Last Updated: April 2, 2026
REI Application: How to Apply Online (2025)
Bottom line: REI pays $16.50–$22/hr for retail sales roles and offers standout benefits including a 30% employee gear discount, 401(k) for all employees regardless of hours worked, and “Yay Days” — paid days off to enjoy outdoor activities. Apply online at rei.com/careers; entry-level positions typically hire within 2–3 weeks.
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is America’s largest consumer cooperative, with 180+ stores across 41 states and roughly 14,000 employees. Unlike traditional retailers, REI is member-owned, which shapes its culture: employees genuinely use and believe in the gear they sell. This guide covers exactly how to apply, what to expect in interviews, and what makes REI different from other retail employers.
How to Apply at REI
To apply at REI, visit rei.com/careers, search by location, and submit your application online. REI does not accept paper applications in stores. The process takes about 20–30 minutes and requires work history, availability, and answers to experience-based questions.
- Go to rei.com/careers — Navigate to REI’s official careers page. You can search by job title (e.g., “Sales Specialist”), location, or store number.
- Create or log in to your account — First-time applicants create a profile with name, email, and password. Returning applicants log in to reuse saved information.
- Find your role and click Apply — REI’s most common entry-level postings are Sales Specialist, Rentals Specialist, and Outdoor School Instructor. Click the role you want and hit “Apply Now.”
- Complete the online application — Fill in employment history (last 3–5 years), availability (indicate weekend and evening openness), and any relevant outdoor activity experience. Be specific: mention hiking, climbing, cycling, kayaking, camping, or skiing background.
- Answer experience-based questions — REI typically asks 3–5 short behavioral questions (e.g., “Describe a time you helped a customer find the right product”). Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Submit and track your application — You’ll receive a confirmation email. Log back into your account to check status. Most candidates hear back within 1–2 weeks.
Pro tip: REI heavily weights outdoor enthusiasm. In your application, mention specific activities you participate in and gear you own or have used. Hiring managers look for candidates who can authentically recommend products to customers.
REI Job Positions & Pay Rates
REI pays above the national retail average, with most entry-level roles starting between $16.50 and $19/hr depending on location and cost of living. Lead and specialist roles reach $22+/hr. Pay rates reflect both hourly wage laws by state and REI’s co-op compensation philosophy.
| Position | Pay Range | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Specialist | $16.50–$19.00/hr | Full- or Part-Time | Most common entry-level role |
| Rentals Specialist | $16.50–$18.50/hr | Seasonal / Part-Time | Gear rental and maintenance |
| Cashier / Front End | $16.50–$18.00/hr | Part-Time | Member enrollment focus |
| Outdoor School Instructor | $17.00–$21.00/hr | Part-Time / Seasonal | Requires outdoor certifications |
| Department Lead | $19.00–$22.00/hr | Full-Time | Bike, Climb, Snow, Camp leads |
| Assistant Store Manager | $24.00–$32.00/hr | Full-Time | Exempt salary equivalent |
| Store Manager | $70,000–$95,000/yr | Full-Time Salary | Bonus eligible |
REI’s pay is generally $2–$4/hr above the fast-fashion and big-box retail average. Comparable outdoor specialty retailers like Bass Pro Shops or Dick’s Sporting Goods typically start at $13–$15/hr, making REI a premium option in the outdoor retail space.
REI Application Requirements
REI’s minimum hiring age is 16 years old for most store positions, though some roles (like Bike Technician or Outdoor School Instructor) require candidates to be 18+ due to equipment handling or liability. There is no education requirement for entry-level roles.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 16 for most sales/cashier roles; 18 for some specialist positions |
| Education | No minimum requirement for entry-level; relevant experience valued |
| Availability | Weekend and evening availability strongly preferred |
| Background Check | Required after conditional offer; standard retail background check |
| Drug Test | Not required for most retail positions |
| Work Authorization | Must be authorized to work in the U.S. |
| Outdoor Experience | Not required but significantly improves hire chances |
While outdoor experience is not a hard requirement, hiring managers consistently report that candidates who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for outdoor activities are far more likely to receive offers. REI’s co-op culture means employees are expected to be credible product advisors, not just transaction processors.
REI Interview Process
REI’s interview process typically consists of one to two rounds: a phone screen (15–20 minutes) followed by an in-person or video interview (30–45 minutes) with a department lead or store manager. Group interviews are uncommon at REI — most candidates go through individual interviews.
Phone Screen
The recruiter or store manager will ask about your availability, your interest in REI, and one or two behavioral questions. This round screens for scheduling fit and culture alignment. Be ready to discuss which outdoor activities you participate in and why you want to work at REI specifically.
In-Person or Video Interview
The second round focuses on behavioral questions using the STAR method. Interviewers want to see how you handle real situations — customer conflicts, product recommendations under uncertainty, teamwork under pressure. REI also asks values-based questions about sustainability and the outdoors. Common questions include:
- “Tell me about a time you helped a customer make a difficult purchasing decision.”
- “Describe a time you went out of your way to give someone an exceptional experience.”
- “What outdoor activities do you participate in, and what gear do you use?”
- “How would you handle a customer who is frustrated about a product return?”
- “Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to solve a problem.”
Interview Tips
- Research REI’s co-op structure — Mentioning that REI is member-owned and that profits are reinvested shows you understand the company’s values.
- Know the gear — Familiarize yourself with the departments you’ll work in. If applying to the Bike Shop, mention your cycling experience and any bike brands you’ve worked with.
- Show your outdoor passion authentically — Don’t exaggerate. Interviewers are outdoors enthusiasts themselves and can tell when candidates are padding their experience.
- Prepare 2–3 STAR stories — Pick examples that demonstrate customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork. These three themes appear in nearly every REI interview.
REI’s Glassdoor interview rating is 3.7/5. Candidates report the process as friendly and conversational. Most offers are made within 1–2 weeks of the final interview.
REI Employee Benefits
REI’s benefits package is one of the strongest in specialty retail. The most notable features are the 30% gear discount, 401(k) for all employees regardless of hours worked (including part-time), and “Yay Days” — paid days off specifically for outdoor recreation.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Discount | 30% off most REI gear and apparel; 10–15% on some brands |
| Yay Days | 2 paid days per year to spend outside (any outdoor activity) |
| 401(k) | Available to ALL employees regardless of hours; company match for qualifying employees |
| Health Insurance | Medical, dental, vision for full-time employees; part-time eligible after threshold |
| Life Insurance | Company-paid basic life insurance for benefits-eligible employees |
| Paid Time Off | Accrued PTO for full-time; sick leave varies by state |
| Profit Sharing | REI distributes a portion of earnings to employees annually as co-op dividend |
| Outdoor School Access | Discounted or free REI Outdoor School classes (climbing, paddling, navigation) |
| Employee Assistance Program | Mental health resources, counseling, financial planning support |
Standout benefit — 401(k) for all: Most retailers only offer 401(k) to full-time employees who meet hours thresholds. REI makes its 401(k) available to all employees, including part-time associates. For part-time workers building long-term savings, this is a significant differentiator.
REI Career Development
REI promotes from within across most of its management pipeline. The standard advancement path runs: Sales Specialist → Department Lead → Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager → District or Regional Manager. High performers can reach Department Lead within 1–2 years and Assistant Store Manager within 3–4 years.
REI also offers specialized career tracks for employees with certifications or deep expertise. The Outdoor School Instructor track allows experienced outdoor educators to build careers around guided instruction in climbing, paddling, camping, and navigation. The Bike Shop and Snow Shop tracks support employees pursuing professional-level technical certifications (e.g., Barnett’s Bicycle Institute, OREC certifications).
REI does not offer a formal tuition assistance program, which is a gap compared to retailers like Walmart (Live Better U) or Amazon (Career Choice). However, the co-op offers discounted Outdoor School courses, informal mentorship from experienced outdoors staff, and access to industry events and gear demos that support skills development.
Employee tenure at REI is notably higher than the retail industry average. Glassdoor data shows 3.7/5 satisfaction, with particularly strong scores for work-life balance and culture. Longt-enured employees frequently cite the discount, the co-op culture, and the sense of mission as primary retention drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to work at REI?
The minimum age to work at REI is 16 years old for most sales and cashier positions. Some roles — including Bike Technician, Outdoor School Instructor, and certain department lead positions — require applicants to be at least 18 years old due to equipment handling requirements or liability considerations.
Does REI hire without outdoor experience?
Yes, REI hires candidates without formal outdoor experience, particularly for cashier and front-end roles. However, outdoor enthusiasm significantly improves your chances for Sales Specialist and department-specific roles. If you’re new to outdoor activities, being able to describe your interest in learning is more important than having an extensive gear resume.
How long does the REI hiring process take?
The typical REI hiring timeline is 2–3 weeks from application to offer. Seasonal positions (spring, back-to-school, holiday) often move faster — sometimes as quickly as 1 week. Year-round positions at smaller stores may take longer if volume is lower. Most candidates complete 1–2 interview rounds before receiving a decision.
What is the REI employee discount?
REI employees receive a 30% discount on most REI-branded and third-party gear and apparel sold in REI stores and online. Some high-demand brands (particularly premium technical gear) offer a smaller discount (10–15%) due to vendor MAP policies. Employees also receive the standard REI Co-op member dividend annually.
Does REI offer part-time benefits?
Yes. REI’s 401(k) is available to all employees regardless of hours worked, which is unusual in retail. Part-time employees also receive the 30% gear discount and Yay Days. Health insurance eligibility for part-time employees depends on average weekly hours and varies by state. Full health benefits are generally available to employees averaging 20+ hours per week.
What are “Yay Days” at REI?
Yay Days are REI’s unique paid time-off benefit that gives employees two paid days per year specifically for outdoor recreation. Employees can use Yay Days for any outdoor activity — hiking, skiing, climbing, kayaking, camping, cycling — as long as it’s spent outside. This benefit reflects REI’s co-op mission and is consistently cited by employees as one of their favorite perks.
How does REI compare to other outdoor retailers for pay and benefits?
REI pays $16.50–$22/hr for retail roles, which is above Bass Pro Shops ($13–$16/hr) and Dick’s Sporting Goods ($16–$17/hr). REI’s benefits — particularly the 401(k) for all employees and Yay Days — are stronger than most outdoor and sporting goods competitors. The 30% gear discount is also more generous than Bass Pro (20%) and on par with Patagonia (40% for brand stores, though much smaller footprint).
Can I apply in person at an REI store?
No. REI only accepts online applications through rei.com/careers. Store managers cannot accept paper applications or process walk-in applications. Visiting a store to inquire about openings is fine — and may help you connect with the hiring manager — but you must still complete the official online application to be considered.
Current REI Job Openings Near You
Browse available positions or visit REI Careers to search by location. Entry-level positions are posted year-round, with peak hiring in spring (March–May) and holiday season (October–December).
| Position | Type | Pay (Estimated) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Specialist | Full- or Part-Time | $16.50–$19.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Rentals Specialist | Seasonal / Part-Time | $16.50–$18.50/hr | Apply Now |
| Department Lead (Bike/Snow/Climb) | Full-Time | $19.00–$22.00/hr | Apply Now |
| Outdoor School Instructor | Part-Time / Seasonal | $17.00–$21.00/hr | Apply Now |
About This Guide: Researched and written by the Online Job Applications editorial team and last updated April 2025. Information is based on REI career resources, Glassdoor reviews (2,800+ ratings), Indeed salary data, and job posting data. Pay rates and benefits may vary by location and position. Verify current details directly with REI during the application process.