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Goodwill Jobs in Cottage Grove, WI (NOW HIRING)

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$41.2K

$81.6K

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How much do goodwill jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for goodwill in Cottage Grove, WI is $81,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Goodwill employee do?

Goodwill employees work for Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people facing challenges to finding employment. Employees may work in retail stores, donation centers, warehouses, or administrative offices. Their roles can include sorting donations, assisting customers, running cash registers, managing inventory, or supporting job training programs. Goodwill aims to create employment opportunities and strengthen communities through the power of work.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for employees working at Goodwill stores?

Employees at Goodwill stores often have clear paths for career growth, starting with entry-level retail positions and progressing to supervisory or management roles. Goodwill is known for promoting from within and offers training programs to help employees develop leadership and operational skills. Many team members advance to roles such as shift leader, assistant manager, and store manager, while others may transition into specialized positions in logistics, human resources, or vocational training. The organization values dedication and a strong work ethic, making it a supportive environment for professional development.

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

To thrive as a Goodwill Retail Associate, you need basic retail knowledge, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and basic cash handling is important. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and adaptability help associates stand out in a dynamic retail environment. These skills ensure efficient store operations, positive customer experiences, and successful achievement of Goodwill’s mission.

What is the difference between Goodwill vs Retail Associate?

AspectGoodwillRetail Associate
Primary RoleNonprofit thrift store operator, focusing on donations and community servicesSales and customer service in retail stores
Required SkillsCustomer service, donation processing, basic merchandisingCustomer service, sales, inventory management
Work EnvironmentThrift stores, donation centers, community programsRetail stores, shopping floors
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

Goodwill and Retail Associate roles both involve customer service and retail work, but Goodwill operates as a nonprofit organization focusing on donations and community programs, while Retail Associates work in for-profit retail stores primarily handling sales and merchandising.

What cities near Cottage Grove, WI are hiring for Goodwill jobs?

Cities near Cottage Grove, WI with the most Goodwill job openings:

Goodwill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Goodwill job openings in Cottage Grove, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,564 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Warehouse Specialist - Full Time/Part Time - Outlet

Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

At Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin, great work starts with great people. We foster a positive workplace where employees are valued, empowered to grow, and connected to a mission that strengthens our communities.
General Summary: The Warehouse Specialist performs a variety of tasks to process product for resale in the Outlet store or to our aftermarket vendors. This role supports our mission by generating funds to help people in our community to live, work and thrive through housing, employment, and supportive services.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Prepare salvage textiles for resale in outlet, along with removal pulls of unsold merchandise for aftermarkets.
  • Prepare salvage hardlines for resale in outlet, along with removal pulls of unsold items to be resorted for aftermarkets or other disposition.
  • Interacts with shoppers and coworkers in a professional and pleasant manner.
  • Safely operates a trash compactor, tipper, baler, and forklift, including required equipment checks, as needed.
  • Report safety accidents and hazards.
  • Continuously picks up items and places merchandise in appropriate area.
  • Maintain neat, clean, and safe environment by following established 5S principles and safety guidelines.
  • Interacts with shoppers and coworkers in a professional and pleasant manner.
  • May be asked to assist Asset Protection Agents, if 18 or older, to act as witness for shoplifting detentions.
  • Consistently perform all duties within the framework of our Core Values

Requirements
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Ability to be trained to use required equipment, including but not limited to an auto-baler, pallet jacks, hand tools, forklift (requires certification within 90 days), and compactor. Must be 18 years of age to operate the tipper.

Travel Required: None
Required education and/or work experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent, desired.
  • Prior related experience (forklift, computer, light industrial), preferred.

Description of physical working environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the facility, using a full range of motion to lift, push or pull up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to operate equipment, including compactor, tipper, baler, and forklift.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
Goodwill of South Central of Wisconsin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
For a complete position description or questions, please contact Human Resources Recruiter, Hailey Carman, at hcarman@goodwillscwi.org or (608) 852-8425.
Salary Description
$16.00 per hour

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