Sign in Subscribe
6 min read

Home Depot Merchandising vs. Cashier: Which Pays More?

Looking to join the "Orange Apron" team? We compare the two most popular entry-level roles at The Home Depot Canada: the customer-facing Cashier and the hidden "Merchandising" team (MET). Find out which one pays $20+/hr and offers a set schedule.
Two Home Depot employees, one wearing an orange apron and one wearing an orange polo shirt, stocking shelves in a Canadian warehouse aisle.

When you walk into The Home Depot, you see a sea of orange aprons. But look closely, and you’ll notice a second group of employees wearing orange polo shirts.

These are the Merchandising Execution Team (MET) associates.

If you are applying for a job in 2026, knowing the difference between a Store Associate (Apron) and a MET Associate (Polo) is critical. One role involves dealing with angry customers and working unpredictable weekends. The other involves zero customer transactions, a set Monday-to-Friday schedule, and often, higher pay.

This guide breaks down the salary, schedule, and stress levels of both roles so you can choose the right one.

Looking for other non-customer-facing jobs? Check out our Ultimate Canadian Job Directory or explore night shift roles in our Walmart Assessment Guide.

Role #1: The Cashier (The "Orange Apron")

This is the standard retail job. You work directly for the store manager.

The Job Description

  • Scanning items, handling returns, and managing the self-checkout.
  • The Pressure: You are strictly measured on "Credit Metrics." You must ask every customer if they want to sign up for a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card. If you don't get enough sign-ups, you will be "coached" (retail speak for disciplined).

The Schedule

  • Unpredictable: You will work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Clopenings: It is common to close at 10 PM and open at 6 AM the next day.

The Pay (2026 Estimates)

  • Starting Wage: Provincial Minimum Wage (e.g., ~$17.20/hr in Ontario).
  • Raises: Small annual increases ($0.25 - $0.50/hr).

Role #2: Merchandising / MET (The "Orange Polo")

MET associates do not work for the store manager; they work for a separate corporate division. Their job is to make the shelves look perfect for vendors (like Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Behr).

The Job Description

  • No Cashiering: You never touch a cash register.
  • Tasks: You execute "projects" (setting up new displays), print price labels, and "pack down" (restock) products from the overhead bins.
  • Customer Interaction: Minimal. You help customers find an aisle, but you can pass complex questions to a Store Associate.

The Schedule (The Golden Ticket)

  • Fixed: almost always Monday to Friday.
  • Hours: typically 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
  • Weekends: OFF. This is unheard of in retail.

The Pay

  • Starting Wage: Usually $1.00 – $2.00 higher than store associates.
    • Ontario/BC: ~$19.50 - $21.00/hr.
  • Why? The work is physically harder (lifting beams, moving steel racking), and vendors subsidize the cost.

Internal Link: If you like physical work but want even higher pay, compare this to the Costco Hiring Guide.

Practical Questions Answered

We analyzed r/HomeDepot and RedFlagDeals to find the real pros and cons.

"Is MET actually harder work?"

YES.

  • Physicality: MET involves "Bay Service," which means taking everything off a shelf, cleaning it, and putting it back. You will be lifting 50lb boxes of tile or toilets all day.
  • Dust: You will be covered in warehouse dust by 10 AM.

"Do Cashiers really have to push credit cards?"

YES.

  • The Quota: Every store has a weekly goal. If the store misses the goal, the Cashiers get the heat. MET associates have zero sales quotas.

"Can I switch from Cashier to MET?"

It's Complicated.

  • Because MET is a separate division, it's almost like applying to a different company. You have to interview again. However, managers love poaching good workers from the store side.

Interview Questions: How to Get Hired

The interview process differs slightly for each role.

For Cashiers:

  • Focus: Speed and friendliness.
  • Question: "How would you handle a customer with a declined card?"
  • Answer: "I would be discreet and polite. I’d say, 'It looks like the system isn't accepting this card, do you have another method of payment?' I would never embarrass them."

For MET:

  • Focus: Reliability and safety.
  • Question: "Are you comfortable using power tools and climbing ladders?"
  • Answer: "Yes, I am safety-conscious. I’m comfortable engaging the safety locks on ladders and using drills to assemble displays. I prefer active work."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a discount?

NO. Home Depot does not offer an employee discount on merchandise. Instead, they offer a "Success Sharing" bonus (profit sharing) twice a year if the store meets sales targets. This check can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on performance.

Which job is better for students?

A: Cashier/Store Associate. MET schedules (6 AM - 2 PM Mon-Fri) usually conflict with high school or university classes. Store roles offer evening and weekend shifts that fit a student schedule.

Do they drug test?

For MET: YES. Because you are using power tools and climbing ladders, MET associates are almost always drug tested (oral swab).

For Cashiers: Generally NO, unless you are injured on the job.

What is the "Night Shift" premium?

If you work the overnight "Freight Team" (stocking shelves from 10 PM - 6 AM), Home Depot Canada typically pays a 10% shift premium. On a $18.00 wage, that’s an extra $1.80/hr.

Deep Dive: The Hidden Financial Perks (Success Sharing & Stock)

Beyond the hourly wage, Home Depot Canada offers two specific financial programs that can significantly boost your income. Most applicants don't know the details until they are hired, but understanding them now can help you negotiate or choose the right role.

1. "Success Sharing" Explained (The Bonus)

Home Depot does not give commission. Instead, every store has a profit-sharing pool called Success Sharing.

  • When it pays: Twice a year (usually March and September).
  • How it works: If your specific store beats its sales targets for the half-year, a pool of money is divided among all employees.
  • The Payout:
    • Minimum: You are usually guaranteed at least $100 if your store qualifies.
    • The Reality: Checks typically range from $100 to $500 for part-timers and $300 to $1,000+ for full-timers, depending on how much the store crushed its goals.
  • Pro Tip: When you interview, ask the manager: "Has this location met its Success Sharing goals recently?" It shows you are business-minded and gives you a hint about the store's performance.

2. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

This is one of the best wealth-building tools in retail.

  • The Deal: You can buy Home Depot stock (HD) at a 15% discount off the fair market value.
  • How to use it: You set a percentage (e.g., 5%) of your paycheque to be deducted automatically. Every 6 months, the company uses that cash to buy stock for you at the discounted rate.
  • The Gain: You essentially make an instant 15% profit on that money, plus any stock growth. Many long-term associates have built massive savings accounts just by contributing $50 a paycheque.

3. The "Night Shift" Premium Calculation

If you join the "Freight Team" (overnight stocking), you get a premium on top of your base wage.

  • The Rate: In Canada, this is typically 10% of your hourly wage.
    • Example: If the base rate is $18.50/hr, your night rate becomes $20.35/hr.
  • The Trade-Off: You are working 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. It is physically demanding, but for students or introverts, that extra ~$2.00/hr adds up to an extra $300+ per month for the same amount of work.

4. The Cashier Math Test

If you apply for a Cashier role, you may be asked to take a quick assessment.

  • What's on it: Basic arithmetic. (e.g., "The total is $14.55. The customer hands you a $20 bill. What is the change?").
  • Do you need a calculator? No, the point of sale (POS) system tells you the change, but they want to ensure you can spot errors manually.
  • Tip: Practice counting up from the total. ($14.55 -> $14.60 -> $15.00 -> $20.00).

Summary: The Verdict

  • Choose Cashier if: You are a student, need evening/weekend hours, or want a physically easier job.
  • Choose MET if: You want weekends off, hate selling credit cards, and want a consistent paycheque that is slightly higher than minimum wage.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte