1

Warehouse Returns Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Shipping-Receiving

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

... warehouse and production operations. * Investigate and resolve shipment discrepancies, damage, shortages, returns, and RMA transactions while maintaining accurate documentation. * Support operational ...

Shipping-Receiving

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

... warehouse and production operations. * Investigate and resolve shipment discrepancies, damage, shortages, returns, and RMA transactions while maintaining accurate documentation. * Support operational ...

Provide a positive customer service experience that makes customers want to return to on-line ... Any experience as a personal shopper or in a production oriented or warehouse environment, stocking ...

Online Grocery Pick-Up Clerk

Monona, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Provide a positive customer service experience that makes customers want to return to on-line ... Any experience as a personal shopper or in a production oriented or warehouse environment, stocking ...

Showing results 21-40

Warehouse Returns Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do warehouse returns associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for warehouse returns associate in Madison, WI is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a warehouse returns associate do?

A Warehouse Returns Associate is responsible for handling returned merchandise in a warehouse setting. Their duties typically include inspecting returned items, processing refunds or exchanges, restocking products, and ensuring that inventory records are updated accurately. They also communicate with other warehouse staff and sometimes with customers to resolve issues related to returns. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are important in this role, as is the ability to use inventory management systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a warehouse returns associate?

To thrive as a Warehouse Returns Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with warehouse operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and inventory tracking software is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate processing of returned goods, efficient workflow, and minimized inventory errors, which are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and smooth warehouse operations.

What are the typical challenges faced by a warehouse returns associate and how can they be managed effectively?

Warehouse Returns Associates often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of returned merchandise, ensuring accurate inspection and sorting of items, and keeping up with rapid changes in inventory. Managing these effectively requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with warehouse management systems. Team collaboration is essential, as Associates frequently coordinate with inventory control, customer service, and shipping departments to resolve discrepancies and ensure returned items are processed efficiently.

What is the difference between Warehouse Returns Associate vs Warehouse Inventory Clerk?

AspectWarehouse Returns AssociateWarehouse Inventory Clerk
Primary RoleHandling returned goods, inspecting, and processing returnsManaging inventory levels, recording stock data, and maintaining inventory records
Required SkillsAttention to detail, organization, basic computer skillsData entry, inventory management, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentWarehouse setting, handling returns and damaged goodsWarehouse or stockroom, focusing on inventory accuracy
Common CertificationsNone typically required, basic warehouse safety trainingNone typically required, inventory management software familiarity

While both roles operate within warehouse environments and require organizational skills, the Warehouse Returns Associate focuses on processing returned items and inspecting goods, whereas the Warehouse Inventory Clerk manages stock levels and maintains inventory records. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and career goals.

Infographic showing various Warehouse Returns Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,277 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Loss Prevention Clerk

Verona, WI • On-site


Costco Wholesale Corporation
Retail • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,928 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description


California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist. The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary
Protects company assets from internal and external theft. Reviews individual warehouse inventory numbers and assists in creating / executing a plan of action to reduce shrink. Is familiar with various facets of operation that contribute to shrink and participates in instruction and training with affected employees. Observes and reports potential safety and security hazards. Investigates, detains suspects, completes reports, cooperates with local law enforcement, and testifies in court if necessary. Reports directly to the Warehouse Manager. Provides a high level of member service.
Job Duties
  • Walks the warehouse and perimeter up to 8 hours a day to monitor safety and security concerns. Pushes cart with merchandise and returns items to the floor. Maintains anonymity by shopping amongst members.
  • Follows and maintains knowledge of Costco procedures and applicable laws in performance of duties. Attends meetings and seminars regarding loss prevention.
  • Observes, detects, and investigates internal and external theft threats as well as safety concerns. Retrieves stolen items which shoplifters have concealed; may need to move product to access stolen items.
  • Detains and interviews shoplifters when warranted. Reports potential internal theft situations to the warehouse manager.
  • Prepares reports for internal use and for potential prosecution. Enters cases into case management system Nettrack.
  • Maintains evidence collected and reports files from investigations.
  • Testifies in court concerning theft investigations.
  • Communicates with other area Costco Loss Prevention Clerks and Security people of area businesses to exchange information about current, local theft threats.
  • Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery.
  • Assists with department duties as necessary.
  • Assists in other departments of the warehouse as necessary.

For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.
Apart from any religious or disability considerations, open availability is needed to meet the needs of the business. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Job Description Posting Updated: July 2026 Job Code: 0540

Costco logo

About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983


What Costco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom