Costco Pay Schedule 2026

Costco Wholesale is widely recognized as one of the best-paying retailers in the United States, and its biweekly pay schedule provides employees with a consistent and predictable payroll cycle. All Costco employees, including warehouse hourly workers, corporate staff, and salaried managers, are paid every two weeks on Fridays. The pay period runs from Sunday through Saturday, and after the period closes, payroll is processed the following week with direct deposit arriving on Friday morning.

Below are all 26 biweekly Friday pay dates for Costco employees in 2026:

  • January 2, 2026
  • January 16, 2026
  • January 30, 2026
  • February 13, 2026
  • February 27, 2026
  • March 13, 2026
  • March 27, 2026
  • April 10, 2026
  • April 24, 2026
  • May 8, 2026
  • May 22, 2026
  • June 5, 2026
  • June 19, 2026
  • July 3, 2026
  • July 17, 2026
  • July 31, 2026
  • August 14, 2026
  • August 28, 2026
  • September 11, 2026
  • September 25, 2026
  • October 9, 2026
  • October 23, 2026
  • November 6, 2026
  • November 20, 2026
  • December 4, 2026
  • December 18, 2026

Costco is renowned for offering some of the highest wages in the retail industry. Starting pay for new warehouse employees is $17 or more per hour, significantly above the federal minimum wage and competitive even with many skilled trade positions. Costco uses a step-based pay scale where employees receive regular hourly increases based on accumulated hours worked. Top-of-scale hourly employees can earn $30 or more per hour, and these rates are periodically increased as Costco adjusts its overall pay structure. The company's commitment to above-market wages has contributed to its exceptionally low employee turnover rate compared to other major retailers.

One of Costco's most distinctive pay features is the Sunday premium. Hourly employees earn time-and-a-half for all hours worked on Sundays, regardless of weekly overtime status. This means an employee earning $18.00 per hour on weekdays would earn $27.00 per hour for Sunday shifts. This premium is a significant earning boost for employees who regularly work Sundays, which are among the busiest days at most warehouse locations. The Sunday premium is included in your regular biweekly paycheck and appears as a separate line item on your pay stub.

Overtime pay at Costco follows federal and state labor laws. Employees who work more than 40 hours in a single work week (Sunday through Saturday) receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular hourly rate. In states like California, where daily overtime rules apply, employees may also receive overtime for working more than 8 hours in a single day. Overtime earnings are included in the regular biweekly paycheck for the period in which the overtime hours were worked.

Costco also offers a semi-annual bonus known as the Extra Check to eligible employees. This bonus is paid twice per year to hourly employees who have reached top-of-scale pay and completed a qualifying period of service. The Extra Check is equivalent to a percentage of the employee's earnings over the preceding six-month period and is deposited as a separate payment from the regular biweekly paycheck. The specific payout dates and eligibility requirements are communicated by warehouse management.

Direct deposit is the standard payment method for most Costco employees and can be set up through the Employee Self-Service (ESS) portal. The ESS portal is accessible from in-warehouse computers and from personal devices via the web. Through ESS, employees can view current and historical pay stubs, update their direct deposit bank account information, review tax withholding settings, and access W-2 forms during tax season. If you need help with the ESS portal, your warehouse's payroll clerk or HR representative can assist with login issues and account setup.

In addition to competitive wages, Costco provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid vacation and sick time, and an employee membership benefit. Benefits eligibility and specific plan details depend on your employment classification (full-time or part-time) and length of service. Costco's benefits are widely regarded as among the best in the retail sector, reflecting the company's philosophy that well-compensated employees deliver better customer service and drive stronger business results.

For the most accurate pay schedule specific to your warehouse location, confirm with your warehouse management or payroll department. The dates listed above represent the typical biweekly Friday cycle for the 2026 calendar year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Costco pay employees?

Costco pays all employees on a biweekly schedule, which means you receive a paycheck every two weeks for a total of 26 paychecks per year. This applies to warehouse hourly employees, corporate staff, and salaried managers alike. The biweekly pay period runs from Sunday through Saturday, covering exactly 14 calendar days. After the pay period closes on Saturday, payroll is processed the following week and payment is issued on Friday. This consistent biweekly cycle is standard across all Costco warehouse locations, business centers, and corporate offices in the United States.

What day does Costco pay?

Costco pays employees on Fridays. After each two-week pay period closes on Saturday, the payroll department processes wages during the following week, and direct deposit funds are available in your bank account on Friday morning. Employees who receive paper checks can pick them up at the warehouse on the scheduled Friday payday. If a payday coincides with a bank holiday, such as Christmas Day, your direct deposit may arrive on the preceding Thursday depending on your bank's policies. The Friday payday is consistent across all Costco locations in the United States, making it simple for employees to plan their personal budgets around the predictable schedule.

Does Costco pay extra on Sundays?

Yes, Costco pays a premium rate for hours worked on Sundays. Hourly employees receive time-and-a-half for all hours worked on Sundays, which is a significant benefit that sets Costco apart from most other retailers. This Sunday premium applies regardless of how many hours you have worked during the week, meaning it is not tied to overtime rules. For example, if your regular hourly rate is $18.00, you would earn $27.00 per hour for any hours worked on a Sunday. This premium is reflected on your regular biweekly paycheck and is listed as a separate line item on your pay stub so you can easily see the additional earnings.

How do I view my Costco pay stub?

Costco employees can view their pay stubs through the Employee Self-Service (ESS) portal, which is accessible from both in-warehouse computers and personal devices via the web. To access the ESS portal, log in with your Costco employee ID and password. Once logged in, navigate to the payroll section where you can view your current and historical pay stubs, check your year-to-date earnings and deductions, and review tax withholding details. During tax season, you can also access and download your W-2 forms through the same portal. If you have difficulty accessing the system, your warehouse's payroll clerk or HR representative can assist with password resets and account access issues.

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