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Goodwill hikes its minimum wage, is now hiring

Posted at 6:36 PM, Jul 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-19 22:06:22-04

Local Goodwill stores are hiring, and the company is applying San Diego's new minimum wage to all of its workers.

The minimum wage in the city recently increased to $10.50 per hour, but Goodwill workers at stores outside of the city will see that paycheck boost as well.

The company is also looking to hire about 70 recent high school graduates for entry-level jobs that can lead to even bigger paychecks.

Luis Diaz didn't think his job at Goodwill would last very long.

"I thought this was going to be a six-month thing and that I was going to quit and then try to look for another job," he said.

Diaz, 21, is still there -- three years and two promotions later.

"Goodwill gave me the opportunity to move up, and I took that opportunity," he said.

About half of Goodwill's entry-level jobs start at minimum wage, but the extra 50 cents translates to about $1,000 a year for a full-time worker.

Diaz, who has always been full-time, started at Goodwill as a donation center attendant after graduating from high school. He's now a supervisor at one of its retail locations.

"They want (employees) to move up, they want them to have good life here in San Diego, even though it's very expensive to live here," he said.

Diaz said he's still living with his parents, but is contributing to the rent.

He's in community college now, but wants to transfer to San Diego State University and major in finance. Diaz told 10News Goodwill is still part of his future plans, perhaps someday as an accountant, with more pay bumps along the way.

For more information on the jobs available, click here.