📰 Recent Articles
Dollar General is the largest retailer by store count in the US — over 19,000 locations, more than McDonald's, Starbucks, or Walmart. With 170,000+ employees, their pay rates affect a significant portion of the retail workforce, especially in rural communities.
Dollar General Pay by Position
| Position | Hourly/Salary | Annual (40 hrs) | Monthly Take-Home* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate / Cashier | $10 – $13/hr | $20,800 – $27,040 | $1,650 – $2,100 |
| Lead Sales Associate | $11 – $14/hr | $22,880 – $29,120 | $1,800 – $2,250 |
| Key Holder | $11 – $15/hr | $22,880 – $31,200 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Assistant Store Manager | $13 – $17/hr | $27,040 – $35,360 | $2,100 – $2,700 |
| Store Manager | $40K – $55K salary | $40,000 – $55,000 | $2,900 – $3,850 |
| District Manager | $55K – $85K salary | $55,000 – $85,000 | $3,850 – $5,600 |
What These Rates Mean Annually
- $11/hr = $22,880/year — typical lead associate
- $13/hr = $27,040/year — experienced key holder or entry ASM
- $15/hr = $31,200/year — top key holder
Dollar General vs. Other Retailers
| Company | Entry Pay | Manager Pay | Min Wage Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | $10 – $13/hr | $40K – $55K | Near minimum in many states |
| Dollar Tree / Family Dollar | $10 – $13/hr | $38K – $52K | Comparable to DG |
| Walmart | $14 – $17/hr | $55K – $100K+ | +$4/hr above DG |
| Target | $15 – $18/hr | $55K – $90K | +$5/hr above DG |
| Costco | $17 – $22/hr | $60K – $100K+ | +$7/hr above DG |
⚠️ The DG Pay Context
Dollar General has faced criticism for its pay rates — many positions start at or near the federal/state minimum wage. However, DG stores are often in rural communities where they may be the only nearby employer. The low pay combined with often being the sole operator of a store (managers frequently work alone) has led to significant employee turnover. If you're considering DG, compare your options — see our minimum wage guide for context.
See Your Real Pay
Convert any hourly rate to weekly, monthly, and annual — after taxes.
Open Calculator →