Warehouse work is great for people looking for a good paying job that doesn’t require a college degree. These positions often pay well and offer great benefits like health insurance, paid time off, holiday and overtime pay, and much more. Below we’ve gathered information about 5 warehouse jobs that pay well.
Forklift Operator
Average pay in 2023: $45,720 (bls.gov)
Forklift operators operate hydraulic forklifts/hi-los, loading and unloading shipments, parts, and materials from trailers. Forklift operators can also use other warehouse tractors to transport goods around a warehouse, especially items stored on pallets. They work in warehouses, storage yards, and other worksites. Forklift operators may perform light maintenance on their machines; they typically ensure all fluid levels are normal and perform a visual inspection on the outside of the forklift. Most warehouses require forklift operators to be certified operators.
Warehouse Associate
Average pay in 2023: $39,760 (bls.gov)
Warehouse associates pick items from the warehouse shelves and pack them. They are often tasked with unloading trucks and sorting/stocking inventory. Associates pick items from the warehouse, pack them, and ship the orders. They also manage bills of ladings, packing slips, and invoices.
Shipping and Receiving Clerks
Average pay in 2023: $42,730 (bls.gov)
Shipping and receiving clerks keep detailed records of what goes in and out of a warehouse. They weigh packages, prepare shipping labels, and inspect returned items for damage. Shipping and receiving clerks make sure the correct items are being shipped by comparing work orders and packing slips. They also work heavily with warehouse management software like NetSuite, Cin7, or Logiwa.
Warehouse Supervisor
Average pay in 2023: $63,840 (bls.gov)
Warehouse supervisors are responsible for enforcing safety rules and regulations within the workplace. They are tasked with planning work for their team, making sure they have the right equipment, and meeting goals set by the company. Warehouse supervisors manage higher-level operations involving shipping and receiving. They control when products come and go, where they go, and ensure the correct volume is sent. Supervisors also talk with customers, other supervisors, and contractors to resolve problems.
Distribution Center Manager
Average pay in 2023: $111,870 (bls.gov)
Distribution Center Managers are responsible for maintaining large supply chains. They are responsible for all the flow in and out of warehouses, all order fulfillment and teams within a warehouse, and making sure everyone adheres to safety and standards compliance. Distribution center managers set goals and budgets for their teams and negotiate with clients and customers. They are tasked with a great amount of responsibility; the average wage mirrors this accurately.
From entry to senior level, warehouse jobs often pay very well. A career in logistics or in distribution often does not require a college degree and offers a lot of upward mobility. If a good-paying job in a warehouse sounds like something you’d like to unpack, search for a warehouse job near you.