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Wash Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$18/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$21/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$20/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Skokie, IL · On-site

$18/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Vernon Hills, IL

$20/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Waterway Carwash

Car Wash - Detailer

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no ...

Jet Brite

Sales Associate - Car Wash

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

If so our, Sales Associate - Car Wash at Jet Brite located at 600 E. Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, is the perfect position for you! You will bring joy to people's journeys by creating a positive and ...

Club Car Wash

Part Time Sales Associate

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Description COMPANY PROFILE Club Car Wash is one of the fastest growing tunnel car wash companies ... Benefitting You As A Sales Associate: * Flexible Scheduling - You undoubtedly have commitments to ...

WASH Laundry

Service Technician, WASH Pros

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

WASH is a company that our customers depend on to keep them going so they can provide valuable ... We may require associates to submit to drug testing after receiving an offer of employment, but ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWash Associate JobsWash Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wash Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do wash associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for wash associate in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wash associate?

Wash Associates are employees responsible for cleaning vehicles, typically at car washes or detailing centers. Their duties may include pre-washing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, and sometimes providing interior cleaning services. They ensure that vehicles are cleaned efficiently and meet quality standards, often working as part of a team. Wash Associates may also interact with customers, handle cleaning equipment, and maintain a safe work environment. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and good customer service skills.

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

To thrive as a Wash Associate, you need strong attention to detail, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow safety and cleaning protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial washers, cleaning agents, and safety equipment is often required. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication are key soft skills for efficiently coordinating with coworkers and maintaining high cleanliness standards. These skills and qualities are important to ensure operational efficiency, workplace safety, and customer satisfaction in cleaning and maintenance environments.

What are some typical challenges a wash associate might face during a shift, and how are they addressed?

Wash Associates often work in fast-paced environments where managing multiple vehicles or laundry loads efficiently can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Dealing with varying levels of cleanliness and different types of stains or debris requires attention to detail and adaptability. Teamwork and clear communication with colleagues are essential for maintaining workflow and meeting quality standards. Most employers provide thorough training and clear protocols to help associates handle these challenges, along with access to supervisors for support when needed.

What is the difference between Wash Associate vs Car Wash Attendant?

FeatureWash AssociateCar Wash Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certifications neededHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certifications needed
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor car wash facilities, often part of auto service centersIndoor and outdoor car wash stations, often at retail locations
Employer & Industry UsageAuto service centers, car dealerships, and car wash chainsCar wash businesses, retail centers, and auto detailing services

Both Wash Associates and Car Wash Attendants perform similar tasks such as cleaning vehicles and maintaining wash stations. The main differences lie in job titles used by employers, but their roles, work environments, and required skills are largely the same. Understanding these similarities can help job seekers find relevant opportunities regardless of the specific title used.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Wash Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Wash Associate job openings:

Wash Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wash Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,796 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Car Wash - Detailer

Waterway Carwash

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Waterway Carwash rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 374 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Overview
Waterway Carwash is looking for Car Wash - Detailers at our Northbrook location! Most part-time jobs are boring. But not at Waterway. As a Car Wash Associate, you don't just clean cars - you get to be active while you work outside with your friends. And every time you work, you get paid. Also, our scheduling is flexible - with no late nights.
The Detailer works as part of a team to efficiently clean the interior and finish the exterior of customer vehicles, and provide outstanding service, ensuring that all customer needs are met and that the customer leaves satisfied with their visit and car wash. The Car Wash Attendant will drive and clean vehicles and assist customers during their visit at various interaction points, including the carwash entrance and finishing stations on the exit lot.
Compensation: Competitive rates and cash tips daily! Average $19 per hour. Our top earners make over $22 per hour.
Location: Waterway Carwash - Northbrook location - 2300 Waukeegan Rd. Northbrook IL, 60062
Why Waterway? Perks and Discounts
  • Flexible scheduling - Daytime, Evening, and Weekend shifts available.
  • Tuition Assistance Program - up to $4,000 a year!
  • Free Car Washes and Gas Discounts.
  • Referral Bonus program.
  • Recognized as a Top Workplace multiple years running.
  • Advancement, Promotion, & Cross-Training Opportunities.

Waterway is proud to be recognized a multi-time USA Today Top Workplace as voted by our team members!
Qualifications
  • Current and valid drivers' license;
  • Professional demeanor, behavior, and appearance in accordance with company policy;
  • Ability to perform all essential functions safely without endangering oneself or others;

Responsibilities
  • Complete all necessary steps to thoroughly clean customer vehicles to a high standard based on wash package selected.
  • Enthusiastically greet customers, assist customers into and out of vehicles, provide clear direction to customers, alert management when cleaning of vehicle is complete.
  • Drive vehicles onto and off conveyor, program wash type and send vehicle; shut off conveyor if obstructions are in the way of moving vehicles in the tunnel; watch traffic flow and be aware of surroundings.
  • Maintain a safe, clean and organized environment year-round to ensure a positive visit for every customer including but not limited to: picking up trash, sweeping and hosing areas visible to customers, pulling weeds, shoveling snow and salting customer areas.
  • Wash and dry towels and carry buckets of towels to stations. Fill and stock cleaning supplies. Dig car wash trench, sweep and hose back rooms / storage rooms as needed. Clean wash equipment, windows, doors, and walls; empty trash cans and vacuum canisters.
  • Follow Waterway policies, procedures, guidance, and instructions, including and especially those related to safety.
  • Various other functions as identified and directed by management.

Physical Requirements
  • Environmental - will work outdoors year-round, and be exposed to wide temperature variations, sunshine, wet weather (rain, snow), humidity, wet surfaces, gasoline and exhaust fumes, machinery and moving parts, and brief exposure to car wash tunnel noise.
  • Physical - periods of extended standing, bending, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, drive vehicles, reach above and below shoulder level. Complete tasks at a fast pace, sustain consistent physical effort, sustain continuous and prolonged standing and movement. Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and maintain a calm and professional disposition in all circumstances.
  • Vision and Hearing - Far and near visual acuity, peripheral vision and depth perception. Hear, understand, and distinguish speech from other sounds (e.g., alarms, horns, vehicles, and equipment).
  • Language - must be able to fluently speak and understand English when communicating with other team members, managers, and customers for business related purposes.
  • Attendance - maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance. Work as assigned schedule which may be irregular and include weekends, extended hours, overtime, and holidays.

EEO Statement
If an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, you may request one by contacting our Recruiting Department (Recruiting@waterway.com). Waterway is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, pregnancy, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship or immigration status, or legally protected status.

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