How To Become A General Warehouse Associate: What It Is and Career Path

What is a general warehouse associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A general warehouse associate performs a wide variety of tasks in a warehouse environment. They receive, store, and distribute goods and products, as well as maintain inventory records. General warehouse associates also operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks to move products throughout the warehouse. They may also pack orders, perform quality control checks, and maintain a safe work environment. Additionally, general warehouse associates work collaboratively with team members and require attention to detail.

ScoreGeneral Warehouse AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,339

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.97%

Asian 6.93%

Black or African American 11.32%

Hispanic or Latino 20.29%

Unknown 5.54%

White 54.96%

Gender

female 24.70%

male 75.30%

Age - 35

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 - 35

Stress level

4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a general warehouse associate?

Pros

Opportunity to work with a diverse group of people
Overtime opportunities may be available
Opportunities for advancement may be available
Opportunities for training and certification may be available
The job can provide stability

Cons

Pay may not be competitive compared to other jobs with similar physical demands
Work environment can be noisy and chaotic
Working in a warehouse can be hot or cold depending on the season
Dangerous working conditions (like using heavy machinery) could lead to serious accidents if not handled properly
Limited opportunities for creativity or autonomy

Key steps to become a general warehouse associate

Explore general warehouse associate education requirements

Most common general warehouse associate degrees

High School Diploma

47.2 %

Bachelor's

19.1 %

Associate

17.3 %

Start to develop specific general warehouse associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	16.41%
Manual Pallet Jack	9.08%
RF Scanner	6.97%
Safety Regulations	6.97%
Unload Trailers	6.89%

Research general warehouse associate duties and responsibilities

Unload product off trailers, receive product using the WMS system, and transport product to its necessary location.
Travele to other distribution centers to assist with the setup, training and operation of the KEXE WMS system implementation.
Assemble medical equipment-Deliver medical supplies to patients homes and medical facilities-Prepare supplies and packaging for delivery-Load packages according to borough
Order selectors are required to safely operator a motorize pallet jack.

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