Post job

Dock worker vs stock unloader

The differences between dock workers and stock unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a stock unloader has an average salary of $43,736, which is higher than the $36,027 average annual salary of a dock worker.

The top three skills for a dock worker include safety rules, tractor trailer and LTL. The most important skills for a stock unloader are pallets, sales floor, and store shelves.

Dock worker vs stock unloader overview

Dock WorkerStock Unloader
Yearly salary$36,027$43,736
Hourly rate$17.32$21.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs119,10475,994
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 62%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

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 stock unloader do?

Stock unloaders are workers in charge of unloading goods and items from the truck into the store. The unloaders move the products in a warehouse, distribution center, or any industrial facility. They stock the shelves in stores, work with the general merchandise team, and clean the processing center. It is also their responsibility to enforce procedures and policies for departmental operations. The skills necessary to carry out this job include strong communication skills, leadership, and attention to detail.

Dock worker vs stock unloader salary

Dock workers and stock unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dock WorkerStock Unloader
Average salary$36,027$43,736
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $43,000Between $34,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityCoon Rapids, MN-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of America-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between dock worker and stock unloader education

There are a few differences between a dock worker and a stock unloader in terms of educational background:

Dock WorkerStock Unloader
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dock worker vs stock unloader demographics

Here are the differences between dock workers' and stock unloaders' demographics:

Dock WorkerStock Unloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
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, 14.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between dock worker and stock unloader 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

Stock unloader example responsibilities.

  • Manage equipment (e.g., conveyor) and materials (e.g., pallets, shrink wrapping), unloading receive merchandise.
  • Use RF scanner for items location.
  • Interpret price tag and UPC information.
  • Maintain back stock areas for groceries and replenish shelf supplies.
  • Interpret price tag and UPC information to ensure proper inventory management.
  • Used a variety of ways (hand, dollies, forklifts) to move receptacles to and from appropriate locations.
  • Show more

Dock worker vs stock unloader skills

Common dock worker skills
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Tractor Trailer, 8%
  • LTL, 8%
  • Unload Trailers, 6%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • Dock Equipment, 5%
Common stock unloader skills
  • Pallets, 24%
  • Sales Floor, 22%
  • Store Shelves, 12%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Unload Trucks, 6%
  • Stock Shelves, 5%

Browse transportation jobs