Introduction
Target’s Drive Up service has become one of the retailer’s most popular offerings — guests place an order on the Target app, drive to the store, and a team member brings their items right to the car. It’s fast, convenient, and free. But for the associates running this operation, the experience behind the scenes tells a very different story than the seamless service guests enjoy.
This guide is based on a comprehensive review of dozens of real employee experiences shared across job review sites, forums, and social media — not a single person’s opinion, but a balanced summary of what actual workers report.
If you’re considering a role as a Target Drive Up Associate, here’s what the job actually looks like.
What You’ll Actually Do
As a Target Drive Up Associate, your job revolves around delivering online orders to guests waiting in their cars in the parking lot. When a guest signals through the Target app that they’ve arrived, you receive a notification, locate their order in the hold area, and bring it out to their vehicle — typically within a two-minute window.
The role falls under Target’s Guest Advocate or Front-of-Store team, and Drive Up is often one of several responsibilities. On slower days, you might also work the service desk, handle returns, run a register, or assist with Order Pickup at the counter. But during busy periods, Drive Up can consume your entire shift.
A typical busy shift involves constantly moving between the hold area and the parking lot. You’ll carry bags, load trunks, handle heavy or bulky items (cases of water, furniture, electronics), and interact with guests briefly at their cars. The pace picks up dramatically during weekends, holidays, and sale events, when multiple guests arrive simultaneously and the two-minute delivery timer creates intense pressure.
Organization is critical — orders need to be staged correctly in the hold area so you can grab them quickly. When items are misplaced or the hold area is disorganized, the timer becomes impossible to beat, which creates stress and reflects poorly on the store’s metrics.
Weather is a major factor. Drive Up associates work outdoors in whatever conditions the day brings — summer heat, winter cold, rain, snow, and wind. Unlike most retail positions, you’ll spend a significant portion of your shift outside.
Pay & Hours
Target Drive Up Associates earn the standard Target team member wage, starting at $15 to $17 per hour depending on the market. There is no additional pay for working the Drive Up position specifically, despite its physical demands and weather exposure. As of 2025-2026, some higher cost-of-living markets pay up to $18 to $20 per hour.
Hours typically range from 15 to 35 per week for part-time associates. Drive Up demand fluctuates significantly — weekends and holidays are packed, while weekday mornings may be slow. Some associates report inconsistent scheduling, with hours dropping during quieter seasons.
At $16/hour and 25 hours weekly, annual earnings are approximately $20,800. Target’s benefits include health insurance for associates averaging 25+ hours per week, a 401(k) with company match, a 10% team member discount (20% on wellness products), and tuition assistance programs.
Pros
Active, outdoor work. For workers who dislike standing behind a register all day, Drive Up offers constant movement and fresh air. Many associates appreciate the physical nature of the role and the variety of being inside and outside throughout their shift.
Minimal extended customer interaction. Drive Up interactions are brief — you deliver the order, exchange a few words, and return inside. Compared to cashiering or guest service, the customer-facing element is much lighter, which appeals to workers who prefer less social roles.
Competitive base pay. Target’s $15+ starting wage is higher than many comparable retail positions, and the pay is the same regardless of which department you’re assigned to on any given day.
Team member discount and benefits. The 10% discount, wellness discount, and access to health insurance and tuition assistance add meaningful value beyond the hourly wage.
Time passes quickly. Because Drive Up shifts are physically active and task-driven, many workers report that shifts fly by compared to standing at a register. The constant movement keeps boredom at bay.
Cons
Weather exposure is brutal. This is the most frequently cited downside. Drive Up associates work outside in extreme heat, freezing cold, rain, and snow. Stores don’t always provide adequate gear, and the constant in-and-out between climate-controlled interiors and outdoor conditions takes a physical toll.
Unreasonable time pressure. The two-minute delivery window creates constant stress, especially when multiple guests arrive at once, orders are misplaced in the hold area, or the parking lot is large. Many associates feel the metric is unrealistic and doesn’t account for real-world variables.
Often understaffed and working alone. Numerous reviews describe being the sole Drive Up associate during busy periods, juggling dozens of orders without support. Some workers report handling up to 900 orders in a shift with minimal help, which leads to exhaustion and frustration.
Heavy lifting without recognition. Loading cases of water, furniture, large electronics, and multiple bags into trunks is physically demanding. Associates don’t receive extra compensation for the lifting requirements, and some report back and knee injuries over time.
Cross-training means constant reassignment. While Drive Up is the primary role, associates are frequently pulled to cover cashier, guest service, or other positions during slow Drive Up periods. This lack of role consistency frustrates workers who prefer to focus on one task.
Tips for New Employees
Dress for the weather, not the store. Layers are essential. Keep a jacket, hat, and gloves accessible during cold months, and wear sunscreen and light clothing in summer. You’ll be outside far more than you might expect.
Learn the hold area organization system immediately. Knowing exactly where orders are staged saves critical seconds when the timer is running. If your store’s system is disorganized, take initiative to improve it — it benefits everyone.
Invest in comfortable, durable shoes. Between walking the parking lot and moving through the store, you’ll cover significant ground. Waterproof shoes are especially valuable for rainy or snowy days.
Communicate with your team. When multiple Drive Up orders arrive at once, don’t try to handle everything alone. Flag your team lead or nearby associates for help. Teamwork makes the two-minute window manageable.
Keep a positive attitude with guests. Drive Up interactions are brief, but a friendly greeting and helpful attitude make a real difference. Guests who have a good experience are the reason the service continues to grow, and positive feedback reflects well on you.
FAQ
Is Target Drive Up a hard job? Physically, yes — the combination of constant movement, heavy lifting, and weather exposure makes it one of the more demanding positions at Target. Mentally, the time pressure and understaffing can be stressful. However, many workers find the fast pace preferable to standing at a register, and the role becomes more manageable with experience.
Do Target Drive Up associates only do Drive Up? No. Most Drive Up associates are cross-trained and may be assigned to cashier, guest service, or Order Pickup during slower periods. The exact balance depends on the store’s staffing and Drive Up volume on any given day.
Can you request to work Drive Up specifically? You can express a preference for Drive Up during the hiring process or to your team lead, but Target’s scheduling is based on store needs. Being flexible across front-of-store roles increases your chances of getting more hours.
Conclusion
Working as a Target Drive Up Associate is an active, fast-paced role that suits people who prefer physical work and minimal customer conversation over traditional cashiering. The competitive pay and benefits are genuine strengths, but the weather exposure, time pressure, and frequent understaffing are real challenges that every prospective associate should consider. The position works best for workers who are physically fit, can handle working outdoors in all conditions, and thrive under pressure. For those who prefer a predictable, climate-controlled retail environment, other positions within Target may be a better fit.