How to hire a cold storage worker

How to hire a cold storage worker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cold storage worker hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cold storage worker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cold storage worker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cold storage worker job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cold storage worker for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cold storage worker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cold storage workers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents cold storage worker salaries for various positions.

   Type of Cold Storage Worker	Description	Hourly rate
   Cold Storage Worker		$12-21
   Generator Worker	A Generator Worker is in charge of operating generator systems on a daily basis, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include performing installations and adjustments, understanding blueprints and schematics, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency... Show more	$12-19
   Production Worker	Production workers are employees who are usually seen in an assembly line in a company's factory. They are responsible for a specific part of the production of goods for the company... Show more	$11-18

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallets
   • Safety Policies
   • RF
   • Assembly Line
   • Unload Trucks
   • Delivery Truck

   Responsibilities:

   • Place the products on pallets and wait for the next truck to be load.
   • Programme and replace CCTV systems, including cabling, cameras, DVRs and power supplies.
   • Package prepared product utilizing customer invoices to be load onto pallets.
   • Maximize efficiency by critically evaluating resources by utilizing on-the-spot math and visualizing complete orders to minimize error before building a pallet.
   • Work for a company name Grainger through Adecco assisting with a security detail during the pope's visit to Philadelphia.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cold storage worker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cold storage worker salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cold storage workers' average salary in louisiana is 42% less than in west virginia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cold storage workers earn 39% less than senior-level cold storage workers.
   • Certifications. A cold storage worker with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cold storage worker's salary.

   Average cold storage worker salary

   $16.82hourly

   $34,995 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level cold storage worker salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average cold storage worker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Wisconsin	$40,806	$20
   2	California	$35,435	$17
   3	New Hampshire	$35,084	$17
   4	Florida	$34,259	$16
   5	Iowa	$32,722	$16
   6	Washington	$32,552	$16

   Average cold storage worker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$35,542	$17.09	35
   2	Reed's	$35,438	$17.04
   3	TAD PGS	$34,631	$16.65	1
   4	Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network	$34,259	$16.47
   5	Remedy Intelligent Staffing	$33,513	$16.11
   6	Sodexo Management, Inc.	$33,346	$16.03	269
   7	PeopleReady	$33,035	$15.88	102
   8	Elwood Staffing	$33,033	$15.88
   9	Staff Management	$32,931	$15.83	2
   10	Express Employment Indy South	$32,907	$15.82	4
   11	AtWork	$32,782	$15.76	8
   12	Automation Personnel Services	$32,699	$15.72	8
   13	Randstad North America, Inc.	$32,580	$15.66
   14	Aventure Staffing	$32,533	$15.64	1
   15	ManpowerGroup	$32,494	$15.62	43
   16	Marathon Cheese Corporation	$30,786	$14.80	4
   17	North Coast Seafoods	$29,054	$13.97	3

4. Writing a cold storage worker job description

   A cold storage worker job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a cold storage worker job description:

   Cold storage worker job description example

   A Cold Storage Worker is responsible for receiving, rotating, and taking the inventory of all products allocated to whatever cooler they are working out of. They operate hand and power equipment for material handling to accommodate storage of products within the freezer, including forklifts, power pallet jacks and scan gun system.
   
   The Cold Storage Worker ensures product is properly rotated, maintaining a clean and organized department. They guarantee the accuracy of inventory and freshness of product before delivering it to the production floor. They may assist with the monthly inventory count.
   This position reports to a Production Manager.
   
   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   Receive and inventory incoming product
   
   Pick and deliver product to the production floor as dictated by the schedule of releases
   
   Organize, rotate, maintain and verify existing inventory
   
   Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
   
   Operate warehouse operating system and handheld scan guns
   
   Safely operate manual or ride-on pallet jacks and forklifts
   
   Communicate to department leadership if product is damaged, inventory is low, count is off, etc.
   
   Requirements
   
   1+ year, experience operating ride-on pallet jacks & forklifts
   
   1+ year, experience in a warehouse environment
   
   Experience working with scan gun systems
   
   Must be able to read and understand internal communication
   
   Must be able to work a full day in cold temperature
   
   Detailed oriented
   
   Ability to read labels and associated documents
   
   Additional Requirements
   
   Must be able to lift 30-50 pounds
   
   Work up to a 10-hour workday: standing/walking most of the day
   
   Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
   
   Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching
   
   Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
   
   Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit
   
   Ability to work in wet and dry conditions
   
   Ability to work Monday-Friday, weekends when needed
   
   Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives
   
   North Coast Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.
   
   Benefits
   
   At North Coast, employees are considered part of a family where everyone works together to ensure the founding mission and values of the company are upheld every day. We offer an inclusive work environment spearheaded by an approachable leadership team who believes in the idea that it's not just about the work we do, it's about what the work allows us to do for our loved ones.
   
   We foster the opportunity for real growth and long-term employment. Most members of our leadership team started out on the floor and through mentorship advanced into their current roles. We are currently looking to build the next generation of leaders.
   
   We offer competitive compensation packages including comprehensive health care coverage, vacation and 401(k) to all full-time benefit-eligible employees. Employees also have access to the highest quality seafood at cost.
   
   This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find cold storage workers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cold storage worker job on Zippia to find and recruit cold storage worker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cold storage workers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cold storage worker

   Once you've decided on a perfect cold storage worker candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new cold storage worker first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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