I use to work in Fabrics at our local H.L. store...they only paid a little over minimum wage when I worked there - I only worked there for the fabric discount!
They didn't pay the managers very much either.
I really enjoyed the job because it a 2nd job and it was something I enjoyed. I always got great fabric discounts and found out what was going to be on sale before the public knew...so I could cut my stash out and have it ready for purchase once the sale began.
We use to get fabric for as much as 90% off at time...I think they discontinued that after I left.