Any REI Employees out there?

“So, I'm having an early mid-life crisis (at least, I hope I'm not at mid-life already!) and am thinking of new jobs, maybe just part time to see if I like something new. I was wondering if anybody knew about how much a new REI salesperson makes. Are we talking 8 bucks an hour? 10? Regardless, I'd probably wind up owing money each pay check after buying too much stuff!”

“My son works at a chain here in CA called Sport Chalet...direct competition to REI. Not sure what he makes, but when employees spend their money on stuff they call it "GAS" (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

He works mostly in the mountain shop and loves it...gets to talk about backpacking, climbing, and fishing all day. Bummer ;-)”

“Big Wave Dave manages an REI store, but he hasn't posted in a long time. Too much GAS, I'd say.”

“I'm an employee at EMS, I make 8 bucks an hour but i'm only 16. From what i've heard, EMS employees make more then REI employees, and I get an employee discount of 50% off everything in the store! That's basically why I work there.”

“Hi, Buck Forester to the rescue. I retired for the summer from REI after 5 years, but I'll go back in late fall. I wanted to have the summer off because I like hiking and I just got married and I'd rather be with my wife in the evenings than telling people the difference between internal and external frame packs. Regarding REI wages, you don't work at REI for the $$, you work there because you love talking about this stuff and because of the insane prodeals and because you look hot in a green vest. Starting wages are probably in the upper $7 to low $8/hr, unless you're the Crocodile Hunter or something, then you could probably bring in $10/per hour right off the bat. Oh yaa, man. I'm just talking about your sales guys and not management. Even after 5 years you probably won't make much more than upper $9's, using current wages. But after 5 years you get a really cool pin for your vest. Truthfully REI is a great place to work and I love it, not so much in a romantic way, but in other ways. But it's a part-time gig unless you're shooting for a career there. Lots of students and retirees and mid-life crisis people work there.”

“Three of my Eagle Scouts work at one of the local REI's. They all told their folks they were working there to save $$ for college, but they all told me the reason they work there is for the gear discounts! I don't think any of them have saved much $$ for college in the fall yet, but I do get a phone call about once a week from at least one of them that goes something like... "Hey Mr. L, you should see this new (pack, sleeping bag, compass, GPS, stove, etc., etc.) that I just got!

Fun to watch!

They all seem pretty jazzed to be working there!”

“My son has gotten some great stuff where he works with discounts and pro deals. It is never ending.

They go to "Outdoor University" a couple of times a year. They get to try out gear and then buy stuff super cheap. Lots of give-a-ways also. On top of that, the hours he goes are paid by the store.

In the Mountain Shop most of the younger employees happen to be Eagle Scouts.”

“oh yeah, Buck. I had an REI gear question that came to mind while on the trail this last weekend. Figured I'd ask you, but er..... hrm.

Forgot what it was. Nevermind. Go about your business. Nothing to see here.

Give me a minute. Or two.”

“I'm back!

(might be a while longer)”

“Cool. Thanks, all.

I'm not looking to make much money, just maybe try something different. Talking about gear all day and getting the discount did enter my mind. :-)”

“Wanderer, that's exactly how some of our Eagle Scouts would be if we even had one REI in the state!”