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Produce Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prairie Food Co-op

Produce Manager

Lombard, IL

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Help establish and achieve strategic plan goals * Understand and promote our cooperative identity * Achieve and maintain Produce departmental KPI goals including for sales, margin, and superior ...

Prairie Food Co-op

Produce Manager

Lombard, IL · On-site

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Help establish and achieve strategic plan goals * Understand and promote our cooperative identity * Achieve and maintain Produce departmental KPI goals including for sales, margin, and superior ...

Prairie Food Co-op

Produce Manager

Lombard, IL · On-site

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Help establish and achieve strategic plan goals * Understand and promote our cooperative identity * Achieve and maintain Produce departmental KPI goals including for sales, margin, and superior ...

Martin Produce Inc.

Driver Helper

South Holland, IL

$18/hr

OPOSITION TITLE: Driver Helper PURPOSE: The purpose of this position is to be responsible for ... Steel toe boots, Martin Produce Uniform KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Pack and load products ...

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Produce Clerk

Geneva, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Produce Clerk is responsible for keeping the Produce Department stocked and clean during ...

Fresh Thyme

Produce Clerk

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Produce Clerk is responsible for keeping the Produce Department stocked and clean during ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/GM CLERK

Lombard, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Help achieve sales and profit goals established for the department. Embrace the Customer 1st ... Produce experience * Promote trust and respect among associates. * Adhere to all local, state and ...

New

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Produce Clerk

Downers Grove, IL

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Produce Clerk is responsible for keeping the Produce Department stocked and clean during ...

Potash Markets

Produce Department Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Do you get a great feeling of satisfaction helping customers? Would you like your job to prepare ... A Produce Manager must follow these essential responsibilities and duties:Be responsible for ...

Potash Markets

Produce Department Manager

Chicago, IL

$37K - $37K/yr

Do you get a great feeling of satisfaction helping customers? Would you like your job to prepare ... A Produce Manager must follow these essential responsibilities and duties: * Be responsible for ...

Potash Markets

Produce Department Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Do you get a great feeling of satisfaction helping customers? Would you like your job to prepare ... A Produce Manager must follow these essential responsibilities and duties: * Be responsible for ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Produce experience * Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, safety and food safety ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Hoffman Estates, IL

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Lombard, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Produce experience * Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, safety and food safety ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Elmhurst, IL

$15 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Produce experience * Adhere to all local, state and federal laws, safety and food safety ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Westchester, IL

$15 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Crystal Lake, IL

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring ... Inform customers of produce specials * Recommend items to customers to ensure they get the products ...

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All JobsProduce Helper JobsProduce Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Produce Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do produce helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce helper in Chicago, IL is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Produce Helper vs Produce Clerk?

AspectProduce HelperProduce Clerk
CredentialsMinimal; often on-the-job trainingMinimal; may include basic customer service skills
Work EnvironmentBackroom, loading, sortingFront-end, customer interaction, sales
Employer & Industry UsageGrocery stores, supermarketsGrocery stores, supermarkets, specialty food stores
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Produce Helper and a Produce Clerk lies in their roles within the store. Produce Helpers typically work behind the scenes, assisting with loading, sorting, and stocking produce, while Produce Clerks interact directly with customers, helping them select products and managing sales. Both roles are essential in grocery environments, but Produce Clerks usually require more customer service skills and may have slightly more responsibilities in sales and product knowledge.

What are the most common challenges faced by a produce helper, and how can they be addressed?

Produce Helpers often face challenges such as maintaining product freshness, handling heavy loads, and working in cold environments. Staying organized and following proper rotation procedures helps ensure produce quality. Using correct lifting techniques and wearing appropriate clothing can make physical tasks and cold temperatures more manageable. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is key to handling busy periods effectively and ensuring safety and efficiency on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a produce helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Produce Helper, you need basic knowledge of fruit and vegetable handling, attention to cleanliness, and the ability to lift and move products safely, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory systems and point-of-sale (POS) tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management skills help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure that produce sections are well-stocked, fresh, and appealing, leading to customer satisfaction and efficient store operations.

What is a produce helper?

Produce Helpers are grocery store employees who assist in the produce department. Their responsibilities typically include stocking fruits and vegetables, ensuring produce displays are clean and organized, checking for freshness, and helping customers find or select produce items. They may also assist with unloading deliveries and rotating stock to reduce waste. Good customer service and knowledge of different produce types are important skills for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Produce jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Produce jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Produce Helper jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Produce Helper job openings:

Produce Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Produce Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,997 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Produce Manager

Prairie Food Co-op

Lombard, IL

$22.50 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Description

Produce Manager 

DEPARTMENT: 50 - Produce 

REPORTS TO: General Manager

PAY CLASSIFICATION: Hourly non-exempt

LAST UPDATED: May 3rd, 2025

Job Summary

Responsible for selecting, purchasing, pricing, and merchandising Produce products with a focus on local and to meet objectives for sales, margin, inventory turns and customer service.

About Prairie Food Co-op

Prairie Food Co-op is a community-owned and democratically operated grocery store dedicated to strengthening our economy and creating a marketplace for transparently labeled, local, organic and sustainable food.

Essential Job Duties

  • Supervise and manage Produce staff
  • Staffing and scheduling of Produce Department 
  • Model impeccable and admirable leadership qualities, identify and develop leadership qualities in others, support succession planning and provide ongoing staff training/development
  • Help establish and achieve strategic plan goals
  • Understand and promote our cooperative identity 
  • Achieve and maintain Produce departmental KPI goals including for sales, margin, and superior customer service
  • Administrative duties, including ordering, inventory, recruitment, training, performance management, discipline, departmental sales, and other duties as assigned
  • Negotiate with suppliers for favorable prices, terms, quality, and delivery
  • Coordinate sale specials, demos, and utilize available advertising
  • Evaluate suppliers and investigate new sources of supply with a focus on local suppliers/farms

Additional Duties

  • Represent the company when dealing with vendors and local businesses
  • Assist in special projects/duties as assigned by the General Manager


Requirements

Essential Skills

  • Excellent customer service skills for both internal and external customers
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure
  • Ability to effectively delegate tasks, train, and motivate staff
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills
  • Ability to effectively monitor, maintain, and improve staff performance by respectfully and constructively delivering coaching and counseling to staff

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

  • Works independently with limited guidance
  • Performs a variety of tasks independently as dictated by organizational demands
  • Relates information to diverse individuals both orally and in writing
  • Must have good analytical ability and be proficient in math
  • Standing for long periods, bending, walking, reaching, and sitting
  • Ability to climb up and down stepladders and stairs daily
  • Able to lift and carry up 50 lbs. as needed throughout the day

Experience and Educational Requirements

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a Produce Management role or 5 years of applicable experience. 
  • High School Diploma or GED

Other Qualifications

  • Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state & local standards - including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards 
  • Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA & other federal, state and local standards 
  • Compliance with all personnel policies

Important Disclaimer Notice

The job duties, elements and responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. The Co-op does reserve the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other job duties as assigned.

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