Getting your first job with no experience can be tough. In this guide, you’ll quickly understand what it’s like to work at Walmart and what to check before you apply:

Editorial rule of thumb: always start on Walmart Careers to avoid outdated postings or non-official links.

Here it’s important to separate two things: the advertised average and the real range by role and location.

Published average (general reference)

According to Walmart’s official information, the average hourly field associate pay in the U.S. is $18.25 per hour.

Ranges by job type (what appears in official sources)

Walmart also states that pay ranges vary by region and role, and publishes this as a reference:

Important: The published average is around $18.25/hr, but your actual rate depends on the role and local market. The pay range is shown in the job posting

Benefits can depend on job classification and internal rules, but there are advantages Walmart communicates consistently.

Paid education (Live Better U)

The Live Better U program is one of the best known:

For someone in their first job, this can be a real differentiator: working and studying at a lower cost at the same time.

Growth and a “real career”

Walmart reinforces the idea of internal pathways and mobility (“pathways for career growth and development”), with a promotion-focused culture.

Note: Benefits and eligibility can vary by classification and tenure, and are subject to plan rules.

For a first job, the “perfect resume” is rarely the deciding factor. What matters most is doing the basics well.

Schedule availability (this matters a lot)

If you can work nights, weekends, and holidays, your chances often improve, those are peak times in retail.

Customer service mindset + reliability

Even with no experience, Walmart looks for signs of:

A well-filled application (no careless mistakes)

Walmart itself recommends:

These points sound simple, but many people miss opportunities by rushing.

Entry-level roles at Walmart are usually tied to what keeps the store running every day: customer service, restocking, organization, and day-to-day operations.

1) Cashier / Front End (Front End)

Typical roles:

If you’re friendly and can stay focused on repetitive tasks at a fast pace, this is often a common starting point.

2) Stocking and inventory (Stocking / Merchandising)

Typical roles:

This area is great for people who prefer more hands-on work and a very practical routine.

3) Picking online orders (Online Order Filling / Personal Shopper)

Typical duties:

This role has grown a lot with e-commerce and is often a solid entry point.

4) Operational support (carts, cleaning, general support)

In some stores, this support work appears under front-end job postings. It’s essential and straightforward: keeping the space running smoothly and safely.

The safest way to apply is through Walmart’s official channels. That helps you avoid scams, see the pay range, confirm requirements (age, shifts, weekly hours), and track your application status.

1) Walmart Careers official site (main option)

The standard route is through the Walmart Careers portal, where you can:

2) “Hiring Process” page (how the process works)

If you’ve never applied for jobs in the U.S., it’s worth checking Walmart’s own hiring process guide. It explains the steps and best practices (including application and interview tips).

3) Watch out for scams: a quick checklist before you apply

Before you share personal information, use this checklist:

Conseil pratique : Always confirm the pay range and requirements directly in the posting, because they vary by city and role.

In some cases, yes. Walmart explains that additional pay (“premium”) may apply in specific situations.

What are “premiums”?

In job postings, you may see information like:

So: it’s not guaranteed, but it’s something to look for in the posting, especially for less popular shifts.

It varies by store, role, and your availability. But there are some helpful official points to explain:

Full-time: up to 40 hours with “set schedules”

Walmart states it offers set schedules (fixed schedules) of up to 40 hours per week for full-time associates, helping bring more predictability.

App and schedule visibility

In its official materials, the company also says associates can:

Part-time

For part-time roles, hours tend to be more flexible, but can still change based on store needs. Always check:

Yes, and this matters so you don’t create unrealistic expectations.

Walmart clearly states that:

In practice, the combination of local market + role + shift is what determines the rate.

According to the FY2025 Walmart ESG Report, the minimum hiring age in the U.S. is at least 16 years old.

Important: Some roles may require 18+ due to legal rules and the type of work, so always check the specific posting.

Yes, and this is the part many people overlook: a first job doesn’t have to be “just a side gig.” It can be the start of a real path.

A typical path (example logic)

A common path in retail looks like:

Also, education programs like Live Better U can help open doors into technical, administrative, or even tech-related áreas, depending on your goals.

1) Pick the right role for your profile

2) Do what Walmart asks (and many people ignore)

Walmart recommends:

3) Understand the process and don’t get discouraged

On the Walmart Careers site, they explain that for hourly roles, your application may stay active in the system for 60 days, and you can update preferences and apply to other roles during that period.

Working at Walmart can be a practical way to enter the workforce: there are roles for first-time workers, part-time or full-time options, and pay ranges listed directly in job postings, which helps you make a safer decision.

The key point is simple: focus on doing the basics well, availability, reliability, communication, and interview prep. In retail, that often matters more than “perfect experience.”

Editorial note (important): We are not Walmart and we have no affiliation with the company. This content is informational only, based on public information and official sources. Always confirm details in the job posting before applying.