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Associate Employee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Am Law top 10 and one of the world's most elite law firms seeks a highly qualified associate to join their Employee Benefits group. The ideal candidate would have 1-4 years of full-time experience ...

Role Overview and Core Responsibilities This role exists to provide day-to-day employee relations support and guidance to managers and associates, helping foster a positive, compliant, and high ...

Role Overview and Core Responsibilities This role exists to provide day-to-day employee relations support and guidance to managers and associates, helping foster a positive, compliant, and high ...

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft Protection * Pet Insurance * Commuter Benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Flexible Spending ...

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft Protection * Pet Insurance * Commuter Benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Flexible Spending ...

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft Protection * Pet Insurance * Commuter Benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Flexible Spending ...

Retail Employee

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$20/hr

For our full-time associates, we offer even more: * Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance ... Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the ...

Retail Employee

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$20/hr

The Retail Employee / Project Specialist is responsible for performing a range of duties that ... For our full-time associates, we offer even more: * Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance ...

Retail Employee

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.60/hr

For our full-time associates, we offer even more: * Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance ... Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the ...

The Retail Employee / Project Specialist is responsible for performing a range of duties that ... For our full-time associates, we offer even more: * Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Employee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do associate employee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate employee in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an associate employee typically collaborate with other team members in a corporate environment?

As an Associate Employee, you will often work closely with colleagues from your immediate team as well as other departments to achieve project goals and daily objectives. Collaboration might include participating in team meetings, sharing updates, and working on cross-functional projects under the guidance of supervisors or team leads. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from more experienced team members are essential for success in this role. These collaborative experiences not only help you complete your tasks efficiently but also provide valuable learning opportunities and exposure to different parts of the organization.

What is the difference between Associate Employee vs Junior Staff?

AspectAssociate EmployeeJunior Staff
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; entry-level position
Work EnvironmentOffice, retail, or industrial settings; varies by industrySimilar environments; often in entry-level roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommon across many industries including retail, healthcare, and corporateWidely used in retail, hospitality, and administrative sectors
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and responsibilitiesClarifying job level and career progression

The main difference between an Associate Employee and Junior Staff lies in their job titles' typical usage and responsibilities. Associate Employees often hold slightly more specialized or responsible roles, while Junior Staff are usually entry-level positions. Both roles are common in various industries and require similar basic credentials, but the Associate Employee title may imply a higher level of experience or responsibility depending on the employer.

What is an associate employee?

An Associate Employee is typically an entry-level or mid-level worker within a company who performs various tasks to support the organization's operations. The term 'associate' is often used to denote someone who is not in a supervisory or managerial role but plays a vital part in day-to-day business activities. Responsibilities can vary widely depending on the industry and specific job, ranging from customer service and sales to administrative duties. Associate Employees usually work as part of a team and report to a supervisor or manager. This position often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced roles within the company.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an associate employee?

To thrive as an Associate Employee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational skills, and basic proficiency in office or operational tasks. Familiarity with productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and sometimes point-of-sale systems or internal databases, is commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure smooth day-to-day operations and effective collaboration within the team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Employee jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Employee jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Employee jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Employee job openings:

Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$225K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits Associate with 1–4 years of experience to join a premier Employee Benefits and ERISA practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for attorneys interested in advising clients on complex employee benefits, retirement plans, healthcare compliance, and benefits-related aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings.

The ideal candidate will have experience with ERISA and employee benefits matters and a strong interest in developing deep subject matter expertise in this highly specialized and growing area of law.

Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on ERISA and employee benefits compliance matters
  • Counsel employers regarding qualified retirement plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements
  • Support mergers, acquisitions, private equity transactions, restructurings, and other corporate transactions involving employee benefits issues
  • Conduct benefits-related due diligence and assist with transaction structuring
  • Analyze and advise on retirement plan, healthcare, and employee benefit compliance matters
  • Draft and review benefits-related plan documents, agreements, and compliance materials
  • Collaborate with attorneys across corporate, tax, labor, restructuring, and executive compensation practices
Qualifications
  • 1–4 years of experience in ERISA, employee benefits, tax, labor and employment, or related practice areas
  • Experience with qualified plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and ACA compliance preferred
  • M&A and/or restructuring experience involving employee benefits issues is strongly preferred
  • Background in related areas such as tax, labor, benefits consulting, or accounting will be considered
  • Executive compensation experience is helpful but not required
  • Excellent analytical, research, drafting, and communication skills
  • Outstanding academic credentials and attention to detail
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary range: $225,000 – $310,000
  • Competitive bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Retirement and savings plan options
  • Opportunity to work alongside leading ERISA and employee benefits attorneys on sophisticated transactional and compliance matters

This opportunity offers exceptional training, mentorship, and the ability to develop specialized expertise in one of the most technically sophisticated and in-demand areas of legal practice.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through Direct Counsel.