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Goodwill Material Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Goodwill Material Handler information

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$11

$18

$24

How much do goodwill material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for goodwill material handler in the United States is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Goodwill Material Handlers?

Goodwill Material Handlers are employees responsible for receiving, sorting, and organizing donated goods at Goodwill locations. They unload donations, inspect items for quality, and prepare merchandise for the sales floor or recycling. Material Handlers play a key role in ensuring donations are processed efficiently and safely, helping to support Goodwill's mission of providing job training and employment services through store proceeds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Goodwill Material Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Goodwill Material Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic organizational skills, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse equipment, inventory tracking systems, and safety procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you excel in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. These abilities ensure efficient donation processing, maintain workplace safety, and provide positive experiences for both donors and coworkers.

What are some typical challenges Goodwill Material Handlers face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Goodwill Material Handlers often encounter challenges such as handling heavy, bulky, or irregularly shaped donations, maintaining safety and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, and sorting large volumes of items quickly. To manage these challenges, handlers are encouraged to use proper lifting techniques, collaborate closely with team members, and stay organized to ensure smooth workflow. Open communication with supervisors and ongoing training in safety procedures also help create a supportive work environment and reduce the risk of injury.

What is the difference between Goodwill Material Handler vs Goodwill Warehouse Associate?

AspectGoodwill Material HandlerGoodwill Warehouse Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesLoading, unloading, and moving donations and inventoryAssisting with inventory management and order fulfillment
Required SkillsPhysical stamina, basic forklift or equipment operationOrganizational skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, donation centersWarehouse, retail stores
CertificationsForklift certification often preferredNone typically required

The Goodwill Material Handler primarily focuses on physically moving donations and inventory within warehouse settings, often requiring equipment operation skills. In contrast, the Goodwill Warehouse Associate may handle inventory organization and assist with store operations. Both roles are essential in the donation and retail process, but they differ in specific duties and skill requirements.

More about Goodwill Material Handler jobs
What cities are hiring for Goodwill Material Handler jobs? Cities with the most Goodwill Material Handler job openings:
What states have the most Goodwill Material Handler jobs? States with the most job openings for Goodwill Material Handler jobs include:
Infographic showing various Goodwill Material Handler job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,886 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Material Handler

$13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Goodwill Industries Of Kentucky rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

644th of 679 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is looking for a high energy, positive attitude, team-minded Material Handler to join our team! This position is essential for the success of our retail store operation. The ideal candidate will support our core values of respect, excellence and integrity with a focus on great customer service. If you are looking for an opportunity that allows you to reach new goals while helping other’s in your community, the Material Handler opportunity is for you!

Our retail operation is an important part of who we are and what we do. It fuels our good work across the Kentucky Bluegrass, generating revenue for programs and services while providing job opportunities to many of who face limited options. Every role within our retail operations helps us further our mission of empowering people to increase the dignity and independence that comes with earning a paycheck and achieving self-sufficiency.

Pay: $13.00 / hour

Job- Type: Full-time

Shift A: 8:30am – 5:00pm- Five 8hr days

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Essential Duties and Tasks:

  • Assist each donor or Goodwill transportation staff with unloading donations from donor vehicles or store trucks using rolling carts or dollies, as necessary.
  • Maintains a positive shopping experience by providing excellent customer service.
  • Perform basic housekeeping duties to keep cleanliness of the store and donation area.
  • Follows all Company policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

  • No education
  • 1 year of production experience preferred

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to lift/carry 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, push, pull, lift, carry, and walk about the store.

Benefits:

  • 403(b) Plan
  • Company 403(b) Matching Contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Generous Vacation Time & 8 Paid Holidays
  • Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance
  • Free career coaching, including financial training and digital literacy
  • Flexible schedule
  • Access to our Goodwill Cars to Work program
  • Mission-centric career

When we say mission-centric career, what do we mean? When you work at Goodwill, you work to help fund employment programs for Kentuckians who have disabilities or other challenges to entering the workforce. You get paid, but you also help your neighbors in need!

Have a background challenge? That’s OK, too! Goodwill is a proud second-chance employer. 


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