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How to Apply for a Job at Costco

Requirements and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be legally authorized to work in the US (Costco uses E-Verify nationwide)
• Provide full and open availability, including weekends, for most warehouse roles
• Able to stand for long periods and lift or move merchandise (some roles require lifting heavy items)
• Complete an online application and may need to pass a job-related test or skills demonstration
• Pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the official Costco careers site at careers.costco.com and select Find Jobs.
2. Search by location (or job category) to find openings at the warehouse or facility near you.
3. Create an applicant account or profile to start and save your application.
4. Complete the application with your job history, contact details, and full availability.
5. Complete any required assessment or job-related skills test if prompted for the role.
6. Submit and note that applications expire after 90 days; reapply if you have not heard back.
7. Follow up by contacting the local warehouse directly, since Costco does not send status updates by email.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to work at Costco?

The minimum hiring age at Costco is 18. Many warehouse roles involve operating equipment or lifting heavy items, which is why the age floor is 18 rather than 16.

How much does Costco pay?

Costco set a national starting minimum of $19.50 per hour in July 2024. Pay rises with tenure and role; top-of-scale clerks reach about $31.90 per hour in 2026, and starting rates are higher in states with higher minimum wages.

Do you need experience to work at Costco?

No. Most people are hired into part-time, entry-level roles such as front end assistant, food court, member service, and stocking, which do not require prior experience. Reliable availability and good customer service matter most.

How long does the Costco hiring process take?

It varies by location and demand. Many applicants hear back within a few days to a few weeks, and the process usually includes an assessment or skills test, one or two interviews, and a background check and drug screening before starting.

How do I check my Costco application status?

Costco does not send application updates by email or messaging. To check your status, contact the specific warehouse you applied to directly using the phone number from Costco's location finder.

Does Costco hire year-round or only for the holidays?

Costco hires throughout the year, not only during seasonal periods. Hiring often increases around new warehouse openings and the Q4 holiday season, and you can apply to a new location roughly 12 weeks before it opens.

Advertiser disclosure: this page is supported by advertising and is for information only. JobsSearchPro is not Costco, is not affiliated with it, and does not process job applications or charge any fee to apply. Always apply on the employer's official careers site.