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

What is a distribution associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Distribution associates receive processes and fulfill customer orders. These professionals work in warehouses or product distribution facilities. They are a critical part of the organization's supply chain, and they bear a lot of responsibility. Distribution associates may also supervise warehouse workers who package orders and load them onto the trucks for delivery.

As a distribution associate, they may have to handle multiple delivery orders at once, and so, they need a variety of organizational and prioritization skills. They may also need to process payments and order more products to be distributed.

In some cases, a distribution associate may communicate with suppliers to deliver more stock when the warehouse runs low. These professionals can work in the building, food, shipping, or even e-commerce industries.

To become a distribution associate, applicants need a high school diploma or its equivalent. They also need some experience in a warehouse environment. Some employers also require applicants to have a forklift certification.

ScoreDistribution AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,453

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%

Asian 7.13%

Black or African American 11.45%

Hispanic or Latino 20.98%

Unknown 4.16%

White 55.54%

Gender

female 33.72%

male 66.28%

Age - 43

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 - 43

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a distribution associate

Explore distribution associate education requirements

Most common distribution associate degrees

Bachelor's

33.3 %

High School Diploma

29.9 %

Associate

23.1 %

Start to develop specific distribution associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	34.36%
Basic Math	29.99%
Customer Orders	4.62%
Shipping Receiving	2.22%
RF Scanner	2.19%

Complete relevant distribution associate training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution associates 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 associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution associate resumes.

Research distribution associate duties and responsibilities

Manage and monitor KPI's, departmental metrics and ensure all checks and balances are in place.
Process LTL and small parcel shipments.
Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of facility.
Keep up the cleanliness of the entire warehouse.

Prepare your distribution associate resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your distribution associate resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a distribution associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable distribution associate resume templates

Build a professional distribution associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your distribution associate resume.