TJ Maxx vs Ross: Comparing Off-Price Retail Jobs

Quick Answer: TJ Maxx pays $12.22–$14/hour entry-level, while Ross offers $12–$16/hour. TJ Maxx has 1,340 locations vs Ross’ 2,200+. TJ Maxx doesn’t typically require drug tests, processes backgrounds in 3–5 days, and promotes from within extensively. Ross has inconsistent drug testing, 3-week to 1-month background checks, and actively expanding with 3,100+ new jobs. Both accept ages 16+ (18+ for management), offer standard retail benefits, and prefer internal advancement.

TJ Maxx vs Ross – Side-by-Side Comparison

This table breaks down the key differences between TJ Maxx and Ross as off-price retail employers:

Factor	TJ Maxx	Ross
Starting Pay	$12.22–$14/hour	$12–$16/hour
Minimum Age	16+ (18+ management)	18+
Application Method	jobs.tjx.com	jobs.rossstores.com
U.S. Locations	1,340	2,200+
Drug Test	No (typical for retail)	Inconsistent (varies by location)
Background Check	Yes (3–5 days typical)	Yes (3 weeks — 1 month)
Benefits	Health insurance, 401k match, PTO, promotes from within	Standard retail benefits, advancement available
Career Growth	Many managers started entry-level, clear advancement paths	3,100+ new jobs with expansion, diverse roles available TJ Maxx – Overview TJ Maxx operates 1,340 locations across the United States and is part of the TJX Companies family. Entry-level associates earn $12.22–$14 per hour depending on role and location. The company welcomes applicants aged 16 and up for retail positions, with management roles restricted to ages 18+. Applications are submitted through jobs.tjx.com, and the company typically does not require pre-employment drug testing for retail positions—a significant hiring advantage. Background checks are standard and typically complete within 3–5 business days, enabling faster hiring compared to competitors. TJ Maxx emphasizes internal promotion, with many store managers and supervisors having started in entry-level roles. The company offers competitive retail benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Employees who demonstrate reliability and leadership potential can advance quickly into sales specialist, department supervisor, shift lead, and store management positions. For current openings and application information, visit the TJ Maxx Application Guide. Ross – Overview Ross Stores operates 2,200+ locations across the United States and is expanding aggressively with 3,100+ new jobs planned. Entry-level positions pay $12–$16 per hour depending on role and market. The company requires applicants to be at least 18 years old (no exceptions for younger applicants), which limits entry-level access compared to TJ Maxx. Applications are processed through jobs.rossstores.com. Drug testing policies are inconsistent and vary by location; some stores require pre-employment screening while others do not. Background checks typically take 3 weeks to 1 month, making Ross a slower hiring process than TJ Maxx. Ross provides standard retail benefits and maintains opportunities for advancement into supervisory and management roles. The company’s aggressive expansion (3,100+ new positions) creates abundant career growth opportunities, particularly for employees willing to develop into assistant manager and store manager roles. Learn more at the Ross Application Guide. Which Should You Choose? Choose TJ Maxx if: You are 16 or 17 years old seeking a first retail job (Ross requires 18+), want faster hiring with no drug test and quick background clearance (3–5 days vs 3 weeks at Ross), prefer stronger emphasis on promoting from within, or value established benefits like 401(k) and paid time off. Choose Ross if: You’re 18+ and seeking potentially higher wages ($12–$16 vs $12.22–$14), want to be part of an expansion-phase company with abundant advancement opportunities (3,100+ new jobs), or live in an area with more Ross locations than TJ Maxx (2,200+ vs 1,340). Can You Work at Both? Yes, you can apply to both TJ Maxx and Ross simultaneously. Both operate overlapping geographic territories as off-price retailers, and it’s common for applicants to pursue both and compare offers. Once hired, part-time positions at each could theoretically be managed with careful scheduling, though full-time roles would create conflicts. Frequently Asked Questions Which company pays more, TJ Maxx or Ross? Ross offers a slightly higher pay range ($12–$16/hour vs $12.22–$14/hour at TJ Maxx), though actual earnings depend on location and role. TJ Maxx salaries are more predictable and consistent. Ross’s expansion phase may create more advancement opportunities to higher-paying supervisory and management roles. Is it easier to get hired at TJ Maxx or Ross? TJ Maxx is easier to join because it accepts ages 16+ (Ross requires 18+), does not require drug tests (Ross policies vary), and completes background checks in 3–5 days (vs 3 weeks to 1 month at Ross). If you’re 16 or 17, TJ Maxx is your only option. Do both companies promote from within? Yes, both TJ Maxx and Ross emphasize internal promotion. TJ Maxx is particularly known for developing entry-level employees into managers; many store managers started in entry-level roles. Ross similarly promotes from within and actively seeks assistant managers and store managers from existing staff. Which is better for your first retail job? TJ Maxx is typically better for first-time retail workers because it hires ages 16+, has no drug test, and processes quickly. If you’re under 18 or want a fast hiring experience, TJ Maxx is the clear choice. How long is the hiring process at each company? TJ Maxx typically hires within 1–2 weeks from application to offer. Ross takes longer, with background checks alone requiring 3 weeks to 1 month. 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