Buc-ee's Careers: $18 to $250K Pay Ladder with 3 Weeks PTO and 401k
Buc-ee's is famous for paying the highest wages in the entire convenience store industry, starting hourly associates at $18 to $21 per hour and topping out with General Manager salaries between $175,000 and $250,000+ per year. Every store openly advertises its starting wages on the front of the building, which is why Buc-ee's careers get 40,000+ Google searches per month whenever a new location opens. Standard benefits include 3 weeks of paid time off, 401k with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, and bereavement leave. Below is the complete pay ladder based on 1,820+ verified Glassdoor and Indeed salaries, the actual hiring timeline for new stores, and everything you need to know before applying.
How much does Buc-ee's pay per hour?
Buc-ee's pays hourly associates $18 to $21 per hour depending on department and location. Cashiers, gift shop, maintenance, warehouse, and grocery staff earn $18/hr. Restroom crew earn $20/hr. Foodservice and car wash staff earn $21/hr. Team leads earn $21 to $24/hr, and department managers earn $25 to $33/hr. This is roughly double the national gas station average of $15/hr and above minimum wage in every state.
| Role | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier / Gift / Warehouse / Grocery | $18/hr | Hourly |
| Restroom Crew | $20/hr | Hourly |
| Foodservice / Car Wash | $21/hr | Hourly |
| Team Lead | $21 to $24/hr | Hourly |
| Department Manager | $25 to $33/hr | Hourly |
| Assistant Foodservice Manager | $33 to $42/hr | Hourly |
| Assistant General Manager | $125,000+ per year | Salary |
| General Manager | $175,000 to $250,000+ per year | Salary |
What benefits does Buc-ee's offer employees?
Buc-ee's offers a comprehensive benefits package that beats most convenience store chains: 3 weeks of paid time off, 401k with company match, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and paid bereavement leave. Full-time hourly associates receive all benefits after a short qualifying period. There is no employee discount on merchandise, but free drinks are provided during shifts. Overtime is paid to hourly workers, and 70% of employees on Indeed reported receiving overtime pay.
- 3 weeks paid time off (PTO) for full-time hourly and salaried staff
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid bereavement leave
- Overtime pay for hourly staff
- Free drinks during shifts (no employee discount on merchandise)
- Paid breaks
- No tipping or gratuity (Buc-ee's does not accept tips)
How much does a Buc-ee's General Manager make?
A Buc-ee's General Manager earns $175,000 to $250,000+ per year, making it one of the highest-paying retail management jobs in America. Assistant General Managers earn $125,000+ per year. These salaried positions carry full responsibility for running an entire 74,000 square foot store, overseeing 250 to 400 employees, and managing millions in daily revenue. GMs at high-volume stores like Luling TX (the world's largest Buc-ee's) or Sevierville TN typically earn the upper end of the range.
How do you apply for a job at Buc-ee's?
Applications go through the official Buc-ee's careers website (buc-ees.com/careers) or the Workday application portal. The process:
- Visit buc-ees.com/careers and click the location you want to work at
- Select the specific job role (cashier, food service, warehouse, etc.)
- Complete the online application including work history and references
- Take a required online personality and job-fit assessment
- If selected, attend an in-person or video interview at the store
- Complete drug screening and background check before start date
- Attend paid onboarding training (typically 5 to 7 days)
When does Buc-ee's start hiring for a new store?
Buc-ee's hires on a staggered timeline before every new store opening. Management positions are posted approximately 8 months before the grand opening. Frontline hourly positions are posted approximately 90 days (3 months) before the grand opening. This gives new managers time to train at nearby stores while frontline hires complete onboarding just before doors open. See the full list of upcoming stores in our Buc-ee's future locations pipeline.
Is Buc-ee's a good place to work?
Employee reviews are mixed but lean positive on pay and negative on workload. On Indeed, 64% of employees agree they are paid fairly, and the company holds a 3.3/5 compensation rating on Glassdoor based on 1,820+ verified salary submissions. Common positive themes: high wages, clean work environment, free drinks, structured shifts. Common negative themes: demanding pace, strict policies, difficulty getting raises without promotions, limited employee discounts. Turnover is higher in cashier roles and lower in salaried management.
What jobs are available at Buc-ee's?
Buc-ee's hires across three main departments plus corporate roles:
| Department | Roles | Starting Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Retail & Gift | Cashier, Gift Shop, Grocery, Merchandising | $18/hr |
| Food Service | Cook, Meat Handler, Deli, Kitchen, Brisket Carver | $21/hr |
| Facility | Restroom Attendant, Maintenance, Car Wash, Fuel Attendant | $20 to $21/hr |
| Warehouse | Warehouse Associate, Stocker, Inventory | $18/hr |
| Team Lead | Cashier Lead, Deli Lead, Grocery Lead, Warehouse Lead | $21 to $24/hr |
| Management | Department Manager, Assistant GM, General Manager | $25/hr to $250K+/yr |
| Corporate | HR, IT, Marketing, Real Estate, Finance | Varies (based in Lake Jackson TX) |
What is the Buc-ee's interview process like?
The Buc-ee's interview process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks from application to offer. It includes an online personality assessment, one or two in-person or video interviews with store management, drug screening, and a background check. Interview questions focus on customer service philosophy, ability to handle high-volume traffic, willingness to work all shifts (including nights and weekends), and long-term commitment. New hires start with 5 to 7 days of paid onboarding training before working the floor.
Does Buc-ee's hire teenagers or high school students?
Yes, Buc-ee's hires 16 and 17 year old applicants for select positions with parental consent and adjusted schedules under child labor law. Full unrestricted hiring is 18+ due to the retail sale of restricted items and 24/7 shift structure. Popular first-job positions for teens: gift shop cashier, grocery stocker, and merchandising. Kitchen and car wash roles typically require 18+ due to equipment operation restrictions.
Do Buc-ee's employees get discounts on merchandise?
No, Buc-ee's does not offer an employee discount on merchandise or food. Free drinks are provided during shifts (fountain drinks, coffee, and water), but there is no reduced price on Beaver Nuggets, brisket sandwiches, jerky, apparel, or any store items. This is one of the most common employee complaints on Indeed and Glassdoor reviews. See our Buc-ee's 24/7 hours page for context on shift patterns since the store never closes.