Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of warehouse associates that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of warehouse associates:
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Warehouse Specialist is the highest-paid type of warehouse associate with an average salary of $35,015 and an average hourly rate of $16.83.
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The second highest-paying type of warehouse associate is warehouse technician, with an average salary of $34,985.
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The average warehouse associate salary is $32,863 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.80.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a warehouse associate, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of warehouse associates are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of warehouse associates:
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Warehouse Specialist
Average Salary: $35,015
A warehouse specialist is someone who manages the daily procedures and functions of the warehouse efficiently and effectively. Their services are often needed in shipping docks, airports, and other industry warehouses. The specialist’s primary responsibilities include supervising the shipping and receiving of materials and products, organizing the storage area, and monitoring the inventory. Candidates for the job must have strong knowledge in inventory control systems, able to multi-task, be physically fit, and able to safely operate warehouse machinery.
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Warehouse Technician
Average Salary: $34,985
A warehouse technician is responsible for monitoring the incoming and outgoing goods and services in the warehouse or distribution centers. Warehouse technicians verify shipment details, assist with packaging items, move merchandise to storage areas, inspect the quality of items for release, and escalate defective products for immediate replacement. They also operate various warehouse equipment and machinery, conduct maintenance repairs, and loading and unloading items from the delivery trucks. A warehouse technician must have excellent time-management and organizational skills, especially on processing orders and creating reports for inventory receipts.
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Warehouse Coordinator
Average Salary: $34,095
A warehouse coordinator is responsible for monitoring the supply and distribution operations of a warehouse, loading and unloading merchandise from the delivery trucks, and storing items appropriately on the facility. Warehouse coordinators assist in packing and labeling items, pulling out products from delivery, and ensuring the correct quantity and quality of the items before release. They also inspect the efficiency and performance of warehouse tools and equipment, especially on schedule for regular maintenance, and call for repairs as needed.
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Warehouse/Driver
Average Salary: $34,000
A warehouse driver is responsible for transporting packages and other merchandise from the warehouse to different locations. Warehouse drivers strictly follow route sheets to avoid delays in the delivery. They check all the loaded items to ensure that the orders are correct, return defective items, and update the inventory sheet. A warehouse driver must operate the delivery vehicle, perform engine repairs, and follow safety practices and procedures. A warehouse driver also responds to the customers’ inquiries and concerns and escalates complaints of incorrect merchandise and defective items to management.
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Warehouse Machine Operator
Average Salary: $33,796
Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines. They are expected to communicate with other team members and provide support for continuous production. Most employers are looking to hire someone with knowledge of production and safety procedures, previous experience as a machine operator, and analytical skills.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various warehouse associate that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Warehouse Associates
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for warehouse associates.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Warehouse Associate Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid warehouse associate job?
The highest-paid warehouse associate job is a warehouse specialist. Warehouse Specialists earn an average salary of $35,015, which is $ 16.83 hourly.
A warehouse specialist is someone who manages the daily procedures and functions of the warehouse efficiently and effectively. Their services are often needed in shipping docks, airports, and other industry warehouses. The specialist’s primary responsibilities include supervising the shipping and receiving of materials and products, organizing the storage area, and monitoring the inventory. Candidates for the job must have strong knowledge in inventory control systems, able to multi-task, be physically fit, and able to safely operate warehouse machinery.
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What is a good salary for a warehouse associate?
A good salary for a warehouse associate is $32,863 or more. The average warehouse associate salary is $32,863, so those making at least $32,863 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average warehouse associate salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a warehouse associate, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $32,863 average, as this includes all warehouse associates of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Warehouse Associate jobs pay well?
No, warehouse associate jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some warehouse associate jobs pay better than others, but the average warehouse associate salary of $32,863 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many warehouse associate jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of warehouse associates earning $0 a year on average.
Warehouse Associates’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a warehouse associate. Do your research on the going rate for a warehouse associate in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do warehouse associates get paid the most?
Warehouse Associates get paid the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, warehouse associates earn an average annual salary of $34,558 and an average hourly wage of $16.61.
Following WI, the states with the highest-paid warehouse associates are Pennsylvania, Nevada, and North Dakota, with average annual salaries of $33,546, $34,267, and $36,616 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid warehouse associate salaries are:
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Portland, OR – $36,050
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Seattle, WA – $36,013
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Minneapolis, MN – $35,710
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
