Discover Exchange Total Rewards
Pay, Benefits & Career Growth
The Exchange combines competitive market-based pay with hourly wages and incentive programs to ensure associates are rewarded for contributions. Beyond a paycheck, associates enjoy a Total Rewards package that supports financial security, health and future.
Total Rewards
Associate Benefits
The Exchange provides unique perks that go beyond traditional pay and benefits. These programs are designed to support financial well-being, personal life and overall quality of life.
Exclusive associate benefits include:
Tax-free shopping
Associates enjoy the benefit military-exclusive pricing and tax-free shopping in-store and at ShopMyExchange.com.
Mass transportation benefit
Associates who use public transportation to commute may qualify for the Exchange’s mass transit subsidy program, helping reduce travel costs.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP provides confidential, short-term counseling and referrals at no cost for associates and their eligible dependents.
Quality-of-Life programs
Depending on location, associates may access on-installation facilities and activities such as:
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Bowling alleys and golf courses
- Movie theaters and pools
- Equipment rentals and discounted travel
- Libraries, childcare programs, intramural sports and education centers
Employment Categories
The Exchange offers several employment categories designed to fit the diverse needs of associates and the military communities we serve. From stable full-time careers, part-time flexibility or temporary opportunities, the Exchange provides options that allow associates to balance work, family and personal commitments.
Why These Categories Matter
By offering multiple employment types, the Exchange ensures associates can find roles that align with their lifestyle. From long-term careers with full benefits to flexible temporary opportunities, every associate has the chance to contribute to our mission of serving those who serve—while receiving support that fits their individual needs.
RFT – Regular Full Time
- 35–40 hours per week
- Associates are eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off and retirement plans.
- Ideal for those seeking long-term stability and a comprehensive career path.
RPT – Regular Part Time
- 20–34 hours per week
- Associates receive partial benefits, which may include healthcare options, paid leave and retirement savings.
- Designed for associates who want consistent schedules with flexibility to manage family, school or other responsibilities.
TFT – Temporary Full Time
- 35–40 hours per week for a limited duration.
- Provides steady work and benefits during the temporary assignment.
- Often used to cover seasonal demand or special projects.
TPT – Temporary Part Time
- Fewer than 35 hours per week for a limited duration.
- Designed for associates who need short-term employment or flexible schedules.
- Offers opportunities to gain experience while meeting personal scheduling needs.
INT – Intermittent
- As-needed scheduling with no guaranteed hours.
- Offers the most flexibility for associates who prefer occasional work.
- Great for those looking to supplement income while maintaining other commitments.
Core Pay and Benefits
A comprehensive rewards package that stretches well beyond wages
| Program Feature | What it Means for You |
|---|---|
| Competitive Pay | Market-based wages that reflect your contributions |
| Paid-Time Off | Vacation, sick leave and paid holidays to recharge |
| Health Insurance | Financial protection when you need it most |
| Retirement Plans | Traditional pension and 401(k) savings options |
Federal Holiday Pay at the Exchange
Recognizing Service with Extra Benefits
The Exchange recognizes all U.S. federal holidays. Associates who work on these days are eligible for holiday pay, ensuring that dedication is rewarded while serving the military community.
Federal Holidays with holiday pay eligibility:
| Presidents Day – Third Monday in February | Labor Dar – First Monday in September |
| New Year’s Day – Jan. 1 | Columbus Day – Second Monday in October |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January | Veterans Day – Nov. 11 |
| Memorial Day – Last Monday in May | Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November |
| Juneteenth – June 19 | Christmas Day – Dec. 25 |
| Independence Day – July 4 |
Health Benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Comprehensive healthcare benefits provide peace of mind and financial security. Health and dental insurance are offered along with flexible spending account options, health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements, all designed to support associates and their families.
Comprehensive medical and dental plans are offered to eligible associates. Elected coverage begins on the very first day. Associates and their dependents can access essential care immediately, so they can focus on their role without worrying about gaps in coverage.
With the Exchange’s health benefits, associates get:
- Immediate coverage with no waiting period.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs through FSAs, HSAs and HRAs.
- Employer contributions to stretch healthcare dollars.
- Options for families including dependent care assistance.
- A focus on wellness that supports health today and financial stability tomorrow.
Medical and Dental Coverage
Health and wellness start with access to quality care. The Exchange provides comprehensive medical and dental plans that support preventive, routine and specialized care.
Coverage highlights:
- Health insurance to cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and preventive screenings.
- Dental coverage with preventive, basic and major dental services.
- Day-one eligibility.
- Nationwide access to trusted healthcare providers.
For more details about available health plans, visit www.nafhealthplans.com.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) help associates save money by setting aside pretax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. FSAs reduce taxable income while managing everyday costs.
- Healthcare FSA – Covers eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses such as copays, prescriptions and medical supplies.
- Dependent Care FSA – Helps cover the cost of qualifying daycare, after-school programs or elder care, so associates can balance work and family responsibilities with peace of mind.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) &
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA)
In addition to FSAs, the Exchange also provides Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), both of which include annual employer contributions.
These accounts offer long-term savings advantages and additional support for healthcare costs.
- HSAs – Available with high-deductible health plans, HSAs let associates save pretax dollars for medical expenses while building tax-advantaged savings for the future. Funds roll over from year to year, making HSAs an excellent long-term option.
- HRAs – Funded by the Exchange, HRAs help reduce out-of-pocket costs on eligible medical expenses. Unlike HSAs, associates do not contribute; the Exchange makes contributions on their behalf.
Account Type | Who Contributes | Tax Advantage | Rollover Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSA | Associate (pretax) | Lowers taxable income | Use it or lose it (plan year) | Out-of-pocket medical or daycare costs |
| HSA | Associate + Employer | Pretax savings, tax-free growth | Yes, funds roll over annually | Long-term healthcare savings |
| HRA | Employer only | Employer-funded reimbursement | Varies by plan | Reducing healthcare costs with no associate contribution |
Disability and Life Insurance Benefits for Exchange Associates
Protect your income and your family with the Exchange’s disability insurance and life insurance options. Eligibility, waiting periods and coverage amounts may vary by employment category and plan. Review your official plan documents, visit the Exchange Benefits/HR portal, or contact your local HR office to confirm eligibility, costs and enrollment windows.
Retirement Benefits and Savings Plans
The Exchange is committed to helping associates prepare for a secure retirement. Whether retirement is just a few years away or decades down the road, the Exchange provides associates with the resources to build lasting financial security. By offering both a traditional pension plan and a 401(k) retirement savings plan, the Exchange ensures you have multiple paths to achieve long-term goals.
With automatic enrollment and flexible options, the Exchange’s retirement benefits are designed to help associates succeed.
401(k)
The 401(k) plan gives associates the ability to actively save and invest for retirement while benefiting from tax advantages and potential employer matching contributions. Both regular full-time and part-time associates are automatically enrolled in the plan. Associates may opt out.
Highlights include:
- Automatic enrollment – Start saving immediately.
- Pretax contributions – Reduce taxable income while building retirement savings.
- Investment flexibility – Choose from a variety of funds to match risk tolerance and goals.
- Portable savings – If an associate leaves the Exchange, they can roll their 401(k) into another retirement account.
Why Retirement Benefits at the Exchange Stand Out
Many employers today offer only a 401(k) plan. At the Exchange, associates benefit from the security of a pension plus the flexibility of a 401(k)—a powerful combination that makes retirement planning more achievable.
Together, these benefits provide:
- Immediate enrollment – You’re automatically set up to start saving.
- Employer support – Contributions from the Exchange help grow your retirement income.
- Financial flexibility – Mix of guaranteed income and investment opportunities.
- Confidence in your future – Two retirement programs working together to protect your long-term financial well-being.
The Exchange’s retirement benefits are designed to help associates retire on their terms. By combining the traditional pension plan with the 401(k) savings plan, associates gain both stability and flexibility in planning their future.
Whether you’re just beginning your career or are a long-time associate nearing retirement, the Exchange provides the tools, resources and support to help you achieve a financially secure retirement.
Traditional Pension Plan
A pension plan is a rare and valuable benefit that provides associates with guaranteed retirement income for life. At the Exchange, all newly hired and rehired regular full-time associates are automatically enrolled in the traditional pension plan, ensuring that retirement savings build from day one.
Key features of the Exchange pension plan:
- Lifetime income – Provides a steady, reliable stream of income during retirement.
- Automatic enrollment – No action required for full-time associates to start saving.
- Employer-funded – The Exchange contributes on the associate’s behalf; no deductions are taken from your paycheck.
- Long-term security – Helps ensure retirement income won’t run out, regardless of market fluctuations.
Work-Life Balance & Associate Wellness
The Exchange understands that achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for the well-being of associates and their families. The Exchange provides programs and benefits that allow associates to rest, recharge and take care of personal needs while building a rewarding career.
Vacation and Sick Leave
From the first day of employment, eligible associates begin accruing vacation and sick leave. This ensures that time off is available when it matters most—whether for rest, family commitments or unexpected health needs.
Highlights include:
- Immediate accrual of vacation and sick leave upon hire for eligible employment categories.
- Paid vacation leave.
- Sick leave benefits to cover illness, medical appointments, or caregiving responsibilities.
- Flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
The Exchange’s commitment goes beyond traditional leave policies. By offering immediate access to vacation and sick leave, along with tailored benefits for Veterans, associates have the tools to maintain balance, health and quality of life.
At the Exchange, you’re not just building a career—you’re building a lifestyle that values family, personal well-being and professional growth.
| Benefit Type | Eligibility | Accrual & Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacation Leave | Eligible employment categories (RFT, RPT, TFT, TPT) | Begins accruing immediately upon hire; paid time off for rest, family, or travel | Recharging, family time, vacations |
| Sick Leave | Eligible employment categories (RFT, RPT, TFT, TPT) | Accrues from day one; can be used for illness, medical appointments, or caregiving | Health needs, doctor visits, family care |
| Veteran Leave Benefit | Veterans who did not retire from military service | Enhanced vacation leave accrual based on prior military service | Supporting Veterans’ transition to civilian careers |
Special Leave Benefits for Veterans
The Exchange is where heroes work. For Veterans who did not retire from military service, the Exchange offers enhanced vacation leave accrual policies. This unique benefit acknowledges the sacrifices of honorably discharged Veterans and provides additional support as they transition into civilian careers.
Veteran-specific benefits include:
- Accelerated vacation leave accrual based on military service.
- Recognition of service time in determining leave eligibility.
- A smoother transition into civilian employment with meaningful benefits from day one.
| Recognition / Partnership | Commitment to Veterans |
|---|---|
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) | Supporting career opportunities for military spouses. |
| Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) | Ensuring Guard and Reserve members have supportive civilian careers. |
| Wounded Warrior Project | Hiring and supporting wounded Veterans. |
| Private Public Partnership (P3) with the U.S. Army Reserve | Expanding opportunities for Reservists. |
| Still Serving Veterans | Helping Veterans transition into meaningful post-service careers. |
| Applied Development, LLC | ollaboration to empower Veterans and military families. |
Always Improving
Training and Development for Exchange Associates
At the Exchange, you’ll find career opportunities that truly make a difference to our Nation’s heroes. From retail and restaurants careers to logistics, e-commerce and corporate roles, every position supports military service members and their families. No matter where military life takes them, Team Exchange ensures they have access to the goods, services and support they deserve.