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The differences between distribution center associates and distribution associates 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 distribution associate. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, which is higher than the $33,453 average annual salary of a distribution associate.
The top three skills for a distribution center associate include pallets, excellent interpersonal and patients. The most important skills for a distribution associate are pallets, basic math, and customer orders.
| Distribution Center Associate | Distribution Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $33,708 | $33,453 |
| Hourly rate | $16.21 | $16.08 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 240,852 | 175,791 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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 distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.
Distribution center associates and distribution associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Center Associate | Distribution Associate | |
| Average salary | $33,708 | $33,453 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | New York |
| Best paying company | McKinsey & Company Inc | Clearwater Paper |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a distribution center associate and a distribution associate in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Center Associate | Distribution Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distribution center associates' and distribution associates' demographics:
| Distribution Center Associate | Distribution Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.9% Female, 50.1% | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% |
| 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, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 6% |