Target, one of the largest retailers in the United States, employs thousands of people across the country. Many Target employees and job applicants wonder if the company guarantees a certain number of hours per week. Specifically, does Target guarantee employees 40 hours of work per week?
The short answer is no, Target does not guarantee any set number of minimum hours for its employees. However, there are some important details to understand about how Target approaches scheduling and hours for its workforce.
Target’s Approach to Scheduling
Target does not have any official policy promising employees a certain number of minimum guaranteed hours per week. The number of hours scheduled for each employee varies based on factors like:
- The employee’s position and department
- The seasonal needs of the store
- The overall labor budget set by store management
Hourly Target employees generally fall into two categories:
- Part-time: Employees scheduled less than 30 hours per week on average. Most hourly Target employees are part-time workers.
- Full-time: Employees scheduled for 30+ hours per week on average. A smaller portion of Target’s workforce is full-time.
The number of hours allocated to employees depends on the needs and budgets of each specific store. Overall, Target aims to provide part-time employees with 10-25 hours per week on average. For full-time employees, schedules often range from 30-40 hours but are not guaranteed.
Some key factors determine the number of hours scheduled:
Seasonal Needs
During busier seasons like back-to-school and the holidays, many employees may see spikes in their weekly schedules. For example, a part-time worker who usually gets 15-20 hours may temporarily get 30+ hours per week leading up to Christmas.
Conversely, hours tend to decline after busy seasons. A full-time employee accustomed to 35-hour weeks may see their hours drop to 30 or below for a few weeks after the holidays.
Store Sales & Budget
The number of labor hours budgeted for each department and store is tied to sales. When sales are strong, leadership can allocate more payroll hours to staff the store. When sales decline, hours may be cut to control costs.
Seniority
In general, employees with greater seniority are prioritized for available hours up to their desired availability. New part-time hires may start with fewer hours compared to a 5-year employee.
Target’s Hourly Pay and Benefits
While hourly team members do not have guaranteed minimum weekly hours, Target offers above-average compensation compared to similar retail employers.
Pay Rates
In 2022, Target’s minimum hourly wage is $15 per hour. This pay floor is in place nationwide for all Target employees regardless of role or experience level. Many retailers pay $7-$12 per hour for entry-level store positions.
Target also adjusts compensation based on the local job market. For example, Target locations in high cost-of-living areas like New York City and San Francisco pay higher hourly wages.
In addition to competitive base pay, Target offers periodic wage increases based on performance and tenure. Long-term team members can earn $20 per hour or more over time.
Benefits
While state laws vary, Target makes efforts to extend employment benefits to both part-time and full-time hourly workers. These benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plans (401k)
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off (sick days, vacation days)
Access to these benefits makes Target an attractive option compared to other retailers who limit benefits to full-time roles only.
Getting 40 Hours at Target
While Target does not promise any employee a 40 hour work week, there are some steps workers can take to maximize their chances of getting more hours:
- Consistently pick up extra shifts when offered
- Ask leadership to be considered for additional hours as available
- Discuss interest in transitioning from part-time to full-time status over time
- Cross-train across multiple departments to qualify for more hours
- Build availability around the store’s busiest schedules
- Develop a reputation as a top performer to be prioritized for hours
Target team members willing to take on additional hours and responsibilities can increase their odds of working near or exceeding 40 hours per week. But again, Target does not make any outright guarantee.
Target vs. Other Major Retailers
Target’s general approach to scheduling and hours is similar to other major retail chains like Walmart, Costco, Best Buy, and Kohls. Key comparisons:
Walmart
- Pays a $12-$25 hourly wage based on position and experience
- No guaranteed minimum hours for part-time or full-time
- Average range is 20-35 hours for part-time and 34-40 for full-time
Costco
- Pays $17-$25 hourly
- No minimum hours guaranteed
- Full-time employees may work 35-45 hours per week
Best Buy
- Pays $15-$24 per hour
- Part-time roles average 10-25 hours
- Full-time roles average 35-40 hours
Kohls
- Pays $11-$20 per hour for most store positions
- Hours vary based on seasonal needs
- No guaranteed minimums for part-time or full-time staff
Among major national retail chains, Target offers some of the best compensation. But like its peers, hours worked per week are not guaranteed. Schedules vary based on business needs.
The Bottom Line
Target does not promise team members a 40 hour work week or any other minimum. The retailer dynamically sets schedules based on each store’s staffing needs, budget, and seasonal sales trends.
While hours fluctuate, Target provides strong baseline pay and benefits even for entry-level and part-time team members. By performing well and building scheduling flexibility, Target workers can improve their chances to work more consistent 40 hour weeks over time. But a set 40 hour guarantee does not exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Target have any full-time positions?
Yes, Target employs some workers in official full-time roles averaging 30-40 hours per week. However, the majority of Target’s hourly workforce is considered part-time. Full-time positions are limited and highly dependent on each store’s budget and needs.
What is considered full-time at Target?
Target defines a full-time employee as someone who works an average of at least 30 hours per week. But even in full-time roles, hours could occasionally dip below 30 or exceed 40 hours based on seasonal fluctuations.
How many hours do part-time Target employees work?
Part-time Target team members average 10-25 hours per week. However, someone in a part-time role may periodically be scheduled over 25 hours when the store needs additional labor. The minimum number of hours is not guaranteed.
How do I get more hours at Target?
To get more hours as a part-time or full-time hourly employee, you can speak with leadership about wanting more hours, build wide schedule availability, learn multiple roles/departments, and consistently volunteer for extra shifts when needed. Developing a reputation as a top performer can also help maximize hours scheduled.
Should I work part-time or full-time at Target?
Working full-time at Target provides more guaranteed hours and access to benefits. However, full-time roles are limited. Most new hires start out part-time. Beginning part-time allows you to build skills and potentially transition to full-time status over time if positions open up.