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Student Retail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsStudent Retail JobsStudent Retail Jobs in California

Student Retail information

See California salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do student retail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for student retail in California is $15.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student retail job?

Student retail jobs are part-time or temporary positions in retail environments, such as shops, supermarkets, or malls, that are specifically suitable for students. These jobs often involve tasks like stocking shelves, assisting customers, operating the cash register, and maintaining store cleanliness. They offer flexible hours to accommodate class schedules and provide students with valuable work experience, customer service skills, and extra income while studying.

What are some common challenges student retail employees face, and how can they be managed?

Student retail employees often juggle their work schedule with academic commitments, which can lead to time management challenges. Additionally, learning to handle difficult customers and adapting quickly to fast-paced environments can be demanding. Many employers offer flexible shifts and on-the-job training to help students succeed. Open communication with supervisors about scheduling needs and seeking support from experienced colleagues can make the role more manageable and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student retail associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Retail Associate, you generally need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, and a willingness to learn, with most roles requiring only a high school diploma or current student status. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management software is commonly expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and time management help individuals stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for delivering positive customer experiences, efficiently handling transactions, and contributing to the smooth operation of the retail environment.

What is the difference between Student Retail vs Retail Associate?

AspectStudent Retail
Required CredentialsNone or minimal; often high school diploma or ongoing education
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, flexible hours, part-time
Employer & Industry UsageRetail companies hiring students for part-time roles
Common Search & ComparisonStudents comparing entry-level retail jobs with other part-time roles

Student Retail positions are typically entry-level, part-time roles designed for students balancing work and education. Retail Associate roles are similar but may require more experience or specific skills. Both roles are common in retail environments, offering flexible hours for students. The main difference lies in the experience level and expectations, with Student Retail often being more accessible for those new to retail work.

What cities in California are hiring for Student Retail jobs?

Cities in California with the most Student Retail job openings:

Student Retail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Retail job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,379 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Residential Dining Student Assistant

Associated Students of CSU, Chico

Chico, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Associated Students (AS) is a comprehensive campus auxiliary corporation of CSU, Chico serving thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members through myriad student programs, services and business enterprises. AS operates residential and retail dining services, the Bell Memorial Union (BMU), and the Wildcat Recreation Center (WREC). Additionally, the AS offers a wide variety of services and programs such as: CAVE (Community Action Volunteers in Education), the Child Development Lab, Adventure Outings, Operation Programs and Services (OPS), Sustainability and student government.

Tuesday 10am-3pm Availability Strongly Preferred

Associated Students is now hiring for the position of Residential Dining Student Assistant for fall semester, 2026. This is a part-time, non-benefited student position that will work no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. The pay rate is $16.90per hour. The schedule for this position is based upon department needs and is subject to change at any time. To be eligible for student employment, you must be enrolled at CSU, Chico and maintain at least 6 units (undergraduate student) or 4 units (graduate student) throughout the course of employment. Before submitting your application and resume, please review both carefully for accuracy and completeness. Attention to detail is important. Poor grammar, spelling errors, and/or incomplete fields may adversely affect consideration of your application for employment.

In support of campus-wide efforts, the AS is committed to recruiting and hiring candidates who demonstrate and embrace our corporate values and strategic priorities. We take a culturally-informed approach to all our processes related to employee relationships. We provide timely and intentional opportunities to increase our commitment to inclusivity within the Associated Students and actively support University-wide diversity initiatives. Successful candidates are those of variable abilities who will work to advance policies and practices that will strengthen our organizational culture.

IMPORTANT: If you are selected for hire, please be prepared to complete all new employee documents including the Form W-4 and Form I-9*. The Form I-9 will require original documents as defined on page 3 of the form found here. In order to be hired, you must provide one item from list A OR one item from list B AND list C. If you are unsure what to bring, please call AS Human Resources at 530-898-4385 or visit the USCIS Website:https://www.uscis.gov/i-9.

*Non-resident students: Students with an F-1 visa will need to provide additional documentation and obtain a Social Security Number. If hired, the area supervisor will provide more information.

Dining Services Student Assistant

SUMMARY

The Dining Services Student Assistant is an entry level food service position with responsibility to assist in the preparation, cooking, and serving of foods by performing a variety of routine food-prep tasks and service duties. The position may be assigned to one or more service and/or production areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Prepares and/or serves food as directed.
  • Follows food safety guidelines and handling requirements.
  • Maintains a clean, sanitary, safe, and secure working area.
  • Sets up service/preparation areas as assigned.
  • Cleans and replenishes the service/preparation areas, dining room, and dishwashing areas during and after service.
  • Follows all AS Dining Services food and work safety standards, operating procedures and policies are followed at all times. Notifies supervisors in the event of a violation.
  • Provides high quality service to customers; assists in meeting the department's customer service objectives.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO

Depends on location of assignment: Residential Dining Manager, Residential Assistant Manager, Retail Manager, Coffee Shop Supervisor, Catering Manager, or Convenience Store Supervisor. Student Assistants' daily work will also be directed by Student Supervisors, and other Career Staff, including Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisors, Cooks and Service Supervisors.

SUPERVISES

None

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a food service/kitchen environment; exposure to heat, steam, and moisture is a given; continuous contact with staff, campus community, and public.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to stand and walk for duration of shift; lift and move objects weighing up to 25lbs; possess manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; verbal communication; use of food service equipment (i.e. knives, tongs, spatulas, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

  • Basic Customer Service Standards
  • Ability to obtain a California Food Handlers card within 30 days of hire

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

No previous experience necessary.

Currently enrolled in 6 units for undergraduate or 4 units as a graduate at California State University, Chico.

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