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What is a picker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A picker works in a warehouse or distribution center to select items from shelves and prepare them for shipment. They use handheld devices or lists to locate and retrieve products, often requiring physical labor such as lifting and moving boxes. Pickers must have attention to detail and accuracy to select and package items correctly. This role influences the supply chain process and requires a strong work ethic, ability to follow directions, and teamwork.

ScorePickerUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,779

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.9

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%

Asian 6.49%

Black or African American 9.52%

Hispanic or Latino 18.28%

Unknown 5.26%

White 59.58%

Gender

female 42.44%

male 57.56%

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
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Picker?

Pros

  • Potential for overtime pay

  • Potential for career advancement

  • Opportunities for bonuses or incentives

  • Ability to work independently

  • Potential for flexible scheduling

Cons

  • Low pay rates compared to other industries

  • Strict productivity standards leading to stress and pressure

  • Limited job security due to automation and outsourcing

  • High turnover rate leading to inconsistent work environment

  • Lack of benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans

Newest jobs for Picker in Ashburn, VA

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Picker career paths

Key steps to become a picker

  1. Explore picker education requirements

    Most common picker degrees

    High School Diploma

    56.7 %

    Diploma

    14.5 %

    Associate

    13.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific picker skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Industrial Trucks36.39%
    Pallets11.13%
    Electric Pallet Jack8.36%
    Customer Orders8.09%
    Stand-Up Forklift7.91%
  3. Complete relevant picker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pickers 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 picker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real picker resumes.
  4. Research picker duties and responsibilities

    • Used WMS and RF systems to pick and stage customer specify orders and lead a team of employees.
    • Operate an epj (electric pallet-jack) while using a rf hand hold scan gun under the red prairie system.
    • Pick merchandise for CVS stores fast and accurately.
    • Pick orders from a vocollect headset or a RF scanner.
  5. Apply for picker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a picker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Picker Job

Zippi

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Average picker salary

The average Picker salary in the United States is $30,779 per year or $15 per hour. Picker salaries range between $25,000 and $37,000 per year.

Average Picker Salary
$30,779 Yearly
$14.80 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do pickers rate their job?

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1 Star

Picker reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

U get ur job assignment an do ur job. Nobody breathing down ur back like line work

Cons

To long of hours sometimes


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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