TJ Maxx, a cornerstone of the off-price retail landscape, offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment for professionals at every career stage. For those considering a role with this retail giant, a key question is always: "What can I expect to earn?" The answer is as varied as the merchandise on their shelves, with opportunities ranging from competitive hourly wages for in-store roles to substantial six-figure salaries for experienced corporate leaders.
This guide will break down the salary structures at TJ Maxx, exploring how your role, experience, location, and education can impact your overall compensation.
What Do People in TJ Maxx Jobs Do?
Given that "TJ Maxx" is a company, not a single job, the roles and responsibilities are incredibly diverse. TJ Maxx is part of The TJX Companies, which also includes Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense. This creates a vast ecosystem of jobs across different functions:
- In-Store Operations: This is the heart of the customer experience. Roles include Retail Associates, who handle customer service, cash register operations, and stocking; Merchandise Coordinators, who are responsible for creating visually appealing displays and managing specific departments; and Key Carriers, who are team leaders with opening and closing responsibilities.
- Store Management: These professionals run the show. Assistant Store Managers and Store Managers are responsible for hiring, training, and managing teams, driving sales, controlling inventory, and ensuring store profitability.
- Distribution & Logistics: Working in massive distribution centers, these employees are crucial to the off-price model. They handle receiving, processing, and shipping merchandise to hundreds of stores.
- Corporate & Buying: Located at regional headquarters, these roles are the strategic engine. They include Merchandise Buyers who travel the world to find deals, Planners and Allocators who decide which products go to which stores, and professionals in Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Marketing.
Average TJ Maxx Job Salaries
Salaries at TJ Maxx and its parent company, TJX, vary significantly based on the specific position. While entry-level store positions are typically paid an hourly wage, management and corporate roles command an annual salary.
Here is a look at the typical salary ranges for several common positions, based on aggregated data from leading sources.
| Job Title | Average Base Salary | Typical Salary Range | Primary Data Sources |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Retail Associate | ~$14.00 / hour | $11.00 - $18.00 / hour | Payscale, Glassdoor |
| Merchandise Coordinator | ~$16.50 / hour | $13.00 - $21.00 / hour | Glassdoor, Salary.com |
| Assistant Store Manager | ~$63,000 / year | $52,000 - $78,000 / year | Glassdoor, Payscale |
| Store Manager | ~$85,000 / year | $70,000 - $105,000 / year | Glassdoor, Salary.com |
| Merchandise Assistant (Corporate) | ~$55,000 / year | $48,000 - $65,000 / year | Payscale, Glassdoor |
| Merchandise Buyer (Corporate) | ~$110,000 / year | $85,000 - $145,000+ / year | Salary.com, Glassdoor |
*Note: These figures are national averages as of late 2023/early 2024 and can change. They should be used as a general guide.*
To put this in context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons across all industries was $14.40 per hour in May 2022. For First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers (a category that includes store management), the median annual salary was $46,950. TJX Companies often pay competitively to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary at TJ Maxx will be determined by a combination of critical factors. Understanding these can help you maximize your earning potential.
### Area of Specialization and Role
This is the single most significant factor. An hourly Retail Associate has a different pay structure than a salaried corporate Buyer. Within the company, compensation is tiered based on responsibility and impact. Corporate roles in high-demand fields like data analytics, cybersecurity, or merchandise planning will command significantly higher salaries than entry-level positions in stores or distribution centers due to the specialized skills required.
### Years of Experience
Experience directly correlates with value and, therefore, pay.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New hires, often in associate or assistant roles, will typically earn at the lower end of the salary band for their position.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): Professionals with proven experience, such as an Assistant Store Manager with a successful track record or a Buyer with established vendor relationships, can negotiate salaries toward the median or higher.
- Senior-Level (8+ years): A seasoned Store Manager overseeing a high-volume location or a Senior Planner at corporate headquarters will earn at the top of the pay scale, often supplemented by significant bonuses tied to performance.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. TJX adjusts its pay scales to account for vast differences in the cost of living and local market competition across the country. An Assistant Store Manager in San Francisco, CA, or New York, NY, will earn a substantially higher salary than someone in the same role in Omaha, NE, or Little Rock, AR, to compensate for higher housing, transportation, and daily living costs.
### Level of Education
While hands-on experience is highly valued in retail, education can influence your starting salary and career trajectory.
- High School Diploma/GED: This is typically sufficient for entry-level store and distribution center positions.
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree: For management and corporate roles, a degree in business, management, fashion merchandising, or finance is often preferred. It can lead to a higher starting salary and open doors to management training programs and faster advancement.
- Master's Degree: An MBA or a specialized master's degree can be a significant advantage for senior leadership roles in areas like finance, supply chain management, or marketing, commanding top-tier salaries.
Job Outlook
The retail industry is in a constant state of evolution. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for Retail Salespersons is projected to decline slightly by 1 percent from 2022 to 2032. However, this statistic doesn't tell the whole story. Because it is a large occupation with high turnover, the BLS still projects about 336,700 openings for retail sales workers each year, on average, over the decade.
Crucially, the off-price retail sector, where TJX is a dominant player, has historically shown resilience and growth, even during economic downturns. This suggests a more stable outlook for careers within companies like TJ Maxx compared to other segments of retail. As long as consumers seek value, the off-price model will thrive, creating a continued need for skilled associates, managers, and corporate strategists.
Conclusion
A career at TJ Maxx offers a diverse range of opportunities with compensation to match. While entry-level roles provide competitive hourly wages and a valuable entry into the workforce, the potential for significant salary growth is substantial. Your earnings are not fixed; they are a direct reflection of your role, your performance, your experience, and the strategic value you bring to the company.
For individuals with a passion for retail, a strong work ethic, and a desire to grow, TJ Maxx provides a clear path for advancement. By focusing on gaining experience, developing specialized skills, and understanding the factors that drive compensation, you can build a rewarding and financially successful career with this retail leader.