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Goodwill Store Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Goodwill San Francisco Bay

Store Manager

Chicago, IL

Drives retail business operations at a Retail Store location for Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay, to help fund the Goodwill mission of ending unemployment. Responsible for entire store production ...

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Goodwill Store information

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$11

$23

$36

How much do goodwill store jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for goodwill store in Chicago, IL is $23.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a Goodwill Store, and how can they be addressed?

Employees at a Goodwill Store often face challenges such as managing a high volume of donated items, maintaining organization on the sales floor, and assisting a diverse range of customers. Efficient teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues are essential in overcoming these challenges. Employees can also benefit from developing strong multitasking and problem-solving skills, as well as embracing the store's mission-driven environment to stay motivated and engaged.

What is a Goodwill Store?

A Goodwill Store is a retail outlet operated by Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit organization. These stores sell donated items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and household goods at affordable prices. The revenue generated supports community programs, including job training and employment services for people facing barriers to employment. Shopping or donating at Goodwill helps fund these local initiatives and promotes sustainability by giving items a second life.

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

To thrive as a Goodwill Store Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic math proficiency, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and cash handling procedures is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help associates excel in a fast-paced retail environment. These abilities are essential to deliver excellent service, maintain efficient store operations, and support Goodwill’s mission.

What is the difference between Goodwill Store vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwill StoreRetail Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic customer service skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent, customer service experience
Work EnvironmentRetail setting, donation processing, sales floorRetail environment, assisting customers, stocking shelves
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit thrift stores, retail industryFor-profit retail stores, retail industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level retail roles in nonprofit settingsCommon retail job, but less frequently compared to nonprofit stores

Goodwill Store employees typically focus on donation processing and supporting a nonprofit mission, while Retail Associates work in for-profit retail settings handling sales and customer service. Both roles require similar skills but differ mainly in employer type and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL? For Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill Store jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Goodwill Store jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Goodwill Store job openings:
Goodwill Store jobs near you
Infographic showing various Goodwill Store job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,047 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Outlet Store Associate

Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago

Romeoville, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Starting rate at $15.00 per hour!
Ask about our Employee Referral Program for more details on how to earn $250 or more per referral. We are looking for more amazing talent to grow our teams, just like you!
The Sales Associate Store is responsible for providing professional and courteous service to our customers by assisting them on the sales floor. This position maintains our store environment with prompt and accurate product placement, merchandising and salvage.
RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL:
Contribute to the Goodwill Mission by providing professional and courteous service to our customers by assisting them on the sales floor. Maintain our store environment with prompt and accurate product placement, merchandising and salvage.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
1. Efficiently salvages, recovers, stocks and merchandises product following store environment standards.
2. Effectively monitors product, while servicing customers with fitting rooms or locked cases.
3. Communicates to store management about any issues with merchandise levels or merchandising standards, need for supplies and suggests ideas for process improvement.
4. Places product and supplies in the correct area according to store environment standards.
5. Consistently provides exceptional customer service answering questions and alerting management with customer concerns or when customers need additional support.
6. Is familiar with Goodwill's store promotions and services to effectively answer inquiries and offer information about Goodwill to customers.
7. Maintain the store environment standards to ensure a clean, friendly and safe environment for all internal & external customers.
8. Other duties as assigned.
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago is a people-driven organization. As the largest Goodwill in the world, we are nearly 6,000 employees strong and growing. You want more from your work; you want a sense of fulfillment. You want a career with opportunities, not just a job. You want Goodwill, where the power of work and exceptional customer service can transform your life and the lives of others.
Amazing Reasons
  • Flexible scheduling so you can have a life.
  • No extended hours for the holiday season so you are able to enjoy time with your family and friends!
  • Career growth opportunities through our specialized training and development, including customer service training.
  • A guaranteed ten thousand steps to keep you active and healthy!
  • 20% store discount on purchases
  • Early access to your wages
  • Never the same day (or the same donation) twice!
  • Once hired, refer your friends to add more money to your pocket after they complete their probationary period!
Requirements
  • One year of customer service, retail, or production experience is preferred.
  • Must be able to stand, bend, and reach for the duration of your shift while maintaining a
    customer service mindset.
  • Donation Attendants must be able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 pounds and
    maintain customer service standards when interacting with donors.

When determining placement within the salary range for this position Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands and other qualifying criteria. It is not typical for individuals to be hired at or near the top of the rage for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on facts and circumstances of each case.
Certain roles are eligible to participate in an incentive plan. Participation in this plan does not guarantee an incentive payment and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan, which are subject to change.
In addition to compensation, we offer a competitive benefit program that may include medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off (PTO) and more. The specifics of each benefit package will vary depending on factors such as full or part time jobs, contracted, temporary, or other job categories.
Equal Opportunity Employer
(SEW)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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