Walmart employed approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide at the close of fiscal year 2026, holding its position as the largest private employer on the planet. About 1.6 million of those workers are based in the United States. This article covers the latest workforce numbers, pay rates, demographics, country breakdowns, and turnover data tied to Walmart’s global staff.
Walmart Employee Statistics 2026 – TLDR
- Walmart employed 2.1 million associates worldwide as of January 31, 2026, with 1.6 million in the U.S.
- The average U.S. hourly field associate earned $18.25 per hour, with a $14 company minimum.
- Women made up 51.63% of the U.S. workforce, and people of color accounted for 59.21%.
- Walmart operated more than 10,800 stores across 19 countries through its FY2026 close.
- Performance-based raises of up to 5% rolled out to over 500,000 hourly store associates in early 2026.
How Many People Does Walmart Employ in 2026?
Walmart had 2,100,000 employees as of January 31, 2026, the close of its fiscal year 2026, according to its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The headcount stayed flat year over year. Roughly 1.6 million associates work inside the United States, while around 500,000 staff Walmart International operations across 18 other countries.
The company holds the title of largest private-sector employer in both the U.S. and the world. Only the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army employ more people. For context on the wider U.S. labor market, see U.S. employment statistics for 2026.
| Region | Employees | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,600,000 | 76.2% |
| International markets | 500,000 | 23.8% |
| Total worldwide | 2,100,000 | 100% |
Source: Walmart Corporate Location Facts (FY2026)
Walmart Employee Headcount by Year
Walmart’s worldwide headcount has held at 2.1 million since fiscal year 2024. The number peaked at 2.3 million in fiscal 2017 before easing as the company shifted toward automation, e-commerce, and higher productivity per associate.
| Fiscal Year | Employees Worldwide | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | 2,100,000 | 0.0% |
| FY2025 | 2,100,000 | 0.0% |
| FY2024 | 2,100,000 | −4.5% |
| FY2023 | 2,200,000 | 0.0% |
| FY2022 | 2,200,000 | −4.3% |
| FY2021 | 2,300,000 | +4.5% |
| FY2020 | 2,200,000 | 0.0% |
Source: Walmart 10-K filings via Macrotrends and StockAnalysis
Walmart Employee Demographics 2026
Walmart publishes annual culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion data on its U.S. workforce. The most recent figures show women hold a majority of U.S. associate positions, and people of color now account for nearly 60% of staff. Average age for hourly associates sits at 38.5 years.
Walmart Employee Statistics 2026 by Gender
| Category | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Total U.S. workforce | 51.63% | 48.37% |
| Hourly associates | 52.17% | 47.83% |
| Management | 44.31% | 55.69% |
| Officers | 38.72% | 61.28% |
Source: Walmart Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report
Walmart Employee Statistics 2026 by Ethnicity
| Group | Share of U.S. Workforce |
|---|---|
| White | 40.79% |
| Black | 28.80% |
| Latino | 20.64% |
| Two or more races | 4.95% |
| Asian | 3.24% |
| Native American | 1.38% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.21% |
Source: Walmart Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report
Walmart Employee Statistics 2026 by Country
Walmart International runs about 500,000 associates across 18 countries outside the U.S. Mexico is the largest international market through Walmex, followed by Canada, China, and India (via Flipkart). Walmart operates more than 10,800 stores in 19 countries combined.
| Country | Estimated Employees | Operating Brand |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,600,000 | Walmart, Sam’s Club |
| Mexico | ~240,000 | Walmex |
| Canada | ~100,000 | Walmart Canada |
| India | ~70,000 | Flipkart, PhonePe |
| China | ~70,000 | Walmart, Sam’s Club China |
| Chile | ~40,000 | Walmart Chile |
Source: Walmart International Corporate Page and company disclosures
Walmart Average Pay and Hourly Wages
The average U.S. hourly field associate earned $18.25 per hour entering FY2026, according to Walmart. Starting wages range from $14 to $19 per hour depending on role and location. Sam’s Club holds a $15 minimum. Supply chain associates average $27 per hour, and the average store manager earned more than $117,000 in fiscal year 2025.
| Role | Hourly Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier / Front End | $14 – $19 | Most common entry role |
| Sales Associate / Stocker | $14 – $19 | Floor positions |
| Personal Shopper | $14 – $18 | Online order picker |
| Overnight Stocker | $15 – $20 | Includes shift differential |
| Department Manager | $19 – $28 | Hourly management |
| Supply Chain Associate | $27 (avg) | Distribution and fulfillment |
Source: Walmart Corporate “Working at Walmart” disclosures
Walmart began rolling out a Pay-for-Performance program in early 2026, offering merit raises up to 5% to more than 500,000 store associates. Walmart Drivers in its private fleet can earn up to $135,000 per year through the Associate to Driver program. For broader U.S. wage trends, see U.S. workforce and job market data.
Walmart Employee Turnover and Retention
Walmart’s retail turnover has historically tracked at around 70% annually, in line with the National Retail Federation’s industry average of about 60%. The company says turnover declined after its 2015 to 2025 wage and benefits investments, which totaled multiple billions of dollars. Of associates hired as hourly workers in 2015, more than 316,000 are still with the company a decade later.
About 75% of Walmart’s U.S. salaried store, club, and supply-chain managers started in hourly roles. The average associate receives a first promotion within nine months. For comparison with how other large employers manage workforce growth, see the Google employee statistics breakdown.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual turnover | ~70% |
| Hourly associates from 2015 still employed | 316,000+ |
| Average time to first promotion | 9 months |
| Average store manager earnings (FY2025) | $117,000+ |
| U.S. associates with active 401(k) (FYE 2025) | 860,000+ |
Source: Walmart Corporate Affairs and corporate.walmart.com
Walmart cut roughly 1,500 corporate jobs in May 2025, mostly at its Bentonville headquarters across Global Tech and Walmart Connect. Hourly store roles were not affected. The retailer continues to expand its automation and AI footprint, a pattern visible across other large employers tracked in future of work statistics and return-to-office data.
FAQs
How many people work at Walmart in 2026?
Walmart employed approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide as of January 31, 2026, with 1.6 million in the United States and about 500,000 across its international markets. The figure has held flat year over year.
What is the average Walmart employee salary in 2026?
The average U.S. hourly field associate earned $18.25 per hour, according to Walmart. Pay ranges from a $14 company minimum to $28 per hour for hourly department managers. Supply chain associates average $27 per hour.
Is Walmart the largest employer in the world?
Walmart is the largest private employer in the world with 2.1 million workers. Only the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army employ more people overall, both as government entities.
What percentage of Walmart employees are women?
Women made up 51.63% of Walmart’s U.S. workforce in its most recent diversity reporting. They held 44.31% of management positions and 38.72% of officer roles. People of color accounted for 59.21% of total U.S. staff.
What is Walmart’s employee turnover rate?
Walmart’s annual turnover sits near 70%, in line with the broader U.S. retail industry average. Turnover has declined since 2015 following wage hikes, education benefits, and the 2026 Pay-for-Performance program covering more than 500,000 hourly associates.
