If you’re looking for your first industrial position, you may be wondering, how much should you make in a warehouse job? Understanding the average pay rate is important. It lets you estimate your earnings potential and ensure the compensation offered by an employer feels fair.
While pay rates can vary depending on a range of factors – including workload, shift, location, duties, and experience level – many positions in this field do come in near the average. If you’d like to learn more about what you could earn in a warehouse job, here’s what you need to know.
How Much Does the Average Warehouse Worker Make?
Across the United States, the average warehouse worker earns $16 per hour. For a full-time, 40-hour workweek, that comes out to $33,280 per year.
However, that salary is only part of the picture. First, as you gain experience, you may be eligible for a higher per-hour rate. For example, the top 10 percent of warehouse workers actually earn $20 per hour, bringing their annual salary up to $41,600 per year if they are full-time.
Additionally, this doesn’t account for the value of any benefits. As a full-time, permanent employee, you may be eligible for benefits like medical coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. That brings the value of your total compensation package up, making the positions even more lucrative.
How Much Are Specialized Skills Worth in a Warehouse?
As with any field, specialized skills may boost your earnings potential. In a warehouse environment, one of the clearest examples is being forklift certified.
If you become a warehouse forklift operator, you may see your pay rate go up. In the United States, warehouse forklift drivers earn an average of $18 per hour. That leads to a yearly salary of $37,440 if you’re working 40-hours per week.
Plus, the top 10 percent of warehouse forklift operators actually earn $23 per hour. That brings their annual salary up to $47,840. That’s just one example of how valuable specialized skills can be in a warehouse.
How Much Do Warehouse Supervisors Make?
If your goal is to have a long career working in a warehouse, then you’re in luck. Once you reach the warehouse supervisor level, your pay can increase significantly.
On average, warehouse supervisors earn $63,111 annually. Plus, the top 10 percent actually bring in an average of $80,732 per year. In all of those cases, there’s usually a great benefits package, too, increasing your total compensation.
Additionally, there is still room for growth. In time, you may be able to work your way up into a warehouse manager role. On average, warehouse managers earn $86,633 annually, and the top 10 percent actually bring in $116,683, showing you just how far your career can go.
If you’re ready to get your warehouse career off the ground, the skilled team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our industrial recruiters today and see how our services can make finding the perfect opportunity easier than ever before.
