Home Depot is one of the largest home improvement chains in North America, with more than 2,300 stores and hundreds of thousands of employees.
For many people, it is a first job in retail or a way to move into a more stable, better-paid role.
Entry-level positions are available in most stores and distribution centers, and the company hires throughout the year.
Main Entry-Level Jobs at Home Depot and Typical Salaries
Home Depot offers several hourly roles that do not require previous experience in construction or retail.
Pay varies by state and city, so the numbers below are approximate ranges that reflect recent averages in the United States.
- Cashier: Cashiers handle checkouts, returns, and self-checkout areas. Average pay often falls around $15–$18 per hour, depending on location, experience, and shift.
- Sales or Retail Sales Associate: These associates work on the sales floor, helping customers find products and giving basic advice. Many stores offer around $16–$17 per hour for these roles.
- Customer Service / Store Associate: Store associates move between departments, assist at service desks, and support customers in different areas of the store. Typical wages can be around $17–$20 per hour in many regions.
- Freight / Warehouse / Lot Associate: These roles focus on stocking shelves, unloading trucks, moving carts, and keeping the store or lot organized. Pay for freight or warehouse workers often ranges from about $16–$21 per hour, especially in busy or high-cost areas.
In general, many entry-level store jobs at Home Depot fall roughly in the $15–$20 per hour range, with higher wages in some markets.
These figures are estimates; your actual starting pay will depend on your city, prior experience, and local demand.
Basic Requirements and What Home Depot Looks For
For many positions, you will need to pass a background check, and sometimes a drug test for distribution or safety-sensitive jobs.
Be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays, which are peak times in retail.
Handle physical tasks such as standing for long periods, lifting moderate weights and moving products, especially in freight and warehouse positions.
Beyond these basics, hiring managers look for a few clear traits:
- Customer focus: A friendly attitude, patience and a willingness to help shoppers are essential.
- Reliability: Good attendance, punctuality and flexible availability matter as much as technical skills.
- Teamwork: The ability to work with other associates in a fast-paced environment is important in every department.
Even if you do not have long work experience, you can show these qualities through school activities, volunteer work, sports or informal jobs.
How to Apply Online for Entry-Level Jobs at Home Depot
Home Depot handles almost all hiring through its official careers website.
Walking into a store and handing in a paper résumé is usually not enough, because local teams rely on the online system to track applicants.
Step 1: Go to the official careers site
Visit the Home Depot careers website and select the section for hourly in-store and distribution center roles.
Use the search filters for location, job type (store, warehouse, customer service), and schedule (full-time or part-time).
Step 2: Create your candidate profile
Create an account with your email, password, and contact details. Fill out your work history, education, and availability as accurately as possible.
Make sure your phone number and email are correct, because recruiters will use them to contact you.
Step 3: Complete the job application
Choose a specific role, such as Cashier, Retail Sales Associate, Customer Service Associate, or Freight/Receiving.
Answer all required questions in the application form and upload a concise résumé.
Check for spelling errors and ensure your availability is clear, especially on weekends and evenings.
Step 4: Take the online assessment
It usually includes multiple-choice questions about your work style, how you handle customer situations, and your approach to teamwork and rules.
Set aside 30–45 minutes in a quiet place, and answer honestly and consistently.
The goal is to show that you are customer-focused, reliable, and able to work well with others.
How to Stand Out in the Application Pool
Home Depot receives a large number of applications, particularly in big cities.
A few simple strategies can help you stand out and move through the process faster.
Match your résumé to the job description.
Use keywords that appear in the job posting, such as customer service, cash handling, stocking shelves, working in a team, or operating equipment.
This helps your application pass initial screening and shows that you understand the role.
Highlight any retail or service experience.
Experience in supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, call centers, hospitality, or volunteer work.
All this still demonstrates that you can work with people, follow procedures, and handle busy periods.
Show flexible availability
Clearly state that you can work weekends, evenings, and peak seasons, even if you have specific days you cannot work.
Managers often prioritize candidates who can cover busy periods and holidays.
Prepare for basic product questions
You will not be expected to know everything, but reviewing the main departments can help you answer simple questions and show interest in the store’s products.
Competitors
Figures are approximate U.S. averages as of late 2025 and vary by city, experience, and role.
| Employer | Typical entry-level roles (examples) | Approx. hourly pay – frontline entry level (US) | Notable benefits (high level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Cashier, Sales Associate, Customer Service, Freight/Receiving | Cashiers average around $15–$18/hr; many store roles fall in roughly the $15–$20/hr range depending on market. | Medical (mainly for full-time), dental, vision, paid vacation, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement and employee discounts for eligible associates. |
| Lowe’s | Cashier, Retail Associate, Stocker, Customer Service | Cashier averages are often in the $13–$18/hr range nationwide, with variation by state and store. | Access to health insurance options, 401(k) with up to 4.25% company match, paid time off, and employee discounts; full- and many part-time associates can access a broader benefits package. |
| Walmart | Retail Sales Associate, Stocker, Cashier, Front-end Associate | Retail sales associates average around $16–$19/hr, and the company reports average frontline hourly pay of about $18–$18.25/hr. | Broad health-insurance options, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, free college tuition and books via Live Better U, paid parental leave and a 10% employee discount on most merchandise including groceries. |
| Target | Team Member (sales floor, cashiers, fulfillment), Stocker | Team Members typically earn around $15–$18/hr, with an official starting wage range of $15–$24/hr depending on role and location. | Starting wage range tied to role and market, expanded health-care access for those averaging 25+ hours/week, 401(k) options, paid time off and wellness benefits such as virtual therapy. |
Conclusion
Entry-Level jobs at Home Depot can provide steady income, useful retail experience, and a realistic path to better pay over time.
If you are ready to move forward, visit the official Home Depot careers website, create your profile, and apply for cashier, sales, or warehouse roles.
