As concerns grow over AI’s impact on employment, Walmart is emphasizing that technology and employees will work together rather than compete. The company says innovation is intended to support its associates as it continues expanding its operations.
Walmart currently employs about 2.1 million people worldwide, including approximately 1.6 million in the United States. Roles span every level of experience, from entry-level sales positions to management, engineering, merchandising, and legal careers.
According to a recent press release, around 75% of Walmart’s salaried leaders, including CEO John Furner, began their careers in hourly positions. The company also says that 90% of its roles do not require a college degree, while more than 126,000 associates have completed Walmart-funded education and training programs.
Walmart Says People and Technology Will Work Together
Walmart Chief People Officer Donna Morris said the company does not expect artificial intelligence to reduce its need for employees. According to Walmart’s press release, Morris wrote:
“At Walmart, we believe it will be the combination of our associates and technology that will power our ability to best serve our customers and members.”
The company says it wants technological innovation to create opportunities for workers instead of replacing them. Employees across its business receive comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, although salary ranges vary depending on the local market and specific position. Walmart also noted that the published compensation figures do not include bonuses or stock options.
The Highest-Paying Positions Cover Retail, Technology, Logistics and Healthcare
Among the positions highlighted, Supply Chain General Manager carries the highest listed base salary, ranging from $116,000 to $351,000. According to The U.S. Sun, these managers oversee operations, technology and teams responsible for moving more than 100 billion items from suppliers to stores through one of the world’s largest logistics networks.
Advertising Sales roles offer a base salary ranging from $90,000 to $234,000 and focus on connecting brands with customers through analytics, relationship-building and strategic planning. Data Engineers, who develop technology supporting Walmart‘s retail operations and customer shopping experience, have the same listed salary range of $90,000 to $234,000.
Healthcare also appears on the list. Walmart Pharmacists, who provide medication guidance, administer immunizations and connect patients with care, have a reported base pay range of $98,000 to $172,000.
Store Managers, described by Walmart as leading multimillion-dollar businesses with responsibility for hundreds of associates and daily operations, earn between $95,000 and $170,000 in base pay.
Career Paths Begin in Entry-Level Roles Across Multiple Departments
Several of the highlighted positions are designed around internal career progression. Walmart says Store Managers often begin as Team Associates before advancing through Team Lead and Coach positions. Advertising Sales employees may start as Sales Associates before moving into leadership roles, while Data Engineers commonly begin as Analysts before progressing to senior engineering positions.
The company also highlighted skilled trades and transportation careers. Real Estate Facility Services General Maintenance Technicians maintain HVAC, refrigeration and electrical systems while supporting general facility maintenance. Walmart says it offers company training programs to help associates enter these trades, with hourly base pay ranging from $26 to $76.
Private Fleet Drivers are another priority role. Walmart says associates can earn a Commercial Driver’s License through company-paid training before becoming drivers, and employees in these positions averaged more than $109,000 over the past year.
The remaining positions identified by Walmart include Team Leads, who supervise daily frontline operations and earn about $19 to $40 per hour; Sam’s Club Club Managers, whose base pay ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 while overseeing club operations and member experience; and Realty Project Coaches, who manage construction, remodeling and development projects across Walmart locations with a typical base salary ranging from $60,000 to $143,000.
