Buc-ee’s Pay Chart Goes Viral. See How Much Employees Can Earn

What Is Buc-ee’s Pay Scale?

Buc-ee’s is drawing attention online after viral photos revealed what appears to be a highly competitive employee pay scale.

According to the online photo, which was shared by Fox News, a poster indicates that cashiers, warehouse workers, maintenance employees and grocery stockers start at $20 an hour. Food service managers can earn between $150,000 and $200,000 annually, while general managers can make between $200,000 and $275,000.

Buc-ee’s outlines employee earning potential on its website through a chart it calls a “career path to opportunities.” The listed salaries include:

Associates: $20–$25 an hour
Team Lead: $23–$28 an hour
Dept. Manager: $33 an hour
Asst. General Manager: $125,000 and up
General Manager: $200,000 to $275,000 and up

The pay scale has drawn criticism from some social media users who questioned whether a college degree is required to become a Buc-ee’s general manager.

USA TODAY reached out to Buc-ee’s for clarification about the qualifications required for the role. However, a job listing for assistant general manager (which pays $125,000 and up) states that applicants should have a college degree or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.

Retail or management experience is also preferred, but not required.

Assistant general managers typically work a minimum 48-hour work week consisting primarily of early mornings and afternoons, including most weekends and holidays, according to the listing.

What Is Buc-ee’s All About?

The Buc-ee’s chain was founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin in Clute, Texas, next to Lake Jackson (South of Houston). The company later established its first travel center in Luling, south of Austin, in 2003.

The travel center, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, has developed a cult-like following and is best known for a cute mascot who often boasts about its spotless, award-winning restrooms.

The size of the travel centers is also important to note. Previously, the location in Sevierville, Tennessee, held the title of largest at 74,707 square feet — about 23% larger than a football field. It takes 350 employees to keep that store running.

In 2024, Buc-ee’s opened a new Luling location that’s more than 75,000 square feet of retail space, making it the world’s largest convenience center, according to its website. By comparison, the average size of a Walmart Supercenter is 179,000 square feet.