Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is expanding its investment in health care by boosting pay, leadership opportunities, and career pathways for thousands of pharmacy associates across its nationwide store network, underscoring the retailer's growing focus on Health & Wellness services.
The company on Wednesday said it has elevated 3,000 positions into new pharmacy operations team lead roles, increasing hourly compensation while strengthening on-the-ground pharmacy leadership.
These roles pay an average of $28 an hour, with earning potential rising to as much as $42 an hour, depending on location and eligibility for bonuses.
Walmart said the new team lead positions are designed to support daily pharmacy operations and assist pharmacy managers and pharmacists. By shifting operational responsibilities, the company aims to allow licensed professionals to spend more time focused directly on patient care.
Pharmacy Technician Pay and Staffing Expansion
At the same time, Walmart is expanding pay ranges for pharmacy technicians, who currently earn an average of $22 an hour. Under the updated structure, technicians will have the opportunity to earn up to $40.50 an hour based on location and certification levels.
The retailer emphasized that pharmacy teams play a critical role in health care access for many Americans. Across nearly 4,600 locations nationwide, pharmacy associates assist customers throughout their care journey, from answering medication questions and administering immunizations to helping patients manage long-term health needs.
Walmart said the compensation changes align with its plans to grow pharmacy teams this year.
Career Development and Leadership Pathways
Beyond pay, Walmart framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to create long-term career pathways. Pharmacy technicians, in particular, are positioned as central to patient coordination and pharmacy operations, with the new team lead role offering a clear route into leadership.
The company noted that these opportunities are accessible without a college degree. Associates can become pharmacy sales associates, technicians, or operations team leads without formal higher education, and Walmart covers the cost of certification for pharmacy technicians.
Since 2016, more than 22,000 Walmart associates have completed pharmacy technician certification through company-sponsored programs. Certified associates also gain access to Walmart's broader benefits package, including medical coverage, a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match, paid time off, including parental leave, and in-store associate discounts.
WMT Price Action: Walmart shares were down 0.26% at $117.11 during premarket trading on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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