Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between distribution center associates and call center operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a distribution center associate, becoming a call center operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, which is higher than the $31,022 average annual salary of a call center operator.
The top three skills for a distribution center associate include pallets, excellent interpersonal and patients. The most important skills for a call center operator are strong customer service, patients, and data entry.
| Distribution Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,708 | $31,022 |
| Hourly rate | $16.21 | $14.91 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 240,852 | 215,083 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A distribution center associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a distribution center, such as assisting the manufacturing process, labeling merchandise, packaging items, and storing products to the appropriate category shelves. Distribution center associates also help on loading and unloading items from the delivery trucks, checking inventory receipts, and inspecting the quality and the correct quantity of products for shipment. They update stock information on the database, as well as responding to clients' inquiries and delivery concerns, and resolving complaints immediately.
A call center operator is primarily in charge of handling inbound and outbound calls in a call center, aiming to provide clients with optimal support and service. They usually answer inbound calls from clients and assist them by answering inquiries, processing requests, and even handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction. They also make outbound calls, reaching out to potential clients to offer products and services. They usually answer inquiries, discuss product specifications, arrange payment plans, and maintain records of all transactions.
Distribution center associates and call center operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,708 | $31,022 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $22,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Vacaville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | New York |
| Best paying company | McKinsey & Company Inc | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Media |
There are a few differences between a distribution center associate and a call center operator in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution center associates' and call center operators' demographics:
| Distribution Center Associate | Call Center Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 53 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.9% Female, 50.1% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 3.4% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 19% |