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 workers 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 workers:
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Driver/Warehouse Worker is the highest-paid type of warehouse worker with an average salary of $35,198 and an average hourly rate of $16.92.
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The second highest-paying type of warehouse worker is warehouse specialist, with an average salary of $35,015.
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The average warehouse worker salary is $33,010 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.87.
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 worker, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of warehouse workers are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of warehouse workers:
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Driver/Warehouse Worker
Average Salary: $35,198
A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers’ complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.
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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.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various warehouse worker that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Warehouse Workers
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 workers.
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 Worker Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid warehouse worker job?
The highest-paid warehouse worker job is a driver/warehouse worker. Driver/Warehouse Workers earn an average salary of $35,198, which is $ 16.92 hourly.
A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers’ complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.
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What is a good salary for a warehouse worker?
A good salary for a warehouse worker is $33,010 or more. The average warehouse worker salary is $33,010, so those making at least $33,010 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average warehouse worker 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 worker, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $33,010 average, as this includes all warehouse workers of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Warehouse Worker jobs pay well?
No, warehouse worker jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some warehouse worker jobs pay better than others, but the average warehouse worker salary of $33,010 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many warehouse worker jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of warehouse workers earning $0 a year on average.
Warehouse Workers’ 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 worker. Do your research on the going rate for a warehouse worker 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 workers get paid the most?
Warehouse Workers get paid the most in Indiana. In Indiana, warehouse workers earn an average annual salary of $37,912 and an average hourly wage of $18.23.
Following IN, the states with the highest-paid warehouse workers are Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire, with average annual salaries of $34,574, $34,019, and $35,110 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid warehouse worker salaries are:
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Indianapolis, IN – $37,777
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Hillsboro, OR – $36,445
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Vancouver, WA – $36,419
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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.
