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Loader/unloader vs warehouse worker

The differences between loader/unloaders and warehouse workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a warehouse worker has an average salary of $33,010, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for a loader/unloader include inventory control, electric pallet jack and pallets. The most important skills for a warehouse worker are pallets, customer service, and basic math.

Loader/unloader vs warehouse worker overview

Loader/UnloaderWarehouse Worker
Yearly salary$31,827$33,010
Hourly rate$15.30$15.87
Growth rate6%1%
Number of jobs67,063255,502
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 59%
Average age4038
Years of experience--

What does a loader/unloader do?

A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity. A loader also needs to coordinate with staff at all times, and report to managers or supervisors should there be any issues or inconsistencies.

What does a warehouse worker do?

Warehouse workers are employees assigned to handle tasks inside the company's warehouse. They are in charge of managing the entry and exit of goods inside the warehouse, ensure that the inventory is up-to-date, and check the quality of the goods that are stored. Warehouse workers receive the items that are delivered to the warehouse, ensure that the items are complete using the delivery list, and keep the items safe in the designated area in the warehouse. They also clear any items that will exit the warehouse by ensuring that only the items that are on the list will be removed from the warehouse, and checking if these items are safely packed before leaving.

Loader/unloader vs warehouse worker salary

Loader/unloaders and warehouse workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loader/UnloaderWarehouse Worker
Average salary$31,827$33,010
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $38,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityTacoma, WAIndianapolis, IN
Highest paying stateMinnesotaIndiana
Best paying companyBungeUnited Natural Foods
Best paying industryTransportationManufacturing

Differences between loader/unloader and warehouse worker education

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

Loader/UnloaderWarehouse Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Loader/unloader vs warehouse worker demographics

Here are the differences between loader/unloaders' and warehouse workers' demographics:

Loader/UnloaderWarehouse Worker
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 89.7% Female, 10.3%Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between loader/unloader and warehouse worker duties and responsibilities

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

  • Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
  • Provide QA and material damage reports.
  • Position also require the use of RF equipment.
  • Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
  • Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
  • Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.
  • Show more

Warehouse worker example responsibilities.

  • Ensure cleanliness and functionality of warehouse equipment on a regular basis.
  • Drive CDL box trucks and vans.
  • Experience in WMS, AS400, and RF technologies.
  • Load and unload metal plumbing, heating and HVAC inventory from semi-trucks.
  • Set up equipment and instructs patients on the basis use of equipment.
  • Perform job duties such as full-case, repack, replenishment, and recycling.
  • Show more

Loader/unloader vs warehouse worker skills

Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%
Common warehouse worker skills
  • Pallets, 14%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
  • Customer Orders, 6%
  • Math, 5%

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