How To Become A Dock Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a dock operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The average dock operator salary is $40,567. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a dock operator. Dock operators with a OSHA Safety Certificate certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreDock OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $40,567

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 2.63%

Black or African American 17.66%

Hispanic or Latino 20.79%

Unknown 4.47%

White 53.60%

Gender

female 6.67%

male 93.33%

Age - 44

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 - 44

Stress level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a dock operator

Explore dock operator education requirements

Most common dock operator degrees

High School Diploma

45.1 %

Bachelor's

19.8 %

Associate

19.0 %

Start to develop specific dock operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	22.12%
RF	16.77%
Safety Standards	12.19%
Gauges	5.70%
Rail Cars	5.62%

Complete relevant dock operator training and internships

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

Research dock operator duties and responsibilities

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Assure all require PPE require for the job are on hand.
Serve as the facility person in-charge (PIC) of dangerous bulk liquid marine cargo transfers.
Secure freight inside trailers using appropriate tools and supplies such as pallets, straps, and ropes.

Prepare your dock operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your dock operator 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 dock operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable dock operator resume templates

Build a professional dock operator 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 dock operator resume.