Ace Hardware Salary in 2025

Ace Hardware is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States, known for offering a wide range of products and exceptional customer service. As a reputable company, Ace Hardware provides opportunities for a variety of career paths. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Ace Hardware salary trends in 2025, including factors that influence earnings, salary based on experience, job market insights, and more.

Average Ace Hardware Salary in 2025

Salaries at Ace Hardware can vary depending on the job role, location, and level of experience. Below is an overview of the average salary ranges for various positions within the company:

1. Store Associates

Average Salary: $28,000 to $38,000 per year
Entry-level positions like store associates or sales associates typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum. However, experience, location, and specific responsibilities can increase earnings.

2. Department Managers

Average Salary: $40,000 to $55,000 per year
Department managers oversee specific sections of the store and are responsible for managing staff and ensuring products are well-stocked and displayed. These roles come with additional responsibilities and thus a higher salary range.

3. Store Managers

Average Salary: $55,000 to $75,000 per year
As a store manager, responsibilities include overseeing all operations within a store, managing budgets, staff, and inventory. With this added responsibility comes a corresponding increase in salary.

4. Corporate Positions

Average Salary: $60,000 to $110,000+ per year
Corporate positions, such as in marketing, finance, or supply chain management, typically offer higher salaries, reflecting the specialized skills and leadership required.

Factors That Influence Ace Hardware Earnings

Several factors influence salaries at Ace Hardware, making it essential to consider different aspects of the position and the company.

1. Experience

Entry-Level: Store associates and entry-level positions tend to start with a lower salary, around $28,000 to $35,000, depending on experience and location.
Mid-Level Experience: Employees with 3-5 years of experience, especially those in managerial or department leadership roles, see a notable salary increase. Department managers and assistant managers can earn up to $55,000 per year.
Senior-Level Experience: Senior positions such as store managers and corporate roles typically require several years of experience and specialized training, leading to salaries in the $55,000 to $110,000 range, with some senior corporate roles earning even more.

2. Location

Geographic location plays a significant role in salary differences. For instance, positions in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living, such as New York or California, tend to offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
Additionally, stores in high-traffic locations, such as large metropolitan centers, often offer more competitive wages.

3. Job Role

As mentioned earlier, managerial roles, especially store and department management, offer higher salaries due to the added responsibility and leadership required. Corporate roles, which demand higher levels of education and specialized skills, also offer increased compensation.

4. Store Type

Franchise vs. Corporate-Owned: Ace Hardware operates both corporate-owned and franchised stores. Salaries in corporate-owned stores are typically standardized, whereas franchisee-owned stores may offer more variable compensation depending on the individual franchisee.

Salary by Experience at Ace Hardware

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations based on experience levels at Ace Hardware:

Entry-Level (0-2 years): Entry-level associates earn between $28,000 and $35,000 annually. These roles involve basic tasks such as customer service, stocking shelves, and maintaining store organization.
Mid-Level (3-5 years): With a few years of experience, employees can move into positions like department manager or assistant manager, earning $40,000 to $55,000 annually. These roles come with additional responsibilities such as managing staff, overseeing inventory, and handling customer complaints.
Senior-Level (5+ years): Employees with more than five years of experience in leadership roles, such as store managers or regional managers, can expect to earn $55,000 to $75,000 annually or more, depending on location and responsibilities.

Job Market Trends for Ace Hardware in 2025

1. Job Demand and Growth

Retail Industry Outlook: As of 2025, the retail industry is evolving with new trends such as e-commerce integration and enhanced customer service experiences. This is especially true for hardware stores like Ace Hardware, which are focusing on maintaining high customer satisfaction and adapting to online sales.
Growth in Franchise Ownership: Ace Hardware’s business model includes a significant number of franchised stores, meaning new opportunities for franchise owners and managers continue to grow.

2. Telecommuting Opportunities

While most roles at Ace Hardware are store-based, corporate positions, especially in management and marketing, are increasingly offering telecommuting options, which is an attractive benefit for many employees.

3. Seasonal and Part-Time Employment

The demand for store associates often increases during peak seasons like spring and fall, as customers tend to buy more tools, garden supplies, and home improvement products. As a result, part-time and seasonal roles can also provide additional income opportunities.

Benefits at Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware provides its employees with a range of benefits that enhance the overall compensation package, including:

Health Insurance: Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees typically receive paid vacation days, sick leave, and holiday pay.
Retirement Plans: Ace Hardware offers 401(k) plans with company matching contributions.
Employee Discounts: Employees can benefit from discounts on store merchandise, providing a great incentive for those passionate about home improvement and DIY projects.

Education and Certifications That Impact Salary

While Ace Hardware does not typically require a formal degree for entry-level roles, having specialized education or certifications can significantly impact your earnings and career progression.

1. High School Diploma or Equivalent

Most entry-level positions, such as store associates, require at least a high school diploma or GED.

2. Postsecondary Education

For managerial roles and higher-paying positions, some form of postsecondary education in business management, marketing, or retail management can be beneficial.

3. Certifications in Retail Management

Certifications like the Certified Retail Management Professional (CRMP) or specialized training in customer service and retail management can help employees qualify for higher-paying positions, such as department manager or store manager.

4. Leadership and Sales Training

Internal training programs, such as those focused on sales leadership, inventory management, and customer service, can help employees enhance their skill set and move into higher roles with increased compensation.

Conclusion

In 2025, Ace Hardware offers competitive salaries for a variety of positions, ranging from entry-level store associates to corporate leadership roles. Salaries vary based on experience, location, job role, and responsibilities, but Ace Hardware provides excellent benefits and growth opportunities. For individuals interested in advancing their careers at Ace Hardware, additional education, certifications, and leadership training can positively impact salary and job outlook.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career in retail or seeking advancement within the hardware industry, Ace Hardware offers a path filled with potential and financial benefits.