What It’s Really Like to Be Part of the Kroger Team

Meet Maria, a 32-year-old bakery lead who started at Kroger five years ago as a night stocker in her local store.

“I never thought I’d end up in management,” Maria says. “But I liked the atmosphere and the people, so I gave it my all every shift.”

Kroger helped her build skills. “They paid for my food safety certification, and I took a few online business classes with their tuition help program.”

Now she oversees a small team. “I handle orders, train new staff, and keep things running smooth. It’s busy, but I enjoy it.”

“I’m not stuck. I’m growing. That’s rare in retail,” Maria adds. “And I get full benefits, which helps a lot with my two kids.”

“Kroger isn’t perfect, but they’ve treated me right,” she concludes. “If you’re ready to work, there’s a path forward here.”

Why apply for a job at Kroger?

🍎 Stable income with growth potential:
Start with competitive hourly pay and earn raises based on performance. Many entry-level roles lead to higher-paying opportunities fast.

🍎 Real benefits that matter:
From health coverage to employee discounts and retirement plans, Kroger supports your financial, physical, and personal well-being every step of the way.

🍎 Support for your education:
Kroger offers up to $21,000 in tuition aid — use it for anything from GEDs to graduate school, no matter your role.

🍎 Team-oriented work culture:
Employees often highlight the friendly environment and hands-on managers who care about both team success and individual progress.

🍎 Promotions from within:
Kroger prefers to promote internally. With training programs and leadership support, many employees build full careers starting from the sales floor.

Requirements to Work at Kroger

Before applying, it’s important to know what Kroger expects from new hires. Most positions are entry-level, but the company still looks for responsibility, flexibility, and basic skills.

Below are the general requirements you’ll need to meet before starting your application. Some may vary slightly by role or store location.

📌 Step 1: Minimum age requirement
You must be at least 16 years old to work at Kroger. Some positions, like pharmacy or equipment roles, require you to be 18 or older.

📌 Step 2: Availability and flexibility
Applicants should be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed. Flexibility is key, especially for customer-facing or stocking positions.

📌 Step 3: Basic communication and math skills
Whether you’re working the register or stocking shelves, Kroger expects employees to understand instructions, speak clearly, and handle simple transactions.

📌 Step 4: Physical capability for the role
Some jobs may require lifting up to 40 pounds, standing for long periods, or working in cold areas like freezers or refrigerated sections.

📌 Step 5: Background check and eligibility
All candidates must pass a background check. You’ll also need legal authorization to work in the U.S., plus any role-specific licenses if applicable.

Thinking about other options? Check job openings at Walmart!

Walmart also offers steady jobs across the U.S., with flexible schedules, full benefits, and paths to grow fast.

While you consider Kroger, it’s smart to explore job openings at Walmart and see which company fits your goals and location better.

Want to compare? Check out our full review of Walmart’s job opportunities and benefits — it may be the perfect fit for you.