CVS/Pharmacy Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

tina park in camden, North Carolina said: nice to join the forum .

OK bottom line CVS is the Pharmacy retail equivalent to WALMART! Decent prices many locations, poor employer not worth your time! Readers beware this is a company that is more concerned about making more profit for their Stock holders & Upper management than completing its company ?Mission,? of improving the quality of life for customers and staff? what a load of crap! Highlights include tons of work for a little more than minimum wage, plenty of aggravation, majority of stores are understaffed, high turn-over due to poor benefits, unprofessional management, company does not promote from with, many cases of favors & fraternizing between all management & staff in exchange for hours/ seniority/ & work load, poor teamwork, too many rules & not enough productivity to say the least.

Moreover, I?m not complaining or whining; simply passing on insider information to the readers of this website. Honestly, I quit CVS because dealing with these issues was not worth my meager hourly wage. (I even took a pay-cut.)

pharmacygirl in Taylor, Michigan said: Not enough

As for the ignorant rant from TS in Alabama try living in California and not getting paid for labor, then say something when you?ve actually been there. Some of us have bills and clock in at work to make an honest living!

And no, most mangers are not working as hard as MARINES because we work longer hours for less money! (Mentally and physically exhausting & more is at stake for servicemen then a low end job.) Make no mistake where my blog is coming from I have already worked two jobs so I could graduate high school and move on to college.

To the people that have worked for CVS for several years or more, I applaud your dedication and persistence. However, if you survived this company that long trust me you can be very successful in another company or industry, where you get paid better (wages & benefits) for your hard work and not taken advantage of. BTW Costco is where it?s at, great pay, potential, & good compensation! If you?re looking for work check out the current fortune 500 companies (try googling it)

carsella2004 in Phoenix, Arizona said: I just got hired by CVS this weekend and I got 55k per year to start so I'm not sure if it is a regional difference or not but... about the overtime... NO SALARY position pays overtime!

you should read the laws on overtime for Salary pay:
Salary for Workweek Exceeding 40 Hours: A fixed salary for a regular
workweek longer than 40 hours does not discharge the statutory
obligation. For example, an employee may be hired to work a 44-hour
workweek for a weekly salary of $200.00. In this instance the regular
rate is obtained by dividing the $200.00 straight-time salary by 44
hours, which results in a regular rate of pay 94.55. The employee is
then due additional overtime computed by multiplying the 4 overtime
hours by one-half the regular rate of pay ($2.275) or $9.10.
Overtime Pay May Not Be Waived: The requirement that overtime must
be paid after 40 hours a week may not be waived by agreement between
the employer and employees. Similarly, an agreement that only 8
hours a day or only 40 hours a week will be counted as working time
will clearly fail. An announcement by the employer that no overtime
work will be permitted, or that overtime work will not be paid for
unless authorized in advance, also will not impair the employee's
right to compensation for the overtime work.

Most places just think that everyone thinks salary means you don't get overtime pay. But if they tell you a rate of pay for so many hours a week, then any time over those hours you should get overtime pay. But if you cause a fuss, they will find a way to fire you!

James in Indiana, Pennsylvania said: Maybe you should have attended, maybe then you could spell COLLEGE !!!I am guessing that you would have not made it

He was making a joke Capt. Genious! What community kollege did you attend?

Yes, geniOus is a joke too. RELAX

Sometimes you can't get fired because your manager thinks he/she won't win against the unemployment judge easily when you contest the firing.

I got a minor hate tirade telling me that when I broke my arm in the store, "I didn't trip on anything."

The big box/manipulative buyer/retailer is so ponderous it is moving to extinction. They will cause a lot of damage and then somehow be destroyed.

I never worked in retail before losing all my money at 64. Okay, silly, but I thought the business world was like professional offices. Good HR. consideration for all employees. As long as you worked responsibly and did your best for the Company, you were in good hands.

Retail reminds me of somewhat 100 year old ways of doing business.... i.e. abuse your employees as much as you can get away with. (In the 21st century it's different from years ago.) Sure, there are people who argue that any employ is better than unemployment. Difficult argument to debate.
We have a long way to go to create a decent world for the human race, even locally.

So Sorry about my earlier angry rant above:
-------------------------------------------------
Yes ...... CVS is a job for those in need of employment at the
"Do you want large fries with that?" level of work.
(if you don't get that reference, you should definitely apply to CVS.)

Yes, self effacing loyalty plus extreme personal determination combined with very hard work can result in promotion.

Store employee appreciation below mgmt tier is shown with reasonable merchandise discounts. This is a big plus as tissue, TP, cold relief products and other products are always useful.

The advertised employee benefits: stock purchase, health benefits, bonuses: etc. are priced to management and corporate levels (in my experience).

There is NO training. No recognition of service. No upline for lowlevel employees to engage upper mgmt at all. It is a punitive culture ... at least, I never heard, "thank you" or "good job" from a manager.

Their employees indicate heavy percentage of negativity toward staying with CVS...even in pharmacy where salaries can be $100K.

Generally my criticism of CVS is that as the 17th largest retail organization in the world it makes a strong showing for corporate and acquisitive manipulative ability.
On the other hand, CVS' lowest level employees, who work face to face with the customers minute to minute...those employees are disposable and treated as such even after several years of work.

glad I didn't work for you. are you related to the DM?
You don't say, but imply you're a mgr.

Hey, working retail is rough. I worked for Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, and Cord Camera. Not only do you have to put your whole day on HOLD while you look for that I-need-it-now item, or that earth-shattering battery, or rush several rolls of must-have print orders through (only to have the customer forget about them and you have to call and remind them to pick up the orders weeks later), but you do have to work odd and long hours. I ran a photo center for Wal-Mart, Got there sometimes at 8am and left around midnight ($10/hr-salaried= no OT). Cord Camera, worked three weeks straight as store mananger, no days off, not much help, and no OT. Radio Shack, three weeks straight, no OT. Once I worked 49 hours as an hourly employee, and got paid 32 hours. The reason, "I need to keep my store hours down. You understand." As a result, in a recent class-action lawsuit against Radio Shack, I was paid for my missing 96 hours during the three years I was there. I don't work retail anymore.

If you don't like the long hours and little pay, stay away from Retail. If you are looking for a stepping stone job, go for it. If you really like it and want to rise up, do it and take it all with a grain of salt.

CVS is a predator company accustomed to abusing its store managers. store manager you are given a typical payroll budget of store hours times two which for a store open 9 - 9 would equal 168 hours per week. Included in that 168 is the store managers hours of 45 so that leaves you with 123 hours to operate a store thats open 84 hours and on average covers 10,000 square feet.
Based on these numbers you can quickly realize that coverage is difficult and customer service is going to suffer. Throw in the fact that we have been instructed to hire only part-time employees in order to remain "flexible" which is code for "we dont want to pay for benefits" and you end up with a workforce that is unengaged and unconcerned. Part-timers change jobs with much more frequency than full-timers and typically are younger and less experienced workers, so your quality of staff is compromised and all a manager really has is the people that work for them.
A little background. I have worked for both CVS and Walgreens as a store manager. Base pay for a store manager at CVS is 49,000 versus Walgreens 54,000. Average bonus at CVS is 3500, Walgreens is 12,000. CVS is centrally controlled, Walgreens regionally controlled, interpretation of this is that CVS gives you what they want you to have which is typically too much of crap and not enough of what sells, wlgreens you order almost everything (which explains the variance in bonus.) Overall, if you are considering working in the drug store retail channel then avoid CVS and concentrate on Walgreens. Some more tidbits: Lot sweeping? cvs you, walgreens hired out service, banking? cvs you, walgreens hired out to armoured truck services, bathroom cleaning? cvs you, walgreens typically hired out as part of floor service, Floor Service? cvs you, walgreens hired out, Window Cleaning? cvs you, Walgreens hired out, get the idea yet?

I just graduated pharmacy tech school, just got my license, and got hired today by CVS for $11 per hour, benefits after 90, sounds good in this economy here in Florida.

Amber Rose in Santa Ana, California said: Im new to this and im trying to find out what would the starting pay for a new-b pharmacy technician fresh out of school

I need a bit of information. For starters, I had no retail experience. I had been practicing social work for 7 years before applying at CVS. I started with CVS just under a year ago. I was hired as a Photo Sup at a higher hourly rate than most. After a few of months of being employed, I was promoted to Shift B with no pay increase. I have been completing training for Shift A for several months now, but with no promised raise at completion. Jobs in social work are incredibly competitive & I am fairly new to the area. I was propositioned yesterday to apply for a store management position. I immediately said absolutely not, but feel I should be a little more educated before turning down an opportunity for more than a crappy hourly pay. Any help is much appreciated!

Mack in Studio City, California said: Hey, working retail is rough. I worked for Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, and Cord Camera. Not only do you have to put your whole day on HOLD while you look for that I-need-it-now item, or that earth-shattering battery, or rush several rolls of must-have print orders through (only to have the customer forget about them and you have to call and remind them to pick up the orders weeks later), but you do have to work odd and long hours. I ran a photo center for Wal-Mart, Got there sometimes at 8am and left around midnight ($10/hr-salaried= no OT). Cord Camera, worked three weeks straight as store mananger, no days off, not much help, and no OT. Radio Shack, three weeks straight, no OT. Once I worked 49 hours as an hourly employee, and got paid 32 hours. The reason, "I need to keep my store hours down. You understand." As a result, in a recent class-action lawsuit against Radio Shack, I was paid for my missing 96 hours during the three years I was there. I don't work retail anymore.

If you don't like the long hours and little pay, stay away from Retail. If you are looking for a stepping stone job, go for it. If you really like it and want to rise up, do it and take it all with a grain of salt.

Can I speak with you about your experience at CVS? What is a good time to call and a number? I'm from the South.

I've been with CVS for 10 years, first and only job right out of high school. I've been a store manager for about 7 months and I was an assistant manager for about 4 years. I'm 28 years old and I feel like I'm 40 because of this job. A regular work week consists of at LEAST 70-80 hours if u intend on getting the extensive amount of tasks and requirements completed. Honestly in my opinion this company does not care about their employees at all. I do understand we are in the business of profitability but how can you, over the course of a year, cut the budgeted back by 100 hours a WEEK (not a month) and increase the workload excessively just about every 2 months or so? It's basically impossible to be able to get things done without working double what you're getting paid for. Especially I'm a low volume store. It's ridiculous. As an assistant manager I worked extra hours but not at all like I do now. And on top of not having the hours or the employees to complete the tasks that are expected of you, your boss comes into the stores and tries to make you feel like you aren't doing your job. They expect you to work 7 days a week if you have to to get things done and that is immoral and more than likely illegal. I definitely would not recommend employment with CVS to anyone that I know. Especially if you're planning on going into management.

...Anyone interested in CVS do it! Maybe my experience is different than most ..but this is an incredible place to work! Pay is pretty great and I'm only in customer service!!! Moving to a supervisor is my next step and that means I'm only going up the chain there ...would recommended this as a career to anyone who enjoys interacting with people and likes to do different task every day!!!!!

rich porter in miami, Florida said: In miami we start at 57-63

What is the process of getting a Job at CVS, I did an application a while back I haven’t heard anything. I decided to do another one, do I have to take any test or assessment .

Laney in Orlando, Florida said: I work For CVS in Florida and have been with the company for 20yrs. And I must say that I am happy to be with a company that long. Even though there are some long days, your store is only as good as you make it. I work 45-50 hours a week, manage to take my 2 days off, have some holidays off and do get to actually take my 4 weeks vacation. Yes, the work load is alot harder now but if you manage your store correctly, then you shouldn't run into too many issues. Hire and train the right people, lay down your expectations and inforce teamwork. There are days when I would like to quit, but, if I haven't quit now, chances are, I'm a lifer. It's not that bad as long as you know how to manage your store correctly.

I m happy for you Laney, i am Ft Lauderdale try to get a job with CVS can you tell me what are the process of getting a Job at CVS, I did an application a while back I haven’t heard anything I decided to do another one.

they dont call me back what the heck.
are they racist?

joe in Brookline, Massachusetts said: I am a store manager at a Boston store.
The job: average 50 hrs/wk -not because you want it but because it's the job- no overtime pay- SM not entitled to overtime. Stores are severely understaffed bec of very strict budget on manhours, loss prevention is YOUR accountability. You do everything from bringing cash to the bank to stocking shelves to cleaning. Most importantly -its RETAIL - so expect to deal with a customer who wants to return a half-full bottle of Tussin DM because it did not work-"his cough did not go away"
The benefit: salary not enough for the job (not to mention unreasonably rude clients), bonus (www.righettilaw.com/CVS-Store-Manager-Overtime-Cases.shtmlommensurate to beating budget/customer service/loss prevention), other benefits listed at cvs.com

.. I have been with the company for 16yrs.. never seen it this bad.. It has gone way south.. I'm now finding another job...

try-n-2-hang-in-there in Georgia said: you should read the laws on overtime for Salary pay:
Salary for Workweek Exceeding 40 Hours: A fixed salary for a regular
workweek longer than 40 hours does not discharge the statutory
obligation. For example, an employee may be hired to work a 44-hour
workweek for a weekly salary of $200.00. In this instance the regular
rate is obtained by dividing the $200.00 straight-time salary by 44
hours, which results in a regular rate of pay 94.55. The employee is
then due additional overtime computed by multiplying the 4 overtime
hours by one-half the regular rate of pay ($2.275) or $9.10.
Overtime Pay May Not Be Waived: The requirement that overtime must
be paid after 40 hours a week may not be waived by agreement between
the employer and employees. Similarly, an agreement that only 8
hours a day or only 40 hours a week will be counted as working time
will clearly fail. An announcement by the employer that no overtime
work will be permitted, or that overtime work will not be paid for
unless authorized in advance, also will not impair the employee's
right to compensation for the overtime work.

Most places just think that everyone thinks salary means you don't get overtime pay. But if they tell you a rate of pay for so many hours a week, then any time over those hours you should get overtime pay. But if you cause a fuss, they will find a way to fire you!

Here is something that I came across.. After 16yrs with the company.. I haven't been sooo exhausted in my life.. 60-70hrs a week.. I'm separated and have two girls.. and I hardly see them now.. but I'm looking for another job.. I used to love CVS.. but not anymore.. I HATE retail.. there was a time when I used to go in early and knock out all these tasks before opening.. now, I just hit the snooze button.. when is enough ENOUGH

Tired01 in Easton, Pennsylvania said: Here is something that I came across.. After 16yrs with the company.. I haven't been sooo exhausted in my life.. 60-70hrs a week.. I'm separated and have two girls.. and I hardly see them now.. but I'm looking for another job.. I used to love CVS.. but not anymore.. I HATE retail.. there was a time when I used to go in early and knock out all these tasks before opening.. now, I just hit the snooze button.. when is enough ENOUGH

www.righettilaw.com/CVS-Store-Manager-Overtime-Cases.shtml

www.righettilaw.com/CVS-Store-Manager-Overtime-Cases.shtml
I also found this.. because of the Assistant Manager Lawsuit, it made me wonder about Store Managers.. I don't mind every once in awhile doing extra time.. but now, its consistant.. I will NEVER get those hours back..

SGT G in Ladera Ranch, California said: OK bottom line CVS is the Pharmacy retail equivalent to WALMART! Decent prices many locations, poor employer not worth your time! Readers beware this is a company that is more concerned about making more profit for their Stock holders & Upper management than completing its company ?Mission,? of improving the quality of life for customers and staff? what a load of crap! Highlights include tons of work for a little more than minimum wage, plenty of aggravation, majority of stores are understaffed, high turn-over due to poor benefits, unprofessional management, company does not promote from with, many cases of favors & fraternizing between all management & staff in exchange for hours/ seniority/ & work load, poor teamwork, too many rules & not enough productivity to say the least.

Moreover, I?m not complaining or whining; simply passing on insider information to the readers of this website. Honestly, I quit CVS because dealing with these issues was not worth my meager hourly wage. (I even took a pay-cut.)

www.righettilaw.com/CVS-Store-Manager-Overtime-Cases.shtml A site to check out for Store Managers.. and I'm guessing it doesn't matter what State you're from.. I'm doing more work then ever...

CVS has been in cost cutting mode for the last few years. Yearly raises are now only 2-3%. Not sure if its just my District or not, but they have also been implementing pay caps on all store level positions (top out pay and starting pay caps)!

*Depending on experience, people in my store have generally been starting off at:
Cashier: $7.25 - $9
Beauty Advisor: $8 - $9
PSA & Pharmacy Technician: $8 - $9.50
Shift Supervisor & Photo Supervisor: $10 - $13
Assistant Manager & Store Manager: Salary may vary, but we had 2 Shift Supervisors in our store promoted to Assistant Manager and they both started at a little over $40,000/year.

Former 8 year CVS Store Manager here.....you speak the truth! When I had to stop paying the window washing person $50 a month to come clean my store windows, that was the last straw.
Yes, my DM told me the company couldn't afford that, and I had to buy a bucket and squeegee and do it myself. What a joke.

Dirty Jersey in Hackettstown, New Jersey said: YOU DON'T PUNCH IN. Thus there's no one keeping tabs. You work 15 hours... you get paid for 45. Your work 75 hours... guess what?... you get paid for 45. you work 43 get paid for 45, you work 46 guess what... exactly. It all depends on how you work it, .

One of the problems with this is that in some areas, you are required to work "AT LEAST" 45 hours since you will be paid for them. I spent time in two "areas" in the company and in both we were required to work at least 45 hours. In one of those areas, we were required to go to a monthly store managers' meeting that generally last 8-10 hours. Those hours did not count toward your 45. We were reminded this at each meeting.

You are correct Bob in Abilene---when you had your District Meetings, there was pretty much no chance of taking a day off that week. I would have the meeting from like 9a-4p and then have to go to the store and work until close. Nothing like a 13-14 hour day. It's just ridiculous. So glad I got out.