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Distribution center associate vs call center representative

The differences between distribution center associates and call center representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a distribution center associate and a call center representative. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, which is higher than the $31,549 average annual salary of a call center representative.

The top three skills for a distribution center associate include pallets, excellent interpersonal and patients. The most important skills for a call center representative are strong customer service, customer service, and patients.

Distribution center associate vs call center representative overview

Distribution Center AssociateCall Center Representative
Yearly salary$33,708$31,549
Hourly rate$16.21$15.17
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs240,852133,579
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does a distribution center associate do?

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.

What does a call center representative do?

Call center representatives are employees who take customer calls in the company's contact center. They answer incoming calls related to their account. Call center representatives are trained on the company's products, policies, and guidelines. They are expected to know the ins and outs of every company product under their account before they are assigned to the operations floor. Once they are deemed efficient enough to handle calls, they begin to take customer inquiries and try to resolve them during the call. Call center representatives are expected to follow company policies and procedures and to meet the goals set by the company.

Distribution center associate vs call center representative salary

Distribution center associates and call center representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution Center AssociateCall Center Representative
Average salary$33,708$31,549
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MNSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaWashington
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryManufacturingFinance

Differences between distribution center associate and call center representative education

There are a few differences between a distribution center associate and a call center representative in terms of educational background:

Distribution Center AssociateCall Center Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distribution center associate vs call center representative demographics

Here are the differences between distribution center associates' and call center representatives' demographics:

Distribution Center AssociateCall Center Representative
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 49.9% Female, 50.1%Male, 27.4% Female, 72.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between distribution center associate and call center representative duties and responsibilities

Distribution center associate example responsibilities.

  • Used RF scanner gun and WMS to accomplish require tasks.
  • Manage logistics of shipping, receiving, and distribution of finish goods, including process improvement and problem resolution.
  • Provide excellent customer service, order supplies, operate POS systems, reconcile registers, and prepare deposits.
  • Provide extensive customer support to the FedEx user departments.
  • Maintain quality logs to ensure FIFO standards are followed.
  • Explain and teach WMS menu and options to stock product properly.
  • Show more

Call center representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage Facebook and patient communication programs.
  • Provide member eligibility and referral status information to patients adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
  • Follow all current Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance regulations and requirements to ensure continual compliance.
  • Document all relevant information regarding patients and providers while abiding by all HIPAA and associate patient confidentially requirements.
  • Navigate several screens and windows.
  • Install windows, doors, cabinets, flooring.
  • Show more

Distribution center associate vs call center representative skills

Common distribution center associate skills
  • Pallets, 11%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 10%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Customer Orders, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 6%
Common call center representative skills
  • Strong Customer Service, 80%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Patients, 2%
  • Data Entry, 2%
  • Troubleshoot, 1%
  • Inbound Phone Calls, 1%

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