Great place to work, but not great pay. - Analyst CarMax Employee Review

4.0
Mar 24, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

First I want to clarify that I am working at headquarter in Richmond. My review doesn't reflect the working conditions of our 100 stores across the nation. Since we made the list of Fortune's best 100 companies to work for four years in a row, I am confident that our associates at the local stores are satisfied. CarMax has a very strong and competent senior leadership team. They are very sensitive to associates' needs. In my opinion, they don't overpay themselves either. CarMax offers great work/life balance. I work between 45 to 55 hours a week as an analyst. At the headquarter, it has a gym and an indoor basketball court. You are also able to find a nice car at a low price. The management is very supportive of your personal development. At least in my group, we know each other very well, feel like a big family. Traffic is non-exist in Richmond.

Cons

The pay is average/below average compare to other consulting firms. But if you take into account of the living cost. It's at least comparable what you get paid at big consulting firms in big cities. Working in a used car company doesn't generate lots of prestige. Richmond doesn't have a professional sports team. The only minor league baseball team just left the town. Crime rate is a little high. I am sure having CarMax on your resume helps or hurts your career. But the acceptance to the top business schools has been high. Analysts got into Harvard, Wharton and alike.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You are your own boss

Cons

Slow days can be demotivating.

4.0
Jun 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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