Costco Ceo Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Jim Sinegal, the co-founder and former CEO of Costco Wholesale, didn’t always have a seat at the helm of one of the world’s most successful retail companies. His career began humbly in 1954 when, at the age of 16, he started working as a stock clerk at a local Safeway store in Seattle. This entry-level position was the first step in what would become a lifelong passion for the retail industry.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Sinegal returned to Safeway, working his way up the ranks to become the assistant produce manager. In 1976, he left Safeway to join the fledgling Price Club, a membership-only warehouse store. It was here that Sinegal honed his skills in the warehouse retail model, eventually becoming the vice president of the company. When Price Club merged with Costco in 1993, Sinegal was named the CEO of the combined company, a position he held until his retirement in 2012.

Costco CEO’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Costco’s CEO, Craig Jelinek, has an estimated net worth of $100 million, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is largely attributed to his successful tenure at the company, where he has served as CEO since 2012.

Career

Craig Jelinek began his career at Costco in 1984, working his way up from warehouse operations to becoming the CEO in 2012. He has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success, known for his hands-on approach and focus on customer satisfaction.

Other Ventures

While Jelinek is primarily known for his role at Costco, he also serves on the board of directors for the Costco Wholesale Corporation. Additionally, he has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Costco Wholesale Foundation, which supports community organizations.

Assets

Jelinek’s assets include a substantial stake in Costco Wholesale Corporation, valued at around $70 million as of 2025. He also owns several properties, including a home in Kirkland, Washington, valued at approximately $2 million.

Annual Income

As of 2025, Craig Jelinek’s annual income is estimated to be around $8 million. This includes his base salary, stock awards, and other compensations. His compensation has consistently placed him among the highest-paid CEOs in the retail industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Costco Ceo

Frequently Asked Questions: Costco CEO Net Worth

1. Who is the current CEO of Costco?

The current CEO of Costco is Craig Jelinek.

2. How long has Craig Jelinek been the CEO of Costco?

Craig Jelinek has been the CEO of Costco since 2012.

3. What was Craig Jelinek’s position before becoming CEO?

Before becoming CEO, Craig Jelinek served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Costco.

4. What is the estimated net worth of Costco’s CEO, Craig Jelinek?

The estimated net worth of Craig Jelinek is $200 million.

5. How does Craig Jelinek’s net worth compare to other retail CEOs?

Craig Jelinek’s net worth is relatively lower compared to some other retail CEOs. For instance, Jeff Bezos (Amazon) has a net worth of over $170 billion, while Bernard Arnault (LVMH) has a net worth of over $150 billion.

6. How does Costco’s CEO compensation compare to other retailers?

Craig Jelinek’s compensation is typically lower than that of other big-box retail CEOs. In 2020, his total compensation was around $8 million, compared to Walmart’s Doug McMillon, who made over $22 million in the same year.

7. How does Costco’s CEO compensation compare to its employees?

Costco is known for its relatively high wages and benefits for employees. In 2020, the average hourly wage for a Costco employee was around $24, while Craig Jelinek’s total compensation was around $8 million.

8. What is Craig Jelinek’s salary as the CEO of Costco?

In 2020, Craig Jelinek’s base salary was around $600,000.

9. How much of Costco’s stock does Craig Jelinek own?

As of 2021, Craig Jelinek owns around 0.04% of Costco’s outstanding shares.

10. What is Craig Jelinek’s leadership style at Costco?

Craig Jelinek is known for his hands-on leadership style and his focus on employee satisfaction and customer service. He is also known for his frugal nature, which reflects Costco’s overall cost-conscious culture.