List of 14 Different Warehouse Jobs

Warehouses can be a little mysterious: They’re not places most people have seen until they begin working in one. And, because one fulfillment center can look so different from the next, it’s understandable to wonder what kind of jobs there are.

Here's a list of some of the most popular jobs you can find at a warehouse, and a description of what you might do. The best part about nearly all of these roles? There is no experience required unless noted—just apply for your warehouse job now!

Types of Warehouse Jobs

Shopper Team Member: Technically, you’re outside of the warehouse and inside of a store, preparing orders for customers by getting the requested items from shelves. Several companies hire for this popular position, each with their own twist, including Amazon and Walmart.
Inventory Picker: Here, you’ll do similar work to the shopper team member, but you’re inside a warehouse. Depending on the kind of warehouse you’re in, this may include working with finished products, or working with parts and ingredients for products being made. This is a physically demanding job, and you may be required to lift 50+ pounds in many cases.
Warehouse Packer: A warehouse packer is responsible for packing orders quickly and accurately, while considering safety procedures and organization.
Packing Associate: This is some sharp-eyed, focused work at many warehouses: You’ll be responsible for checking the packing list twice to make sure the inventory was correctly pulled and it all makes it inside the order.
Sorting Associate: You will be the gatekeeper of incoming packages. Open packaging, compare items to the invoice, handle missing/additional material per company policy, and sort the items for shelving. You may have a station at a conveyor belt, or you may be on the move.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk: View and print incoming order invoices, packing slips, and create postage and mailing labels for shipping. When doing receiving tasks, you may be keeping records, inspecting incoming items, and watching inventory.
Forklift Driver: Your work will take you all over the warehouse, moving pallets and loading trailers. Even though you’re sitting for most of the day, your brain will need to remain active and alert. Safety is key, and it will be up to you to figure out the best placements for pallets and bins when loading. Train in 1-2 days! Learn more about certification.
Material Handler: There can be some overlap between several roles in a warehouse, and this position is no different. Material handlers work heavily with inventory: moving it, storing it, recording product locations. You may be operating a forklift to arrange crates, wrapping pallets, or even get trained to operate a crane.
Stocking Associate: If you’re into keeping things tidy, organized, and in order, you may enjoy this role a lot. You might alert inventory associates of low product levels before it becomes a problem for packers. Your trigger finger may get the biggest workout—handheld RF scanners are key to your job—but you still should be prepared to bend frequently as well as lift heavy objects.
Machine Operator: Warehouses thrive when the automated and manual machines, conveyor belts, and weighing equipment are set up and working properly. But even the best equipment malfunctions, which can slow or stop the supply chain. You’ll be the one to monitor the daily operations of these systems.
Warehouse Inventory Manager: Many warehouses like to promote from within, so while you’d possibly need previous experience for this position, you could gain it quickly in one of the above roles. Inventory managers oversee both the inventory and the inventory associates. Hire, train, create schedules, and order stock.
Distribution Center Manager: This position will often require at least one year of similar experience. You’ll oversee a portion of the warehouse with your work focused on the incoming and outgoing shipments. You’ll track and maintain budgets, work on vendor contracts, and arrange safety training practices.
Administrative Support Associate: It’s not all pallet racks, conveyor belts, and cardboard boxes in a warehouse; there are offices that need your talent, too! Answer calls, print documents, keep track of paperwork, and perform other office-related responsibilities.
Warehouse Manager: As a warehouse manager, you’ll oversee daily operations of your warehouse. Delegation or authority will be an important part of your work, and you'll measure and track metrics throughout the warehouse.

Find a warehouse job near you.