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Dock worker vs driver/warehouse worker

The differences between dock workers and driver/warehouse workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dock worker has an average salary of $36,027, which is higher than the $35,198 average annual salary of a driver/warehouse worker.

The top three skills for a dock worker include safety rules, tractor trailer and LTL. The most important skills for a driver/warehouse worker are customer service, CDL, and delivery truck.

Dock worker vs driver/warehouse worker overview

Dock WorkerDriver/Warehouse Worker
Yearly salary$36,027$35,198
Hourly rate$17.32$16.92
Growth rate6%7%
Number of jobs119,104310,383
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4043
Years of experience-4

What does a dock worker do?

People working in the docks are collectively called dock workers. Their primary job is to load and unload ships. They are also named material movers and hand laborers who manually move stocks, freight, or other materials. While formal educational attainment is not a prerequisite to becoming a dock worker, several skills are required. Dockworkers should have the best physical strength, endurance, and agility. Having good hearing and eyesight is also essential in their job.

What does a driver/warehouse worker do?

A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.

Dock worker vs driver/warehouse worker salary

Dock workers and driver/warehouse workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dock WorkerDriver/Warehouse Worker
Average salary$36,027$35,198
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $43,000Between $27,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityCoon Rapids, MNBlaine, MN
Highest paying stateAlaskaMaryland
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of AmericaBaker Distributing
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between dock worker and driver/warehouse worker education

There are a few differences between a dock worker and a driver/warehouse worker in terms of educational background:

Dock WorkerDriver/Warehouse Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dock worker vs driver/warehouse worker demographics

Here are the differences between dock workers' and driver/warehouse workers' demographics:

Dock WorkerDriver/Warehouse Worker
Average age4043
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 15.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%4%

Differences between dock worker and driver/warehouse worker duties and responsibilities

Dock worker example responsibilities.

  • Operate yard truck to manage dock needs, maintain safety and cleanliness of dock as well as yard.
  • Work with AS400 WMS to coordinate the movement of freight in and out of the terminal.
  • Use of the AS400 to process outbound shipments, including but not limit to data entry, and BOL imaging.
  • Print BOL for daily deliveries.
  • Use RF scanning system to select orders.
  • Process and palletize all damage, penny, and RTV merchandise.
  • Show more

Driver/warehouse worker example responsibilities.

  • Deliver glass to various contract client locations, warehouse inventory which include stocking and stacking pallets with forklift operation
  • Deliver HVAC supplies and products to customers and maintain the upkeep of the warehouse, which include shipping and receiving.
  • Maintain warehouse standards through cleanliness and organization by performing housekeeping duties.
  • Inspect physical condition of warehouse equipment and prepare work orders for repairs and requisitions for replacement of equipment.
  • Used RF scanner units to asses contents of receive packages.
  • Receive incoming shipments and review contents against purchase order for accuracy using RF scanner.
  • Show more

Dock worker vs driver/warehouse worker skills

Common dock worker skills
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Tractor Trailer, 8%
  • LTL, 8%
  • Unload Trailers, 6%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • Dock Equipment, 5%
Common driver/warehouse worker skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • CDL, 11%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Load Trucks, 8%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 7%

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