Walmart Promotes 500 Workers Daily; Its HR Chief Shares Key Traits

Walmart promotes about 500 employees every day, according to a new Business Insider report, giving its workforce frequent chances to climb the ladder. The retailer employs roughly 2.1 million people worldwide, including about 1.6 million in the United States and 500,000 internationally, as per its fiscal 2026 annual report.

Two Traits That Set Workers Apart

Chief People Officer Donna Morris told Business Insider that employees who rise quickly share two qualities. The first is excelling in the job they already hold. Those who get noticed put their energy into strong work and meaningful contributions, she said, focusing as much on being exceptional today as on what comes next.

The second is showing readiness for more. Morris said staff can prove they are prepared for bigger roles by taking on higher-level tasks, suggesting improvements and volunteering for new projects before a promotion arrives. Her advice was to be the person who offers ideas and initiatives.

Pay and Career Progression

Walmart’s corporate website says U.S. associates receive their first promotion in nine months on average. The company reports that its average U.S. hourly employee earns more than $18.50 an hour, though this is an average and not a guaranteed starting offer. Team-associate roles range from $14 to $37 an hour depending on position and region, while supply-chain employees average $27.50.

Walmart also says about 75% of its U.S. salaried store, club and supply-chain managers began in hourly positions. Those managers earned an average of more than $123,000 in fiscal 2025. Over the past decade, more than 115 former employees have gone on to become CEOs at other firms.

When hiring, Morris looks for candidates who have worked through challenges rather than giving up. Her advice for applicants was to take on more than what is expected of them.