Warehouse Job Description
What Is a Warehouse Worker?
A warehouse worker supports the daily operations of a warehouse. As a warehouse employee, you play a key role in the movement and organization of goods within the storage and distribution facility. Your position is essential in supply chains, as you help companies manage inventory and fulfill orders across industries like retail, manufacturing, logistics, and wholesale distribution.
What Does a Warehouse Worker Do?
As a warehouse worker, you load and unload trucks, move products, and store items in the correct locations. You use tools like pallet jacks or forklifts to help with heavy lifting. You check inventory, scan barcodes, and pack orders. You also clean your work area and follow safety rules to keep the warehouse running smoothly.
Warehouse Worker Responsibilities
- Load and unload incoming shipments
- Move goods to proper storage areas
- Operate forklifts and pallet jacks
- Scan barcodes and track inventory
- Pack and label items for shipping
- Follow safety procedures and guidelines
Warehouse Worker
Duties
- Sort products by type or location
- Assemble boxes and shipping containers
- Report damaged or missing inventory
- Restock shelves and storage bins
- Assist with regular inventory counts
- Maintain cleanliness of warehouse aisles
Warehouse Worker Skills, Certification, and Training
Warehouse Worker Skills
To succeed as a warehouse worker, you need a mix of physical ability, mental focus, and teamwork. You should be dependable, alert, and able to handle routine tasks with care. The job also calls for clear communication and the ability to work under pressure. Below are some of the specific skills that help you do well:
- Lifting, carrying, and moving heavy items
- Reading labels and matching product codes
- Using warehouse tools and equipment
- Following safety rules and procedures
- Working with others to meet goals
- Staying organized in busy environments
Warehouse Worker Training
Warehouse worker training helps you learn how to handle tasks safely, work efficiently, and follow company rules. Most training happens on the job, with guidance from supervisors or team leads. Some roles require specific certifications, but many skills are taught through daily work. The goal is to help you stay safe, productive, and prepared for the job. Here are common topics covered in warehouse training:
- Safe lifting and material handling
- Operation of forklifts and pallet jacks
- Inventory tracking and barcode scanning
- Packing and labeling procedures
- Workplace safety and emergency protocols
- Cleanliness and warehouse organization standards
Warehouse Worker Certification
Some jobs require certification, especially if you handle equipment or hazardous materials. Not all roles need formal certification, but having it can improve your chances of getting hired or promoted. Certification is usually earned through short training courses or employer-sponsored programs. Here are examples of certifications you might need:
- OSHA safety certification
- Forklift operator license
- Hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT)
- First aid and CPR training
- Lockout/tagout safety procedures
- Warehouse management system (WMS) training
Warehouse Position Salary and Benefits
Warehouse Job Salary
The average hourly wage for warehouse workers in the United States is approximately $17.89, equating to an annual salary of about $37,838. Entry-level positions typically start around $30,703 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $43,437 annually. Pay can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific employer.
Benefits of a Warehouse Worker Position:
- Steady work with consistent weekly schedules
- Opportunities to earn overtime pay regularly
- On-the-job training with no degree required
- Physical activity helps you stay in shape
- Team-based environment with daily task variety
- Potential to grow into leadership roles
Warehouse Job Interview Questions
You can expect questions about your work habits, physical abilities, and past job experience. Interviewers want to know how you handle tasks, follow directions, and work with others. They may also ask about safety awareness and time management. Clear, honest answers help show that you’re prepared for the job. Here are key questions you may need to answer:
- Can you describe your previous warehouse experience?
- How do you handle repetitive or physical tasks?
- What steps do you take to stay safe?
- How do you manage your time during busy shifts?
- Are you comfortable working in different warehouse roles?
- How do you handle mistakes or missing inventory?
Warehouse Positions We Place
by Industry and Function
Shipping and Receiving
Shipping clerk: Prepares outbound orders by verifying item accuracy, labeling packages, and arranging pickup times with carriers. Tracks shipments to confirm delivery and updates records.
Receiving associate: Unloads incoming deliveries, checks items against purchase orders, inspects for damage, and records inventory into the warehouse system.
Dock worker: Handles the physical loading and unloading of goods at the warehouse dock. Coordinates with drivers and checks all items for quantity and condition.
Inventory Control
Inventory clerk: Maintains accurate stock records by updating inventory systems, conducting regular counts, and reporting discrepancies to supervisors.
Cycle counter: Performs targeted spot counts of inventory in specific areas to verify quantities match system records and identify shrinkage or errors.
Stock controller: Oversees stock movement throughout the warehouse, ensures proper storage, and works closely with purchasing and receiving teams to prevent overstock or shortages.
Equipment Operation
Forklift operator: Uses powered industrial trucks to move heavy pallets between loading docks, storage areas, and production zones. Must follow safety protocols and be certified.
Pallet jack operator: Moves inventory short distances using manual or electric pallet jacks. Supports daily order picking and restocking efforts.
Crane operator: Controls overhead cranes to lift large or heavy products, especially in warehouses dealing with industrial or oversized goods.
Order Fulfillment
Picker: Selects products from warehouse shelves based on order slips or handheld scanners. Accuracy and speed are critical in this role.
Packer: Wraps, boxes, and labels products for shipment. Checks orders for completeness and packs items safely to prevent damage.
Order processor: Verifies customer orders, updates order status in the system, and ensures each order is ready to leave the warehouse on time.
Quality and Safety
Quality control inspector: Inspects incoming and outgoing products for damage, defects, or packing issues. Documents quality findings and reports problems.
Warehouse safety coordinator: Conducts safety checks, trains staff on safe work practices, and responds to any incidents or hazards on site.
Returns associate: Processes returned goods by inspecting items, restocking undamaged products, and coordinating with customer service for replacements or refunds.
Supervision and Logistics
Warehouse supervisor: Manages a team of workers, assigns daily tasks, ensures goals are met, and handles minor employee issues or scheduling conflicts.
Logistics coordinator: Plans the movement of goods in and out of the warehouse, tracks shipments, and communicates with carriers and suppliers.
Warehouse manager: Oversees all warehouse functions, from staffing and budgeting to performance tracking and compliance with company policies.
Looking for Warehouse Jobs?
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, explore our current warehouse job openings. We offer competitive pay, depending on experience. Begin your career as a warehouse worker today!
Looking to Recruit Warehouse Workers?
Finding skilled warehouse staff is essential to maintaining smooth operations on your job site. Partner with us to connect with qualified candidates who can ensure you meet your daily workflow, contribute to your bottom line, and adhere to all compliance and safety regulations.
