per year | Glassdoor |
| Senior Data Scientist | ~$155,000 per year | Glassdoor |
*Disclaimer: These figures are estimates based on aggregated, user-reported data and are subject to change. They should be used for informational purposes only.*
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your compensation at Target isn't arbitrary. It's determined by a combination of factors that reflect your value to the company and prevailing market rates.
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Job Role and Department
This is the most critical factor. A corporate role in a high-demand field like technology or data science will command a significantly higher salary than an entry-level retail position. This is due to the specialized skills, education, and strategic impact required. For instance, a Software Engineer developing Target's e-commerce platform solves complex problems that directly drive millions in revenue, warranting a higher salary. Similarly, a Merchandising Planner who decides which products to stock in stores nationwide holds a role with immense financial responsibility.
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Years of Experience
Experience directly correlates with earning potential. Target, like most large companies, has a tiered structure for its roles.
- Entry-Level: An associate fresh out of college joining a corporate team or a new Team Member on the sales floor will start at the base pay for that role.
- Mid-Career: A professional with 3-7 years of experience, such as a Senior Analyst or an Executive Team Lead in a store, has a proven track record and can manage more complex projects, justifying a higher salary.
- Senior/Leadership: A Director or Senior Manager with 10+ years of experience is responsible for strategy, budget, and leading large teams. Their compensation, often including significant bonuses and stock options, reflects this high level of responsibility.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Target adjusts its pay scales based on the cost of living and local market competition. This is why the company advertises a starting wage *range* ($15-$24/hour). A Team Member in a high-cost urban center like New York City or San Francisco will earn a higher hourly wage than a Team Member in a low-cost rural area. This principle applies to corporate roles as well, with positions in major tech hubs often commanding higher salaries to remain competitive.
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Level of Education
While Target provides many opportunities for individuals without a college degree, particularly in its stores and distribution centers, education is a key factor for accessing higher-paying corporate roles.
- High School Diploma / GED: Sufficient for most hourly in-store and warehouse roles.
- Bachelor's Degree: Typically the minimum requirement for entry-level salaried corporate positions in fields like Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources.
- Master's Degree / MBA: Often preferred or required for senior leadership roles or highly specialized fields like data science or corporate strategy. An advanced degree can significantly increase starting salary and accelerate career progression.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for a career at Target is closely tied to the health of the retail industry and the company's strategic direction. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment in the retail trade sector will show a slight decline over the next decade.
However, this doesn't tell the whole story. The *nature* of retail work is changing, and Target is at the forefront of this evolution. While traditional cashier and sales roles may see slow growth, positions in areas critical to modern retail are booming. These include:
- Logistics and Supply Chain: The BLS projects 28% growth for Logisticians through 2031, much faster than average. Target's massive investment in same-day services and efficient distribution means strong demand for these professionals.
- Software Development and Data Science: The BLS projects 25% growth for Software Developers and 36% for Data Scientists. As a data-driven company, Target is constantly hiring tech talent to optimize its website, mobile app, and internal processes.
Therefore, the job outlook at Target is strong, especially for those with skills aligned with the future of retail: technology, data analytics, and supply chain management.
Conclusion
A "Target corporation salary" is not a single number but a wide spectrum of earning possibilities. For those seeking accessible, entry-level work with a competitive starting wage and benefits, in-store roles provide an excellent entry point into the workforce. For ambitious professionals with specialized skills in technology, business, or merchandising, Target offers a path to a highly rewarding and lucrative corporate career.
Your potential earnings are ultimately defined by your role, experience, location, and education. By understanding these factors, you can strategically position yourself for a successful and financially prosperous career at one of America's leading retailers.