Let’s talk about Publix. If you’re in the Southeast, you already know: Publix isn’t just a grocery store—it’s a cult. People are weirdly loyal to their pub subs, their fresh bakery, and their famously clean stores. But what most people don’t realize is that Publix is also one of the absolute best retail employers in America.
Here’s what people don’t know about learning how to get hired at Publix: they’re 100% employee-owned (yes, you become a part-owner), the benefits are legendary (profit sharing, stock ownership, excellent healthcare), the pay is better than most grocery stores, and the culture is genuinely different. People work at Publix for 20-30 years. That doesn’t happen at most retail jobs.
I’ve helped thousands of people figure out how to get hired at Publix, and I’m about to share everything you need to know. The pay structure (starts decent, gets very good), the incredible ownership culture, the application secrets, interview strategies that work, and what it’s really like working at the best grocery chain in the South.
Whether you’re 16 and need your first job, 25 and want a career with stability, or 50 and appreciate good benefits, Publix has positions. This complete guide on how to get hired at Publix covers every step from clicking “apply” to wearing that green apron.
Let’s get you hired. 🛒
The Quick Facts About How to Get Hired at Publix
Here’s what you need to know right now:
💰 Starting Pay: $14-$16/hour (higher than most grocery stores)
📍 Store Count: 1,300+ stores across 7 Southeast states (FL, GA, AL, SC, NC, TN, VA)
👥 Employees: 250,000+ associates
⏱️ Time to Get Hired: 1-3 weeks average
🎂 Minimum Age: 14 years old (with restrictions), 16+ for most positions, 18+ for some
💉 Drug Test: NO (generally not)
🔍 Background Check: YES
🎓 Education Required: None (high school diploma helps for some positions)
💼 Employee Ownership: YES (100% employee-owned – you become a part-owner)
💰 Profit Sharing: YES (substantial – potentially life-changing)
🏥 Benefits: Excellent (best in grocery retail)
📅 Schedule: Flexible, 7 days a week operations
🎯 Company Culture: Legendary (people genuinely love working here)
Now let’s break down why Publix is worth considering and how to actually get the job.
Why Publix is One of the Best Retail Jobs in America
Before diving into how to get hired at Publix, let’s talk about why people literally retire from this company.
1. You Become a Part-Owner (This is HUGE)
Publix is 100% employee-owned. This isn’t just marketing—it’s real.
How it works:
- After 1 year and 1,000 hours worked: You’re eligible for profit sharing
- Publix contributes to your PROFIT plan (retirement account)
- Contribution equals 8.5% of your eligible pay
- You receive actual Publix stock
- The stock has historically grown significantly
Real example:
- Work at Publix 30 years
- Retire with $300,000-600,000+ in your PROFIT account
- Many longtime employees become millionaires
This is not normal for retail. Most grocery store employees retire with little. Publix employees retire wealthy.
2. The Profit Sharing is Legendary
Beyond the PROFIT plan, Publix has additional profit-sharing:
How it works:
- Annual profit-sharing bonuses
- Based on company performance and tenure
- All eligible employees receive it
Typical amounts:
- $500-2,000+ per year depending on tenure and hours worked
- Paid as Publix stock
Combined with PROFIT plan contributions: You’re building wealth while working retail.
3. The Pay is Better Than Most Grocery Stores
Starting pay:
- Bagger: $14-15/hour
- Cashier: $14-16/hour
- Deli/Bakery: $15-17/hour
- Grocery Clerk/Stocker: $14-16/hour
- Pharmacy Technician: $16-19/hour
Plus:
- Regular raises (every 6 months for first 2 years)
- Longevity increases
- Department premiums (deli, meat, seafood pay more)
After 5-10 years: $18-24/hour for experienced associates
Department Managers: $50-70K+ salary
Store Managers: $100-150K+ salary
4. The Culture is Actually Different
Publix’s motto: “Where shopping is a pleasure” extends to employees: “Where working is a pleasure.”
What this means:
- Respect from management
- Clean, organized stores
- High standards (but supportive)
- Team-oriented
- Career development focus
- Promotion from within (almost exclusively)
Real talk: Publix has won “Best Place to Work” awards for 25+ consecutive years. This isn’t typical retail.
5. The Benefits are Excellent
Full-time benefits (30+ hours):
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) – affordable
- Life insurance
- 401(k) with match (SEPARATE from PROFIT plan)
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal)
- Employee discounts
- Tuition reimbursement
- Credit union membership
Part-time benefits:
- PROFIT plan (after 1 year, 1,000 hours)
- 401(k)
- Employee discounts
- Paid holidays (after 1 year)
6. Career Advancement is Standard
Publix promotes from within almost exclusively:
Typical path: Entry-level → Team Leader → Assistant Manager → Department Manager → Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager
Timeline:
- Team Leader: 1-2 years
- Assistant Manager: 2-4 years
- Department Manager: 3-6 years
- Store Manager: 8-12+ years
Store managers started as baggers. This is the norm at Publix.
7. Job Security is Exceptional
Publix is:
- Privately held (not subject to stock market pressure)
- Highly profitable
- Expanding steadily
- Recession-resistant (people always buy groceries)
Layoffs are virtually unheard of at Publix.
What Jobs Can You Get at Publix?
Let’s break down positions when learning how to get hired at Publix.
Front Service Clerk (Bagger)** – $14-$15/hour
Entry-level position. You’re bagging groceries, helping customers, collecting carts.
What you’ll do:
- Bag groceries efficiently and carefully
- Carry out groceries to cars (customer service)
- Collect shopping carts from parking lot
- Stock shelves and front-end displays
- Keep store clean and organized
- Help customers find items
Minimum age: 14 in some states (with restrictions), typically 16+
Best for: First-timers, high school students, those building work experience, friendly people.
Physical demands: Moderate. Lots of walking, pushing carts, lifting bags, standing.
Real talk: This is the entry point at Publix. It’s straightforward work, and you’re building toward better positions. Many executives started here.
Tips: Customers sometimes tip for carry-out service ($1-5 typical, though Publix policy is to decline—many baggers accept anyway).
Cashier – $14-$16/hour
Running register, processing transactions, customer service.
What you’ll do:
- Scan items and process payments
- Handle cash, credit, checks
- Provide excellent customer service
- Balance register at shift end
- Handle returns and exchanges
- Answer customer questions
Best for: Detail-oriented people, friendly individuals, multitaskers, reliable workers.
Why it pays slightly more: Handling money, more responsibility, customer interaction.
Grocery Clerk/Stocker – $14-$16/hour
Stocking shelves, organizing products, helping customers.
What you’ll do:
- Stock shelves and rotate products
- Build displays
- Help customers find items
- Unload trucks
- Check inventory
- Maintain department organization
Physical demands: Moderate to high. Lifting boxes, constant movement, repetitive tasks.
Best for: Organized people, those who prefer less customer interaction, physically capable workers.
Deli Clerk – $15-$17/hour
Working in deli, making sandwiches (pub subs!), slicing meats/cheeses, customer service.
What you’ll do:
- Make sandwiches and hot food
- Slice meats and cheeses
- Serve customers at counter
- Maintain food safety standards
- Keep deli clean and organized
- Prep food items
Minimum age: Usually 18+ (using slicers and other equipment)
Why it pays more: Food safety responsibility, equipment operation, customer interaction, fast-paced.
Real talk: Deli is one of the busiest departments. Lunch rush (11am-2pm) is intense. But you learn valuable food service skills.
Bakery Clerk – $15-$17/hour
Working in bakery, decorating cakes, preparing baked goods, customer service.
What you’ll do:
- Bake and package products
- Decorate cakes and pastries
- Serve customers at bakery counter
- Maintain cleanliness
- Follow recipes and standards
- Take custom orders
Best for: Creative people, detail-oriented, those who like working with food.
Produce Clerk – $15-$17/hour
Working with fresh fruits and vegetables, stocking, customer service.
What you’ll do:
- Stock and organize produce
- Trim and prepare vegetables
- Help customers select items
- Maintain freshness and quality
- Build attractive displays
- Rotate stock to minimize waste
Physical demands: Moderate to high. Lifting, bending, wet floors, cold storage.
Meat Cutter/Seafood Specialist – $16-$20/hour
Cutting meat, preparing seafood, customer service.
Requirements: Usually requires experience or willingness to apprentice.
Why it pays more: Skilled position, food safety critical, equipment operation.
Pharmacy Technician – $16-$19/hour
Assisting pharmacist, processing prescriptions, customer service.
Requirements: Pharmacy tech certification (or willing to obtain)
Best for: Detail-oriented, responsible people interested in healthcare.
Management Positions
Team Leader (Department Assistant) – $17-$20/hour
Assistant Department Manager – $18-$22/hour or salaried
Department Manager – Salaried $45-$70K
Assistant Store Manager – Salaried $60-$90K
Store Manager – Salaried $100-$150K+ (high-volume stores $150-200K+)
The Pay Structure at Publix
Let’s get into money when learning how to get hired at Publix.
Starting Pay by Position (2025)
| Position | Starting Range | After 2 Years | After 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagger | $14-15/hr | $16-18/hr | $18-20/hr |
| Cashier | $14-16/hr | $17-19/hr | $19-22/hr |
| Grocery Clerk | $14-16/hr | $17-19/hr | $19-22/hr |
| Deli/Bakery | $15-17/hr | $18-20/hr | $20-24/hr |
| Produce | $15-17/hr | $18-20/hr | $20-23/hr |
| Meat/Seafood | $16-20/hr | $20-24/hr | $23-28/hr |
These are base wages. Add profit sharing and PROFIT plan contributions for total compensation.
How Raises Work at Publix
Evaluation-based raises:
- Every 6 months for first 2 years
- Then annually
- Based on performance reviews
Typical raises:
- $0.25-$0.75 every 6 months initially
- $0.50-$1.00 annually after 2 years
Publix gives consistent raises. If you perform well, you advance steadily.
The PROFIT Plan (The Retirement Game-Changer)
This is why people stay at Publix.
How it works:
- Eligible after 1 year and 1,000 hours
- Publix contributes 8.5% of your eligible compensation
- Contributions are in Publix stock
- 100% company-funded (you contribute nothing)
- Vests over 3 years
Example calculation:
- You make $40,000/year
- Publix contributes: $3,400/year to your PROFIT account
- Over 30 years with stock growth: $400,000-800,000+ retirement
Real example: A cashier who worked at Publix for 35 years retired with over $1 million in PROFIT stock.
This changes lives. Retail employees don’t usually retire wealthy. Publix employees do.
Additional Profit Sharing
Beyond PROFIT plan:
- Annual profit-sharing distribution
- Based on company profits
- Paid as additional stock
- All eligible employees receive
Typical amounts: $500-2,500/year depending on tenure and performance
The Benefits Package (Among the Best in Retail)
Understanding how to get hired at Publix means knowing these benefits.
Healthcare (Full-Time)
Available after 90 days for full-time (30+ hours)
Coverage:
- Medical (multiple plan options)
- Dental
- Vision
- Prescription drug coverage
Cost:
- Employee: $12-30/week (very affordable)
- Employee + dependents: $30-80/week
This is WAY cheaper than most employers.
The PROFIT Plan (Already Covered, But Bears Repeating)
8.5% of pay contributed by Publix
100% company-funded
Potentially worth hundreds of thousands at retirement
401(k) (Separate from PROFIT)
Company match available
Immediate eligibility
Additional retirement savings beyond PROFIT plan
Paid Time Off
Full-time:
- Vacation: 2 weeks first year (increases with tenure)
- Sick time
- Personal days
- Paid holidays
Part-time (after 1 year):
- Paid holidays
- Limited sick time
Other Benefits
Employee Discount:
- 10% off Publix brand products
- Discounted gift cards
- Special pricing on select items
Tuition Reimbursement:
- Up to $3,000/year
- For job-related education
- After 1 year employment
Credit Union:
- Publix Employees Federal Credit Union
- Better rates than banks
- Financial services
Free Prescriptions:
- Many generic prescriptions free for associates
The Application Process
Alright, let’s get into the actual how to get hired at Publix steps.
Step 1: Apply Online
Go to Publix.com/careers or Jobs.Publix.com
Search by:
- Location (city, state, ZIP)
- Position type
- Full-time or part-time
Pro tip: Publix has 1,300+ stores across the Southeast. Apply to multiple stores.
Step 2: Complete the Application
You’ll need:
Personal Information:
- Contact details
- Work authorization
Availability:
- What days can you work?
- What shifts?
- Part-time or full-time?
BE FLEXIBLE. Grocery stores operate 7 days a week. Weekend availability is important.
Work History:
- Previous employment (if any)
- References
- First-timers are welcome
Education:
- Highest level completed
- Not a major factor for most positions
Why Publix:
- Be genuine about wanting to work here
- Mention the culture and ownership if you know about it
Step 3: Assessment (If Required)
Some positions require a short assessment:
- Customer service scenarios
- Work style preferences
- Situational judgment
Tips:
- Answer as a team player would
- Show reliability and customer focus
- Emphasize quality and attention to detail
What Happens Next
Timeline:
- Application reviewed (3-7 days)
- Phone call if interested
- In-person interview scheduled
- Background check
- Job offer
- Orientation scheduled
Total timeline: 1-3 weeks typically
The Interview Process
You got an interview! Let’s nail it.
What to Expect
Format:
- In-person at store
- 20-45 minutes
- With department manager or store manager
- Professional but friendly
Publix interviews focus on:
- Customer service orientation
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Culture fit
- Long-term potential
What to Wear
Business casual minimum, business professional preferred:
- Guys: Dress pants, button-down shirt, dress shoes (tie optional)
- Ladies: Dress pants or skirt, blouse, professional shoes
Don’t wear:
- Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers
- Too casual
Publix is professional. Appearance matters.
Interview Questions & How to Answer
“Why do you want to work at Publix?”
❌ Bad: “I need a job” or “It’s close to my house”
✅ Good: “I want to work at Publix because of your reputation for treating employees well and your employee ownership structure. I’ve heard from people who work here that it’s a great company with real opportunities for advancement. I appreciate that Publix promotes from within and invests in employees through the PROFIT plan. I’m looking for a place to build a career, not just a temporary job, and Publix offers that. Plus, every time I shop here, the employees seem genuinely happy, which says a lot about the company culture.”
Why this works: Shows research, understands key differentiators (ownership, culture, advancement), thinks long-term.
“What does customer service mean to you?”
✅ Publix answer: “Customer service means anticipating needs and going beyond expectations. At Publix, it’s about making every customer feel valued—whether that’s helping them find an item, bagging their groceries carefully, or just greeting them warmly. It’s the little things that create loyalty. Good customer service is why people choose Publix over other grocery stores even if prices are slightly higher.”
“Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for someone.”
STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result
✅ Example: “At my previous job [S], a customer was looking for a specific item we were out of [T]. I called two other locations to find it, located one that had it in stock, and offered to have them hold it for the customer [A]. The customer was so appreciative and thanked me for taking the time to help [R]. I learned that going the extra mile creates memorable experiences.”
“How do you handle working as part of a team?”
✅ Good answer: “I believe strong teams communicate well and support each other. I always offer to help teammates when I finish my tasks, and I’m not afraid to ask for help when I need it. In grocery retail, teamwork is essential—busy times require everyone working together efficiently. I’m reliable, I show up ready to work, and I contribute positively to the team environment.”
“Can you work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays?”
✅ Be honest but accommodating: “Yes, I understand grocery stores operate 7 days a week and are especially busy on weekends and holidays. I’m available to work [state your availability honestly]. I’m looking for [full-time/part-time] work and I’m flexible with scheduling to meet the store’s needs.”
Reality: Grocery stores NEED people on weekends. If you can’t work Saturdays, your chances decrease significantly.
“Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?”
✅ Career-minded answer: “I see myself growing at Publix. Whether that’s becoming a team leader, moving into a specialist position, or advancing into management, I want to develop here. I know Publix promotes from within, and I’m committed to learning the business and proving myself. Publix offers the kind of career path that’s rare in retail, and I want to take advantage of that.”
“Why should we hire you?”
✅ Strong answer: “You should hire me because I’m reliable, I genuinely care about providing excellent customer service, and I’m looking for long-term employment where I can grow. I understand Publix has high standards, and I’m ready to meet them. I’m coachable, I’m a team player, and I’ll represent Publix’s values every shift. I’m not just looking for any job—I specifically want to work at Publix because of your culture and opportunities.”
“What do you know about Publix?”
✅ Impressive answer: “Publix is a 1,300-store grocery chain based in the Southeast, and you’re 100% employee-owned, which is unique. You’re known for exceptional customer service—’Where shopping is a pleasure’—and for treating employees well. You offer the PROFIT plan where employees build wealth through stock ownership, and you promote almost exclusively from within. You’ve been named a top place to work for over 25 years. Publix isn’t just a job—it’s a career opportunity.”
Why this works: Shows you did your homework. Most candidates don’t know about employee ownership.
Questions YOU Should Ask
✅ Great questions:
- “What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?”
- “What does success look like in this position?”
- “Can you tell me about the training process?”
- “What opportunities are there for advancement?”
- “What makes Publix different from other grocery stores?”
- “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
What Publix is Looking For
Understanding how to get hired at Publix means knowing their values:
Publix Values
- Customer service excellence – Going above and beyond
- Teamwork – Supporting each other
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
- Excellence – High standards
- Dignity and respect – Treating everyone well
Key Qualities They Want
Premier customer service:
- Genuinely friendly
- Anticipate needs
- Solve problems
- Create positive experiences
Reliability:
- Show up on time
- Consistent attendance
- Dependable
Team orientation:
- Help coworkers
- Communicate well
- Positive attitude
- No drama
Long-term mindset:
- Want to grow
- Interested in career
- See Publix as destination
Quality-focused:
- Attention to detail
- Take pride in work
- Maintain standards
Background Check & Drug Testing
Final hurdles before starting.
Background Check
Yes, Publix runs background checks.
What they check:
- Criminal history (7 years typically)
- Previous employment verification
- References
What typically disqualifies:
- Theft (especially retail theft)
- Violent crimes
- Drug trafficking
- Falsifying application
What usually doesn’t:
- Minor misdemeanors years ago
- Traffic violations
- Arrests without convictions
Timeline: 5-10 business days
Drug Testing
Generally NO drug testing for most positions.
Exception: Some management positions may require testing.
Reality: Most entry-level and hourly positions are NOT drug tested.
Your First Day at Publix
Welcome to Publix!
Orientation
Length: 4-8 hours (sometimes full day)
What you’ll do:
- Paperwork (I-9, W-4, direct deposit)
- Benefits overview
- Culture and values training
- Store tour
- Safety training
- Customer service expectations
- Meet your team
What to bring:
- Government ID
- Social Security card or birth certificate + ID
- Bank account info
- Pen and notebook
Your Uniform
Publix provides:
- Green polo shirt or white dress shirt (depends on position)
- Name tag
- Green apron (front service, some positions)
You provide:
- Black or khaki pants (dress code specific)
- Black shoes (closed-toe, non-slip)
- Belt
- Professional appearance
Dress code is strict but clear. Publix maintains high standards.
Training Period
Length: 2-4 weeks depending on position
What happens:
- Department-specific training
- Shadow experienced associates
- Computer-based learning modules
- Hands-on practice
- Customer service scenarios
- Gradual independence
- Certification tests (some positions)
Publix training is thorough and structured. High standards, but excellent support.
First Paycheck
Pay schedule: Weekly (every Thursday)
Method: Direct deposit
First check: Usually 1-2 weeks after start
Weekly pay is nice. Better cash flow than bi-weekly.
What It’s Actually Like Working at Publix
Real talk about the day-to-day.
Your Schedule
Store hours: Typically 7am-10pm or 11pm
Shifts vary by position:
- Opening: 6am-2pm or 7am-3pm
- Mid-day: 10am-6pm or 12pm-8pm
- Closing: 3pm-11pm or 5pm-closing
Hours:
- Part-time: 15-29 hours/week
- Full-time: 30-40 hours/week
Scheduling:
- Posted 2 weeks ahead
- Digital system
- Shift swaps possible
- Time-off requests honored if done early
The Pace
Busy times:
- Weekends (especially Saturday afternoons)
- Evenings after work (5-7pm)
- Holidays (extremely busy)
- Beginning of month (food stamps reload)
- Storm season in Florida (pre-hurricane stocking)
Slower times:
- Weekday mornings (except Monday)
- Late evenings (after 8pm)
Reality: Grocery stores have predictable rushes. You’ll learn to prepare.
The Physical Reality
Position-dependent:
Bagger/Cashier: Moderate (standing entire shift, repetitive motion, some lifting)
Stocker: High (lifting boxes, constant movement, bending, reaching)
Deli/Bakery: High (standing, heat from ovens, fast-paced)
Produce: Moderate to high (lifting, cold storage, wet floors)
You’ll be on your feet 6-8 hours. Good shoes essential.
The Customer Base
Publix customers are generally:
- More polite than average
- Appreciate good service
- Middle to upper-middle class
- Loyal to Publix
Real talk: Publix customers are spoiled by good service. Their expectations are high. But most are respectful and appreciative.
The Culture (It’s Real)
The good:
✅ Employee ownership is real (PROFIT plan changes lives)
✅ People actually like working here (low turnover for retail)
✅ Clean, well-managed stores (not chaotic)
✅ Respect from management (top-down culture of dignity)
✅ Advancement is standard (promote from within almost exclusively)
✅ High standards create pride (quality matters)
✅ Profit sharing and raises (compensation increases regularly)
✅ Job security (layoffs virtually non-existent)
The challenges:
❌ High standards mean pressure (excellence expected)
❌ Weekend/holiday work required (retail reality)
❌ Can be repetitive (especially certain positions)
❌ Busy periods are intense (especially holidays)
❌ Pay starts moderate (gets very good with tenure)
❌ Perfectionism culture (some find it stressful)
Career Growth Examples
Real paths:
Entry-level at 18 → Store Manager at 30 (making $120K+)
Bagger → Deli Clerk → Deli Team Leader → Assistant Manager → Store Manager
Cashier → Customer Service Team Leader → Front End Manager
This happens regularly at Publix.
Insider Tips for Getting Hired
1. Emphasize long-term interest
“I want to build a career at Publix” works better than “I need a job for now.”
2. Research the company
Know about employee ownership, PROFIT plan, culture. Shows genuine interest.
3. Apply to multiple stores
Each store hires independently. Apply to 5-10 stores.
4. Be available weekends
This is crucial. Publix needs weekend workers.
5. Dress professionally for interview
Publix has high standards. Business attire shows you understand.
6. Show enthusiasm
Publix wants people who genuinely want to be there, not those settling.
7. Mention customer service focus
Publix is obsessed with premier customer service. Emphasize this.
8. Be patient
Background checks take time. Publix moves thoughtfully.
9. Visit stores
Shop at Publix, observe employees, note the culture. Reference in interview.
10. Follow up
Call 5-7 days after interview to check status.
FAQs About How to Get Hired at Publix
Q: Is it hard to get hired at Publix?
A: Moderately competitive. Publix is selective because people stay long-term. But if you present well and show you want a career, good chances.
Q: What’s the minimum age?
A: 14 with restrictions (limited hours, positions). 16+ for most positions. 18+ for deli, some others.
Q: Do I need grocery experience?
A: No. Publix trains thoroughly. Customer service experience from any industry helps.
Q: How long does hiring take?
A: 1-3 weeks from application to start date typically.
Q: Is the PROFIT plan really that good?
A: YES. This is generational wealth-building for retail workers. Many retire with $500K-1M+.
Q: Can I work part-time and still get benefits?
A: You get PROFIT plan (after 1 year, 1,000 hours) and 401(k). Healthcare requires 30+ hours (full-time).
Q: Do they drug test?
A: Generally no for most positions. Some management roles may.
Q: Can I advance without a college degree?
A: Yes! Most Publix executives don’t have degrees. Performance and tenure matter most.
Q: Is working at Publix really different from other grocery stores?
A: Yes. The ownership culture, profit sharing, advancement, and respect for employees are legitimate differences.
Q: What if I can’t work weekends?
A: Your chances of being hired decrease significantly. Grocery stores need weekend workers.
Q: Can I transfer to another Publix?
A: Yes, after 6 months typically. Transfers within the company are common.
Q: Is the deli really that busy?
A: Yes. Lunch rush (11am-2pm) is intense. But you learn fast and it becomes manageable.
Q: Do Publix employees actually retire wealthy?
A: Many do. The PROFIT plan grows significantly over 20-30 years. $500K+ at retirement is common for long-term employees.
Q: What’s the employee discount?
A: 10% off Publix brand products, plus other deals. Not as generous as some retailers, but PROFIT plan more than makes up for it.
Q: Is working at Publix worth it?
A: If you’re in the Southeast and want a retail career with excellent long-term benefits, absolutely. The PROFIT plan alone makes it worth considering.
Publix vs. Other Grocery Stores
Quick comparison:
| Factor | Publix | Kroger | Walmart | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | $14-16/hr | $13-17/hr | $14-19/hr | $15-24/hr |
| Employee Ownership | YES ✅ | No | No | No |
| PROFIT Plan | 8.5% contribution ✅ | Pension (union) | 401k match | 401k match |
| Culture | Excellent ✅ | Good (union) | Mixed | Good |
| Advancement | Excellent ✅ | Good | Good | Good |
| Job Security | Excellent ✅ | Good | Good | Good |
| Location | Southeast only | Nationwide | Nationwide | Nationwide |
Publix advantages:
- Employee ownership (become part-owner)
- PROFIT plan (retire wealthy)
- Best culture in grocery retail
- Strongest advancement from within
- Highest job satisfaction
- Private company stability
Publix disadvantages:
- Only in 7 Southeast states (limited geography)
- Pay starts moderate (but grows significantly)
- High standards can be stressful
Alright, Let’s Get You Hired at Publix
So there you have it—everything you need to know about how to get hired at Publix.
Is it perfect? No.
Will you work weekends and holidays? Yes.
Is the PROFIT plan potentially life-changing? Absolutely.
If you’re in the Southeast and want a retail job with exceptional long-term benefits, legitimate career advancement, and a culture that actually respects employees, Publix is the gold standard.
Your Action Plan (Do This Today):
- ✅ Go to Publix.com/careers
- ✅ Search stores near you
- ✅ Apply to 5-10 locations
- ✅ Emphasize long-term career interest
- ✅ Research employee ownership and PROFIT plan
- ✅ Show weekend availability
- ✅ Dress professionally for interview
- ✅ Visit stores as customer first
- ✅ Prepare using this guide
- ✅ Think about retiring with $500K+ from retail work!
Publix is hiring. They’re always looking for quality people. Now that you know how to get hired at Publix, you’re ready to start building wealth in retail.
Go get that green apron. 🛒
