How To Become A Distribution Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a distribution assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Distribution Assistants work directly under the Distribution Supervisor, preparing items for packaging and shipment. Their duties vary depending on the industry they're in, whether it's retail, manufacturing, construction, or others. But they are always involved in managing inventory, ensuring safety compliance, and occasionally processing financial and legal documentation.

You don't need a college education to become a Distribution Assitant. A high school diploma and GED is often enough to get you through the door. However, degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Communication, and Psychology make your resume more appealing to employers. Other qualifications include strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.

A Distribution Assistant in the United States earns an average yearly salary of roughly about $29,000. That's more or less $14 an hour. There are plenty of career advancement opportunities in the field, with many Design Checkers moving up to more lucrative positions such as Security Officer, Manager, and Executive Assistant.

ScoreDistribution AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,451

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.0

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.73%

Asian 3.81%

Black or African American 9.14%

Hispanic or Latino 16.00%

Unknown 3.87%

White 66.46%

Gender

female 45.04%

male 54.96%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.4

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a distribution assistant

Explore distribution assistant education requirements

Most common distribution assistant degrees

Bachelor's

50.4 %

High School Diploma

19.9 %

Associate

19.1 %

Start to develop specific distribution assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Entry	12.09%
DOT	11.27%
Customer Orders	10.53%
Computer System	8.07%
Delivery Truck	7.91%

Complete relevant distribution assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distribution assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution assistant resumes.

Research distribution assistant duties and responsibilities

Manage and update company Facebook page with daily updates, finding/sharing relevant and interesting information, and encouraging fan engagement.
Assist administration in daily manufacturing, processing, packaging and other functions of WMS.
Organize multiple executive presentations involving PowerPoint
Complete paperwork (BOL's) for shipments, complete billing process.

Apply for distribution assistant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a distribution assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first distribution assistant job

Izuchukwu Igwe

Distribution Assistant, Old Mutual Nigeria

Before becoming a Distribution Support Administrator, I was a Financial Advisor (Bancassurance Referral Officer) at Old Mutual Nigeria. I have always been driven to achieve more and go the extra mile, which led me to pursue further studies and develop additional skills. I showcased my abilities on my LinkedIn profile by designing flyers to gain recognition.

My efforts paid off, and I was called in for an interview for the role of Distribution Support Administrator. In this role, my responsibilities included, but were not limited to:

Utilizing standard administrative techniques to coordinate work efficiently and effectively.
Providing indirect services to customers and intermediaries by responding to inquiries and resolving issues.
Following standardized processes and providing administrative support to enhance the sales team's productivity.
Preparing the RM Incentive bonus schedule monthly for Eco bank staff rewards, helping maintain the company’s status as the preferred insurer and strengthening the engagement with the RMs and entire staff.
Preparing Bancassurance advisors' monthly bonus payments on time, which contributed to increased sales output.
Assisting with the planning and procurement of office equipment and supplies.
My commitment to continuous learning and applying what I have learned in my work has led to my current role as a Learning Facilitator with the same company.

I have been with Old Mutual Nigeria for 4 years and have progressed three times within the company.

How do distribution assistants rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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1 star

Distribution assistant reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019

Cons

Nasty people calling in with a bad attitude. Favoritism is so blatantly obvious it's painful. The under tone of racism of higher management.