What Is a Hourly Associate and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An hourly associate is paid by the hour at the end of each pay period. Many hourly associate employees work entry level retail sales positions and start out at minimum wage. However, if an associate works over 40 hours in a week, they are eligible for overtime pay.

An hourly associate is paid per hour of work at the end of each pay period and is eligible for overtime pay. Employees in retail sales often start out as hourly associates earning minimum wage. Their job duties are stocking items, running the cash register, and helping customers. As they gain experience and more specialized skills, they often move into team lead or supervisor positions, which pay a higher hourly wage. There are few qualifications for most entry-level hourly associate positions, but you need at least a high school diploma or GED to move up into more advanced roles.