Last Updated: April 20, 2026
Quick Answer: Both Burlington Coat Factory and Ross Dress for Less operate off-price retail models with similar starting pay ($14–16/hour) and fast-paced inventory environments. Burlington emphasizes customer service and brand recognition, while Ross focuses on high-volume sales and rapid inventory turnover. Choose based on company culture preference and location availability.
Burlington vs Ross Dress for Less: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burlington | Ross Dress for Less | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Hourly Rate | $14.50–16/hour | $14–15.50/hour |
| Primary Focus | Off-price fashion and home goods sales | Off-price apparel and footwear sales |
| Work Environment | Moderate pace, organized departments, brand-focused | High-volume, fast-paced, quick inventory turnover |
| Benefits | Health insurance, 401(k), discounts, employee assistance | Health insurance, 401(k), discounts, wellness programs |
| Career Path | Lead Associate, Department Manager, Store Manager | Sales Lead, Department Lead, Assistant Manager, Store Manager |
| Training | Brand awareness, merchandising, customer service | Sales techniques, inventory management, speed and efficiency |
| Scheduling | Retail hours, weekends required | Retail hours, weekends required |
| Store Count | 700+ locations | 1,400+ locations |
Burlington Overview
Burlington Coat Factory operates over 700 stores across the United States, offering off-price fashion, footwear, and home goods. The company emphasizes the brand-name shopping experience at discounted prices, which shapes the retail environment and employee expectations. Starting hourly rates range from $14.50–16/hour, with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, merchandise discounts, and employee assistance programs.
Burlington stores maintain a moderate-to-busy pace with organized department layouts and brand-focused merchandising. Employees develop expertise in brand recognition, which enhances customer confidence in value propositions. The company invests in customer service training and emphasizes the upscale discount experience. Advancement opportunities exist for those demonstrating reliability, sales ability, and leadership potential. Burlington’s larger store format and brand diversity make it suitable for employees seeking structured retail environments. Apply at Burlington Careers
Ross Dress for Less Overview
Ross operates over 1,400 locations across the United States, making it one of the fastest-growing off-price retailers. The company focuses on extreme discounting and rapid inventory turnover, resulting in a faster-paced work environment compared to traditional retail. Starting hourly rates range from $14–15.50/hour, with benefits including health insurance, 401(k), merchandise discounts, and wellness programs.
Ross stores maintain high customer traffic and employ rapid-turnover inventory management. Employees must work quickly to process new merchandise, stock shelves, and assist customers in a dynamic environment. The company emphasizes speed, efficiency, and sales volume. Training focuses on sales techniques and operational processes rather than brand knowledge, since inventory changes constantly. Advancement is available for strong performers, with clear pathways to lead and management roles. Ross’s rapid expansion and high volume make it ideal for energetic employees who thrive in fast-paced settings. Apply at Ross Careers
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Burlington if: You prefer a slightly more organized retail environment with manageable pace. You enjoy learning brand names and building customer confidence in value. You want experience in a company with a strong reputation for quality off-price retail. You prefer predictable store layouts and moderate customer volume. You value employee development programs and structured career pathways.
Choose Ross if: You thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environments with constant activity. You prefer straightforward operations without brand complexity. You want rapid advancement opportunities in a company with 1,400+ stores. You enjoy the challenge of managing high-volume inventory turnover. You prefer hands-on, action-oriented work over consultative customer service.
Can You Work for Both?
Yes. Both companies operate in the off-price retail segment, and the skills transfer directly between them. Retail operations, customer service, sales fundamentals, and inventory management are universally valued. Your experience at Burlington strengthens your application to Ross, and vice versa. Both companies hire from competitors and recognize the value of off-price retail experience. Many employees have worked at both, and transitioning between them is straightforward since the business models are similar. Both companies appreciate candidates with proven retail track records.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are typical starting positions at Burlington and Ross?
- Both companies hire Sales Associates and Customer Service Associates as entry-level positions. Department-specific roles are available in fashion, footwear, and home goods. Both offer flexible part-time and full-time scheduling.
- Do I need retail experience to apply?
- No. Both companies hire entry-level candidates without prior retail experience. Enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to learn are key requirements.
- Which company is faster-paced?
- Ross generally maintains a faster pace with higher inventory turnover and larger customer volume. Burlington offers a more moderate environment with organized departments.
- What are the merchandise discounts like?
- Both companies offer employee discounts on merchandise, typically 20-25% depending on the item and company policy.
- How do advancement opportunities compare?
- Both offer clear pathways from Associate to Department Lead to Manager roles. Ross’s larger footprint (1,400+ stores) may offer more advancement options, while Burlington offers more structured advancement in smaller stores.
- Are schedules flexible?
- Both companies offer part-time and full-time positions with retail scheduling that includes weekends and evenings. Flexibility varies by location and store manager.