If you’ve ever found a designer leather jacket for forty bucks and felt that rush of adrenaline, you know the TJ Maxx magic. But for the people behind the registers and the piles of organized chaos in the backroom, the "treasure hunt" is a daily job. You’re likely here because you’re looking for work or comparing retail gigs, and you want to know: how much does TJ Maxx pay in 2026?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Honestly, what you make at a store in downtown Seattle is going to look wildly different from a paycheck in rural Louisiana. The retail landscape has shifted a ton over the last few years, and TJX Companies (the parent company for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods) has had to keep up with rising state minimum wages and a really competitive labor market.
Basically, you’re looking at a range. For most entry-level associates, the starting pay is landing somewhere between $12 and $17 per hour. But let’s get into the weeds of how that actually breaks down by role and location.
The Hourly Reality: Entry-Level and Beyond
Most people starting out at TJ Maxx are going to be "Retail Associates." This is the bread and butter of the store. You’re tagging items, running the register, and trying to keep the shoe aisle from looking like a disaster zone. As of early 2026, the national average for this role is roughly $13.50 to $14.50 an hour.
If you're in a state like California or Washington, don't be surprised if your starting offer is closer to $16.50 or $17.00. Those states have aggressive minimum wage laws that force retailers to pay more. Conversely, in places like Texas or Alabama where the federal minimum wage still haunts the local economy, you might see offers starting at $12.00.
Breaking Down the Roles
It’s not just about being an associate. There are tiers to this.
- Backroom Associates: These folks are the unsung heroes. They’re unloading trucks and processing new shipments. Pay is usually the same as floor associates, but sometimes you’ll see a small premium—maybe fifty cents more—because it’s physically demanding work.
- Merchandise Coordinators: This is a step up. You’re basically a department lead. You’ll see pay jump to the $15 to $21 range. The average is often around $16.50.
- Key Carriers: If you’re trusted with the keys, you’re getting paid for that responsibility. Key carriers often see $14 to $20 per hour, depending on their experience and the store's volume.
The "Manager" Bump
Once you move into management, the math changes from hourly to salary—mostly. Assistant Store Managers (ASMs) are often in a weird middle ground. Some are still hourly, earning between $18 and $30, while others are moved to a yearly salary.
For those on the salary track, a TJ Maxx Store Manager can expect to pull in anywhere from $65,000 to over $100,000 a year. That higher end usually belongs to high-volume stores in expensive cities. And yes, there are bonuses. If the store hits certain sales targets or shrinks (theft) metrics, those bonuses can add a significant chunk to the year-end total.
Why Your Location Changes Everything
Geography is the biggest factor in how much does TJ Maxx pay.
ZipRecruiter data from January 2026 shows some pretty stark contrasts. In high-cost areas like Cupertino, CA, or even Nome, AK, average wages for TJX roles can hover around $37 an hour for specialized or supervisory positions.
In Louisiana, a District Manager might average $56,397 annually, which works out to about $27 an hour. Compare that to a Coordinator in Texas who might be making $25.92 an hour. The discrepancy is huge. It’s always worth checking the local minimum wage before you walk into an interview because TJ Maxx rarely pays significantly above the local floor for entry-level spots.
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Benefits: The Money You Don't See
Pay isn't just the number on the check. TJ Maxx offers a decent suite of benefits that "kinda" act like hidden pay.
- The Employee Discount: This is the big one. Usually, it's 10% off, but they do "20% off weekends" several times a year. If you’re already shopping there for clothes and home goods, that’s real money staying in your pocket.
- 401(k) Match: They do offer a match, though many employees don't take advantage of it. If you’re looking at this as a long-term gig, the match is basically free money.
- Health and Wellness: They have the standard medical, dental, and vision, plus some "hidden gems" like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and even pet insurance.
How It Compares to the Competition
Is TJ Maxx the best-paying gig in the mall? Probably not.
Target has been aggressive with its $15–$24 starting range for years now. Costco is still the gold standard for retail pay, often starting people well above the local average.
However, TJ Maxx tends to be more competitive than Burlington or smaller local boutiques. They also have a reputation for a slightly more "chill" environment than the high-pressure sales floors of Nordstrom or Macy's. You aren't working on commission, which takes a lot of the sting out of a slow Tuesday.
Is the pay worth it?
It depends on what you need. If you're a student or looking for part-time supplemental income, the $13–$15 range is standard for the industry. If you're trying to support a family on a single associate's wage, it’s going to be a massive struggle unless you’re gunning for a management role quickly.
Tips for Getting More Money
If you’re sitting in the interview and they offer you the "starting rate," don’t just nod.
- Highlight your "Processing" speed: If you're applying for the backroom, tell them how many boxes you can process an hour. Speed is money to them.
- Mention "Availability": Retailers pay for reliability. If you can work weekends and closing shifts without drama, you have more leverage.
- Ask about the "Coordinator" path: If you have any leadership experience, don't apply as a regular associate. Aim for a Coordinator role from the jump to secure that extra $2–$3 per hour.
Moving Forward with Your Application
If you're ready to apply, don't just rely on the online portal.
Go into the store during a weekday morning (never on a weekend or during the lunch rush). Ask to speak to the manager on duty. Dress like you already work there—business casual, neat, and professional.
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Have your availability ready on a piece of paper. Most managers are looking for people who can fill the gaps in their schedule, and showing up prepared makes you an easy hire. Once you get the offer, verify the hourly rate and ask when the first performance review happens. Most stores do yearly raises, but they’re often small (think 25 to 50 cents), so starting at a higher base is your best bet for a healthy paycheck.