1

Counter Help Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Branch Counter Sales

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Position Description As a Counter Sales Representative, you will be the first point of contact for ... You'll play a key role in helping customers choose the right materials for their projects while ...

Counter Staff

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$18 - $25.40/hr

And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. Provides support as a member of the Bakery team to include receiving and preparing ...

CNC Machine Helper

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

As a CNC Machine Helper, you'll be part of our Machine Shop team working as an on-site employee ... Perform secondary operations, such as counter bore, drill press, arbor press, deburr, Burgmaster ...

Showing results 41-60

Counter Help information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do counter help jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for counter help in Portland, OR is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is counter help?

Someone in a counter help role works at a fast food restaurant or retail location and takes orders from customers. Your job duties include acting as an attendant, greeting customers when they arrive, ringing up store items at the cash register, and taking payment for the products. The qualifications for this position include a high school diploma, although some employers hire students still attending high school, such as over the summers. A successful counter help possesses a strong work ethic, works well with people, and a has a positive attitude.

What does counter help do?

A Counter Help is responsible for assisting customers at the service counter in establishments such as restaurants, cafes, bakeries, or retail stores. Their duties typically include taking orders, answering questions about products or menu items, handling payments, and sometimes preparing or packaging food and beverages. Counter Help staff play a key role in providing excellent customer service, ensuring orders are accurate, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. Good communication and multitasking skills are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as counter help, and why are they important?

To thrive as Counter Help, you need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, cash registers, and inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and a friendly demeanor help you connect with customers and handle busy environments. These skills ensure efficient transactions, positive customer experiences, and smooth daily operations.

What are some common challenges faced by counter help staff, and how can they be managed effectively?

Counter Help staff often encounter challenges such as managing high customer traffic during peak hours, handling multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining accuracy under pressure. Effective communication and organizational skills are key to staying efficient and ensuring customer satisfaction. Many employers provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, so seeking support from colleagues and staying proactive in learning the menu and systems can make daily tasks more manageable.

What is the difference between Counter Help vs Cashier?

AspectCounter HelpCashier
Primary RoleAssisting customers, stocking shelves, and supporting salesHandling transactions, processing payments, and managing cash register
Required SkillsCustomer service, stocking, basic product knowledgeCash handling, POS operation, customer service
Work EnvironmentRetail counters, stores, supermarketsCheckout lanes, retail stores, supermarkets
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in retail, but Counter Help often includes broader support rolesSpecifically refers to transaction processing at the point of sale

While both roles involve customer interaction in retail settings, Counter Help typically encompasses a broader range of support tasks beyond just processing transactions. Cashiers focus primarily on handling sales and payments at the register. Understanding these differences can help job seekers target the right positions based on their skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Counter Help jobs in Portland, OR?

For Counter Help jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counter Help jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Counter Help jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Counter Help job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,383 per year, or $17 per hour.

Branch Counter Sales

MUTUAL MATERIALS CO

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Mutual Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us

At Mutual Materials, we've been Building Beauty That Lasts for 126 years, and we’re looking for driven individuals like you to help carry on this legacy.

Since the early 1900s, Mutual Materials has been the leading manufacturer and distributor of brick, concrete pavers, and masonry blocks across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. From suburban neighborhoods to bustling downtown skyscrapers, we’ve proudly supplied the communities we call home.

If you’re passionate about creating lasting impressions, eager to learn, and ready to make a difference, we want you on our team. Whether you bring years of experience or are new to the industry, Mutual Materials offers opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to projects that truly stand the test of time.

Don’t hesitate to apply today and become a part of our legacy for the next 126 years!

Position Description

As a Counter Sales Representative, you will be the first point of contact for contractors and walk-in customers—representing our brand, products, and commitment to exceptional service. We manufacture and supply a wide range of hardscape materials, including brick, concrete blocks, pavers, retaining wall systems, and other masonry products. You’ll play a key role in helping customers choose the right materials for their projects while supporting day-to-day operations in our showroom and warehouse.

**We don’t expect you to know everything on day one** We provide full training on all our products, so you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to assist customers effectively and professionally.

You bring the enthusiasm and we will bring you the knowledge!

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide exceptional in-person and phone support to contractors and walk-in customers.

  • Learn and share detailed product knowledge to guide customers toward the right solutions.

  • Prepare sales orders, complete cash/credit transactions, and handle basic data entry.

  • Keep showroom displays, literature, and products organized and fully stocked.

  • Assist occasionally in the warehouse and participate in inventory checks.

  • Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

  • The qualified candidate must have excellent interpersonal written/verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a fast-paced Branch team.
  • Similar work experience and/or experience in the building materials industry is preferred. 
  • This position demands someone with a high level of customer service and the ability to handle multiple priorities is essential. 
  • Familiarity with computers, and strong mathematical skills are required. 
  • Previous experience with masonry products and/or construction practices a plus.
  • Forklift experience a plus.

Benefits

  • Health Benefits
    • Medical/Prescription Coverage
    • Vision Coverage
    • Dental Coverage
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) available, with company contributions.
  • Paid Time Off – Holiday Pay, Sick Pay, and Vacation Time Accrual
    • Paid sick time accrual available after 90 days.
    • Paid vacation time accrual, 40 hours available at 6 months.
    • Paid Holidays – 10 scheduled holidays a year.
  • Life Insurance – $60,000 policy at no cost to the employee
  • Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Life, and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – At no cost to the employee

What Mutual Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom