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Goodwill Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Goodwill information

See Madison, WI salary details

$43.8K

$86.8K

$123.9K

How much do goodwill jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for goodwill in Madison, WI is $86,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $104,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does Goodwill not take for donations?

Goodwill typically does not accept hazardous materials, large appliances, furniture with stains or damage, or items that are broken or unsafe. They also do not accept used mattresses, car seats, or items that do not meet safety standards. Donors should ensure items are clean and in good condition before donating.

Does Goodwill wash clothes before putting them out?

Goodwill employees typically do not wash clothing before putting it out for sale. Items are usually sorted, inspected, and priced, but washing is generally not part of the process unless specified or requested. Workers may clean or spot-treat items if necessary, depending on store policies and available resources.

What are Goodwill employees and what do they 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 do they mean by Goodwill?

In a job context, Goodwill typically refers to the nonprofit organization that operates thrift stores and provides job training and employment services. Working for Goodwill may involve retail, customer service, or warehouse tasks, often requiring teamwork and basic skills. The term can also refer to the positive reputation or value a company has beyond its tangible assets, but in employment, it most commonly relates to the organization itself.

Is Goodwill a good place to donate books?

Goodwill is a reputable organization that accepts book donations to support its job training and community programs. Donating books to Goodwill helps fund their services and provides affordable items to the community. It is a common and convenient option for donating used books.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI? For Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Goodwill jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Goodwill job openings:
Goodwill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Goodwill job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,775 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Team Member

Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago

Janesville, WI • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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!
Do you want your career to have a purpose? Here at Goodwill, your work changes the lives of people with barriers to employment. You can make a difference! Goodwill is a fun place to work that gives you opportunities to learn and grow through cross training and advancement opportunities. In addition to working for an organization with a fulfilling mission, Goodwill offers you great benefits and opportunities to develop strong customer service skills.
Production:
Are you goal-oriented and do you love to be challenged? If so, we want you to work with us. Our Production Associates support the Goodwill Mission by pricing the donations that are then sold on the sales floor. They are challenged to achieve their pricing goals and strategically price donations according to our pricing guidelines to maximize the amount of money that goes to our mission. In our production area, you never know what you may come across! It's like discovering
something new every day! By maintaining an efficient flow of donations, Production Associates help ensure a smooth customer service experience on the sales floor.
Donation Attendant:
Do you love a fast-paced work environment and working with a fun team? If so, we want you to work with us! Our Donation Attendants support the Goodwill Mission by greeting and thanking donors while carefully accepting their donations. They also help keep the production area organized by sorting donations as they come in, and they play a crucial role in delivering excellent customer service to donors and team members alike.
Sales Floor Associates:
If you love building relationships with customers and helping them with their hunt for the perfect thing, we want you to work with us! Our Sales Floor Associates support the mission by organizing our sales floor and making it easy for customers to find what they're looking for. They also serve as ambassadors for Goodwill by providing outstanding customer service and answering any questions that customers may have about Goodwill or our donations. Customer service is at the heart of everything they do, from helping customers navigate the store to ensuring a pleasant shopping experience.
Cashier:
Do you have a passion for customer service and enjoy working with a fun team? If so, we want you to work with us! Our cashiers support the Goodwill mission by building relationships with customers, accurately ringing up sales transactions, and letting our customers know how their purchases are helping someone get a job. Customer service excellence is key in this role, ensuring every customer leaves with a positive impression of Goodwill.
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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