How Much Do Sainsbury’s Pay Per Hour?

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a job, one of the first things we consider is the pay. For those interested in working at Sainsbury’s, understanding how much they pay per hour is crucial. Whether you’re exploring part-time roles, looking to join the retail giant, or just curious about what Sainsbury’s offers, knowing the pay structure is key. In this article, we’ll break down how much Sainsbury’s pays per hour for various roles, compare it to industry standards, and provide insights on factors that can affect your pay.

Sainsbury’s Pay Rates: What Can You Expect?

Sainsbury’s, one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, offers a wide range of roles from entry-level positions to management. Pay rates depend on factors such as the job role, location, and experience. Let’s look at the pay for some common positions at Sainsbury’s.

Customer Service Assistant

Customer service assistants are often the first point of contact for customers in Sainsbury’s stores. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with checkout, answering customer queries, and stocking shelves.

• Hourly Pay:
  As of 2025, the pay for customer service assistants at Sainsbury’s starts at around £10.10 per hour.
  This rate can vary slightly depending on location and experience.

Supermarket Assistant

Supermarket assistants work across different departments, such as fresh produce, groceries, and non-food sections. They assist with product stocking, maintaining the store’s appearance, and helping customers find products.

• Hourly Pay:
  The pay for supermarket assistants starts at £9.80 to £10.20 per hour, depending on the store location and specific department.

Delivery Driver

Sainsbury’s delivery drivers are responsible for delivering online grocery orders to customers’ homes. This role is essential as more people turn to online shopping for convenience.

• Hourly Pay:
  Sainsbury’s delivery drivers typically earn £10.50 to £12 per hour, depending on experience and location. Delivery drivers in some areas can receive higher pay due to demand and the nature of the role.

Store Managers and Supervisors

Managers and supervisors at Sainsbury’s hold more responsibility, overseeing the operations of stores, managing teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction. These roles come with higher pay rates, reflecting the leadership and responsibility involved.

• Hourly Pay:
  Store managers earn £14 to £17 per hour, depending on experience and the size of the store.
  Supervisors earn between £11.50 to £13 per hour.

Online Order Picker

Online order pickers are responsible for collecting items from the shelves based on customers’ online orders. This role has become increasingly important as e-commerce continues to rise in popularity.

• Hourly Pay:
  Online order pickers at Sainsbury’s earn between £9.90 to £11 per hour, depending on experience and location.

Factors That Affect Pay at Sainsbury’s

While the pay rates mentioned above give a good idea of what to expect, there are several factors that can influence your hourly rate at Sainsbury’s. Here’s a breakdown:

Location

The cost of living in different parts of the UK can affect the hourly wage. For example, workers in London or the South East may earn slightly higher wages than those in rural areas due to the higher cost of living.

• Example: In London, the average hourly pay for a customer service assistant or supermarket assistant can be around £10.50 to £11 per hour, whereas in smaller towns, it may range from £9.80 to £10.10.

Experience and Tenure

As with most jobs, the more experience you have, the higher your pay may be. Entry-level roles tend to offer lower starting wages, but with time and experience, pay can increase.

• Example: An entry-level supermarket assistant may start at £9.80 per hour, but after a few years of experience, the hourly rate could rise to £10.50 to £11 per hour.

Shift Premiums

Some roles at Sainsbury’s, especially in supermarkets or distribution centres, may offer additional pay for working late-night or early-morning shifts. This is called a shift premium.

• Example: Workers who take on night shifts may receive an additional 50p to £1 per hour, depending on the role and shift.

Seasonal and Temporary Roles

During peak seasons like Christmas, Sainsbury’s often hires seasonal workers, and these roles may come with higher pay rates or bonuses.

• Example: Seasonal customer service assistants or online order pickers may receive higher pay rates or performance bonuses during busy holiday seasons.

Comparison:

It’s important to see how Sainsbury’s pay compares to other major UK retailers. This will give you a better understanding of whether their pay rates are competitive.

Retailer	Role	Average Hourly Pay
Sainsbury’s	Customer Service Assistant	£10.10
Tesco	Customer Service Assistant	£9.50
Asda	Supermarket Assistant	£9.60
M&S	Sales Assistant	£10.50
Waitrose	Customer Service Assistant	£11.00

From the table, you can see that Sainsbury’s pay rates are competitive, with customer service assistants earning slightly more than their counterparts at some other large retailers like Tesco and Asda.

Additional Benefits of Working at Sainsbury’s

In addition to competitive hourly pay, Sainsbury’s offers a range of benefits for its employees. These include:

• Employee Discount: Sainsbury’s employees can enjoy a 10% discount on most products, which can add up to significant savings, especially for regular shoppers.
• Pension Scheme: Employees are eligible for a workplace pension scheme, with contributions from both the employee and employer.
• Flexible Hours: Sainsbury’s offers flexible working hours, especially for part-time employees, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Training and Development: Sainsbury’s invests in its staff by offering training programs that can lead to promotions and higher pay.

FAQs About Sainsbury’s Pay Per Hour

Q1: How much does Sainsbury’s pay entry-level workers?
Sainsbury’s entry-level roles, such as customer service assistants or supermarket assistants, typically pay around £9.80 to £10.10 per hour, depending on location.

Q2: Do Sainsbury’s employees receive a salary or an hourly wage?
Most employees at Sainsbury’s are paid an hourly wage, although salaried positions are available for higher-level roles like store managers and supervisors.

Q3: How much do Sainsbury’s delivery drivers earn?
Delivery drivers at Sainsbury’s typically earn between £10.50 to £12 per hour, depending on experience and location.

Q4: Does Sainsbury’s offer any bonuses for workers?
Sainsbury’s offers seasonal bonuses, and employees may receive shift premiums for working evenings, nights, or weekends. There may also be performance-based bonuses during peak times.

Q5: Can Sainsbury’s employees get a raise?
Yes, Sainsbury’s employees can receive pay raises over time, particularly with increased experience and tenure. Additionally, workers in higher positions like supervisors and managers typically receive higher wages.

Conclusion

Sainsbury’s offers competitive pay rates for its employees, with hourly wages that are in line with or above industry standards. The pay varies depending on the role, location, and experience, but the additional benefits such as employee discounts, flexible hours, and training opportunities make it an attractive option for many job seekers. Whether you’re starting out in a part-time position or aiming for a managerial role, Sainsbury’s provides a solid foundation for those seeking employment in retail.