Dollar General typically pays around $11–$13 per hour for many entry-level store roles, with experienced or management positions earning more depending on location and responsibility. Pay can vary a lot by state minimum wage, store volume, and whether the role is part-time, full-time, or management.

Quick Scoop

  • Most front-line store jobs (cashier, sales associate, stocker) tend to cluster a little above local minimum wage, often in the low teens per hour.
  • Assistant managers and key holders usually earn more than cashiers and sales associates, sometimes in the mid-to-high teens per hour, especially in higher-cost-of-living areas.
  • Store managers and district-level roles are salaried and can make the equivalent of a strong hourly rate, reflecting their larger workload and responsibility.

Typical Hourly Pay Ranges

  • Cashier / Sales Associate: Often about 101010–131313 dollars per hour in many markets, with some variation by state and store.
  • Stocker / Warehouse-type roles: Commonly a bit higher than entry cashier roles, around the mid-teens per hour in some listings.
  • Key Holder / Lead Associate / Assistant Manager: Frequently somewhere in the mid-teens per hour, sometimes higher in busier or higher-cost regions.
  • Store Manager: Often paid on a salary that translates to a significantly higher hourly rate than front-line staff, particularly in high-volume stores.

Pay Depends On Where And How You Work

  • Location matters: states or cities with higher minimum wages and higher cost of living generally see higher starting pay at Dollar General.
  • Role matters: supervisory and management roles nearly always out-earn basic cashier or stocker positions.
  • Experience and performance can influence raises over time, though many workers report that starting rates are fairly standardized for each role.

What Workers Say Online

  • In forum discussions, many employees describe pay as “barely above minimum wage” in low-wage states, while others in higher-wage states report slightly better starting rates.
  • Some workers emphasize that workload and stress can feel high compared to the hourly pay, especially in understaffed stores.
  • Others appreciate flexible schedules or the chance to move up to key holder or assistant manager, which can improve pay compared with entry roles.

If You’re Considering A Job There

  • Check current local job postings for “Dollar General [your city]” to see the exact rate, since many listings now show starting pay upfront.
  • Compare that rate to other nearby retailers (like Walmart, Target, or Dollar Tree) to see whether Dollar General’s offer is competitive in your area.
  • Factor in commute, schedule, and advancement opportunities; a slightly lower starting wage could still be workable if it’s close by and offers room to grow.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.