Explore Hobby Lobby jobs in 2025: salaries from $19.25/hr, application tips, and real employee insights. Compare with Michaels, learn pros and cons, and ace your interview.
Key Takeaways
- Earn $19.25/hr minimum full-time, beating many retail competitors like Michaels.
- Closed Sundays offers work-life balance, but retail roles demand physical stamina.
- Seasonal jobs often lead to permanent roles—great for teens or career starters.
- Employees praise pay but flag management and staffing issues in reviews.
- Tailor your application to stand out in Hobby Lobby’s creative, faith-based culture.
Hobby Lobby Jobs in 2025
Walking into a Hobby Lobby store feels like stepping into a crafter’s paradise shelves packed with paints, fabrics, and decor spark ideas for everyone. But what’s it like to work there? With over 1,035 stores and counting, Hobby Lobby is hiring in 2025, offering jobs from cashier to warehouse roles. Whether you’re a teen looking for your first gig or switching careers, this guide breaks down what you need to know, based on thousands of employee reviews and the latest trends. Let’s explore if it’s the right fit for you.
What Are Hobby Lobby Jobs?
Hobby Lobby isn’t just about retail; it’s a mix of creative and operational roles. From helping customers pick the perfect yarn to managing a store, there’s variety but also demands.
Common Job Roles
- Retail Associates: You’ll greet customers, stock shelves, and keep the store tidy. Pay starts at $15–$16/hr for part-time, ideal for beginners who enjoy people and crafts.
- Co-Managers: These folks run the show, handling schedules and inventory. With experience, you could earn ~$23/hr, a solid step up in retail.
- Specialized Roles: Custom framers create unique pieces, while order pickers in warehouses (averaging $23.38/hr) move fast. Oklahoma warehouses are hiring hubs.
- Corporate/Distribution: Think e-commerce or IT roles in Oklahoma City. They’re less common but perfect if retail’s not your thing.
Each role requires energy and a knack for creativity, according to the company’s job listings. A Glassdoor reviewer noted, “It’s fun if you love crafts, but expect to hustle.”
Company Overview
Started in 1970 with a $600 loan by David Green, Hobby Lobby now employs 43,000 people across 1,035 stores, with 61% of its workforce being women and a diverse mix (63% White, 15% Hispanic, 10% Black). They add ~65 stores yearly, creating 2,500–3,000 jobs. Rooted in Christian values, stores close on Sundays, giving workers a rare retail perk. Based in Oklahoma City, their growth in 2025 means more openings, especially in new markets.
How to Apply for Jobs
Landing a job at Hobby Lobby is straightforward if you know the steps. Whether you’re a high schooler or a retail veteran, here’s how to get started.
Application Process
You can apply online via the BrassRing portal on their careers site or grab a paper form in-store. You need to be 16+, and they’ll run a background check for criminal or work history. Highlight any retail or creative skills—think customer service or art projects. Hiring events, especially for seasonal roles, are a fast track; check X posts for local updates. The process takes 2–3 weeks, so plan ahead.
5Must-Do’s Before Applying:
- Update your resume to show teamwork or creativity (e.g., “Helped organize school art fair”).
- Check store hours for in-person apps—avoid busy holiday rushes.
- Research local openings; ZipRecruiter lists 2,505 jobs, 95% full-time.
- Practice a 30-second pitch on why you fit their “bright, energetic” vibe.
- Confirm age rules (some states need permits for under-18s).
Interview Tips
Interviews are low-pressure, rated 2.3/5 difficulty on Glassdoor, with 62% positive experiences. Expect questions like “Why Hobby Lobby?” or simple math for cashiers. Group interviews test teamwork, so engage others politely. Sarah, a Texas seasonal hire, shared on Reddit: “I stayed late to help during a busy shift, and they offered me a full-time role.” Dress in business casual (khakis, polo) and ask about growth to show ambition.
Salaries and Benefits
Hobby Lobby’s pay stands out in retail, but benefits vary by hours. Here’s what you’ll earn and what’s included.
Pay Breakdown
Full-time roles start at $19.25/hr, a leap from older rates after 13 raises since 2009, per their newsroom. Part-time averages $15–$16/hr, while specialized roles like order pickers hit $23.38/hr. Truck drivers earn ~$77,884/year. Compared to Michaels ($13–$15/hr for associates), Hobby Lobby leads, especially in high-cost areas like Fort Worth. Indeed’s 6,689 reviews confirm pay is a highlight.
Salary Comparison:
- Retail Associate: Hobby Lobby ($15–$16/hr) vs. Michaels ($13–$15/hr).
- Co-Manager: Hobby Lobby (
$23/hr) vs. Joann ($20/hr). - Truck Driver: Hobby Lobby ($77,884/yr) vs. Michaels ($72,000/yr).
Employee Perks
Full-time workers get health plans, tuition help, and paid holidays. Sundays off are a big win for family time, rare in retail. Part-time roles often miss out on full benefits and have less vacation time. Glassdoor’s 4,786 reviews give a 3.3/5 rating, with 52% recommending and 49% approving CEO David Green. It’s a trade-off: great pay, but part-timers want more perks.
Work Environment Insights
What’s it really like clocking in at Hobby Lobby? Employees share the good and the tough on platforms like Indeed and Reddit.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The creative vibe is real helping customers with projects feels rewarding. Growth is possible; 40% of managers started as associates, per internal data. Pay and Sundays off boost morale.
Cons: Understaffing results in long shifts (9–12 hours), and physically demanding tasks like lifting decor can be exhausting. Management varies—some are supportive, others pushy, per Glassdoor’s 3.3/5 rating. Holiday rushes amplify stress, with 52% recommending the job but citing workload.
Day-in-Life Examples
As a retail associate, you might unpack glittery Christmas stock at 7 AM, then help a mom find scrapbook supplies. It’s physical—think hauling 20-pound boxes—but the craft focus keeps it fun. Framers, like one Ohio employee, love the hands-on art: “I made a custom frame for a family photo; they were thrilled.” Warehouse workers in Oklahoma pick orders in fast-paced teams, needing stamina but earning steady pay.
Career Advancement Paths
Hobby Lobby rewards hard workers with clear paths up. It’s not just a stopgap job if you play it smart.
Growth Opportunities
Begin as an associate and work towards becoming a co-manager through training. Seasonal hires often go permanent 65 new stores in 2025 mean more spots. Oklahoma warehouses offer stable roles, though visa support is rare. Training focuses on your role, like framing skills or inventory systems. A LinkedIn post noted a cashier rising to store manager in three years by taking on extra shifts.
Comparisons to Alternatives
Hobby Lobby pays better than Michaels ($13–$15/hr) and closes Sundays, unlike Joann’s 7-day schedule. Michaels feels more laid-back but has higher turnover (15% vs. Hobby Lobby’s 10%, per industry estimates). Retail Dive says Hobby Lobby’s wages shine in 2025’s tight labor market. If you’re looking for variety, Walmart offers a wider range of roles, albeit with less creative focus.
Addressing Common Challenges
Retail isn’t easy, and Hobby Lobby has its hiccups. Here’s how to handle them, based on employee feedback.
Pain Points Solutions
Understaffing leads to chaos, like restocking alone during a sale.
- Fix: Ask managers to clarify daily priorities and collaborate with coworkers on major tasks. Management issues, like favoritism, frustrate some (noted in 20% of Indeed reviews).
- Fix: Keep a log of concerns and use anonymous feedback channels like Glassdoor. Scheduling can be erratic, with part-timers often getting 4-hour weeks after the holidays.
- Fix: Request consistent hours upfront and plan for slow seasons.
Hacks for a Better Experience:
- Bring good sneakers—stocking means hours on your feet.
- Build rapport with managers early to avoid scheduling surprises.
- Use breaks to recharge; retail’s mental toll is real.
Trends and Tips for 2025
Hobby Lobby’s hiring seasonal workers who can go permanent, with 95% of 2,505 listings full-time. Apply early for holiday rushes—X posts show openings in Ohio and Colorado. Drug tests are rare, but background checks dig into criminal history, per Reddit threads. With expansions, focus on teamwork and reliability to lock in long-term roles.
Who Should Apply?
Hobby Lobby fits creative types who don’t mind physical work think teens, art students, or retail pros seeking stability. Avoid it if you need flexible hours or dislike fast-paced settings. It’s best for those who value steady pay and Sundays off over a chill workplace. Per Zippia, 61% of workers are women, and diversity is growing (15% Hispanic, 10% Black).
FAQs on Hobby Lobby Jobs
How old to work at Hobby Lobby?
You must be at least 16 years old for entry-level roles, such as retail associates, as the job involves lifting and long hours. Some states require work permits for minors under 18. Check local laws and the careers site for details to ensure you’re eligible. (298 characters)
Does Hobby Lobby drug test?
Drug tests are uncommon for most roles, especially in stores, based on Indeed and Glassdoor reviews. Background checks focus on criminal and work history. Ask during your interview for clarity, as policies may vary by location or job type.
What’s it like working at Hobby Lobby?
Employees enjoy good pay and Sundays off, but understaffing and management issues can make it stressful, especially during holidays. Reviews average 3.3/5, with 52% recommending. It’s great for craft lovers, but it can be tough if you dislike physical tasks.
How to get a job at Hobby Lobby?
Apply online via BrassRing or in-store with a paper form. Showcase creativity and retail skills on your resume. The process takes 2–3 weeks, but hiring events can speed things up. Check X for local openings and apply early for seasonal roles.
What are Hobby Lobby interview questions?
Expect “Why Hobby Lobby?” or math tests for cashiers. Group interviews check teamwork. Rated 2.3/5 difficulty on Glassdoor, with 62% positive feedback. Practice clear answers and show enthusiasm to match their creative culture.
Do they hire seasonally or permanently?
Yes, many seasonal workers go full-time, especially with 65 new stores in 2025. Show reliability during busy seasons to stand out. Reviews suggest that expressing long-term interest can help secure permanent roles in expanding locations.
Ready to join Hobby Lobby? Use these tips to nail your application and find a role that fits. Visit their careers site now to check openings near you!
