Costco was founded on a philosophy of providing a good living wage and affordable health care benefits, to attract employees who want to stick with the company and work hard. On average, Costco’s 160,292 full- and part-time employees, 90 percent of whom are hourly, earn more than $21 an hour, with a starting wage of $11. By comparison, across big retail, the average hourly rate ranges from $13 to $15 an hour. (Photos courtesy of Costco Wholesale Corp.)