1

Core Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Pet Specialist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Kensington, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Largo, MD

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Annapolis, MD

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Chantilly, VA

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Greenbelt, MD

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Bowie, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Dulles, VA

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

Pet Specialist

Waldorf, MD

$15.10 - $27.88/hr

Development Opportunities The impact you'll make As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Core Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do core associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for core associate in Washington, DC is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the 7 levels of the job title hierarchy?

In the context of a Core Associate role, the job title hierarchy typically includes entry-level positions such as Associate, then progresses through levels like Senior Associate, Lead Associate, Supervisor, Manager, Senior Manager, and Director. These levels reflect increasing responsibility, expertise, and leadership within the organization. The specific titles and hierarchy can vary depending on the company's structure and industry standards.

What is the difference between Core Associate vs Business Associate?

AspectCore AssociateBusiness Associate
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, relevant certificationsSimilar credentials, often with additional industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, client sites, project teamsOffice-based, client interactions, project management
Industry UsageFinance, consulting, healthcare, technologyHealthcare, legal, consulting sectors
Common Search/ComparisonCore Associate vs Business Associate

The Core Associate and Business Associate roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within professional service industries. While both positions involve client interaction and project work, Business Associates may have additional industry-specific responsibilities, especially in healthcare or legal sectors. Understanding these differences helps candidates identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

How to get a core job?

To get a core associate position, candidates should have relevant skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, often supported by a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles and demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic are also important. Familiarity with industry-specific tools or certifications can improve chances of securing the role.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Core Associate role typically does not pay $4,000 a week without a degree, as such high weekly earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or experience. However, some high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades may reach or exceed this level with commissions, bonuses, or overtime, often requiring relevant certifications or extensive experience. Most jobs offering this income level without a degree are in sales, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades that reward performance and skill.

What is the highest paying job with an associate's degree?

Core associates can pursue roles such as radiation therapists, air traffic controllers, or dental hygienists, which tend to have higher salaries among jobs requiring an associate's degree. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, or licensing and can offer annual wages exceeding $60,000 depending on location and experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Core jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Core jobs in Washington, DC are:
Pet Specialist

Pet Specialist

PetSmart

Springfield, VA • On-site

$13.09 - $23.86/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


PetSmart rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

See More See Less
Job Description 

PetSmart does Anything for Pets and Everything for You- JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Pet Specialist

About Life at PetSmart 

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams, and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

Benefits that benefit you 

  • Paid weekly
  • Flexible schedule
  • Associate discounts and perks
  • Health benefits: medical, dental, vision
  • 401k
  • Tuition assistance
  • Career pathing
  • Development Opportunities

The impact you'll make 

As a core associate you'll be responsible for engaging with customers and their pets while providing positive experiences. You also share the responsibility of cleanliness, pricing, merchandise, and pet safety standards as week as the direct care of pets within our store, while upholding the company's vision, mission, values, and strategy within the store. 

What we're looking for 

  • Passion for pets and people and the desire to grow a fulfilling career  
  • 1-2 years of retail experience in a customer-focused environment.
  • Available to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays   
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Do what you love 

Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent's face after a fresh groom-you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.  

We're delighted you're interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!  

*This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for. 

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into. Exact rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/

PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.  

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)  

For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law

Pay Details 
$13.09 - 23.86
Pay Rate Type 
Hourly
Apply Now

What PetSmart employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


PetSmart logo

About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US