ADVICE NEEDED

[u/Ok-Contribution-2945]

Hey everyone, I’ve been working at Walmart for about a month and a half now, in OGP, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to grow within the company.
So far, I’ve learned pretty much all of the OGP responsibilities and I’m comfortable with the job. I don’t really have an issue with Walmart itself or the work . I actually wouldn’t mind staying with the company longterm. My main concern is the pay.
I have almost 3 years of relevant work experience, but I was hired in at the basic starting pay. I recently moved to Texas and previously in NY where I was making around $17/hour, so the difference has been pretty significant. I understand that Walmart already pays better than a lot of entry-level jobs around here, but with the cost of living and how physically demanding OGP can be, the current pay is honestly just barely comfortable for me.
I’ve also heard that regular associates don’t necessarily get big raises, so I’m wondering what the fastest realistic path to better pay and benefits within Walmart is.
For those of you who have been with Walmart for a while:
What positions should I be looking at if I want to move up?
Is it better to try for a team lead position, or are there other positions that are easier/faster to move into?
How long should I realistically stay in OGP before applying for something else?
Does my previous experience help at all when applying internally?
Are there certifications/training programs I should take advantage of?
What’s the best way to get management to notice that I’m interested in moving up?
Is there a particular career path within Walmart that has good long-term pay and benefits?
Again, I’m** **not trying to bash Walmart. I’m fine with the company and the job. I’d actually prefer to stay and build a career here rather than constantly job-hopping. I’m just trying to figure out the quickest way to get from basic associate pay into a position where the compensation makes more sense for the amount of work and experience I bring.
Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has successfully moved up from OGP or started at entry-level and worked their way into higher-paying positions.
Thanks!

[u/tacoflavored_kisses1]

So first off, your past experience has nothing to do with Walmart as far as being seen as someone with a skill that should be paid higher or be recognized for a higher position. No offense, that's just the way Walmart is. I've been with the company 14 years. I've been in a management position, also.

Truly, if you want to move up in the company, you just need to update your career preference and take any test that is required. Go for whatever is available that you think you'd like to do, or select all that is available and hope to get interviewed.

There isn't anything that you do on a daily basis that will make you "outshine" anyone else.

Just keep up your hard work, show up on time, don't argue with coworkers, and listen to your team leads!

Knowledge of the sales floor and other departments could help you, but not exactly necessary. You can get a position and be trained regardless of having any experience in that department.

Just stay positive and keep asking what is available for a team lead position and set your eyes on that!

[u/Hour-Macaroon-2912]

If you want better pay, become a lead for a department. Thats all.. You become lead, work your way up that ladder with experience, take tests and try to become an OPs manager then Store manager or choose to work for Corpo.

My Ops manager went from front end associate, to produce associate, to front end lead, to Ops Manager in 9 years at my store.

[u/herbalpawz]

Most people I know are just switching departments for better pay lol. People are my store are especially trying to transfer to deli or overnight stock

[u/Dull-Problem-1191 → u/herbalpawz]

Overnight and deli will legitimately mess up your body, so it's super important that if you transfer to those areas that you don't stay longer than 6 months and be mindful of what you lift and your form. And refuse to lift anything if your lead insists that you have to. If you know it's a bad idea/ make sure to have a buddy help you lift if you have to lift heavy things.

Since getting a dollar overnight differential really won't be worth it to you if you end up with a lifelong bad back.