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Store worker vs loader/unloader

The differences between store workers and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loader/unloader has an average salary of $31,827, which is higher than the $26,528 average annual salary of a store worker.

The top three skills for a store worker include safety rules, strong work ethic and customer service. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Store worker vs loader/unloader overview

Store WorkerLoader/Unloader
Yearly salary$26,528$31,827
Hourly rate$12.75$15.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs60,18567,063
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a store worker do?

A store worker maintains the daily material concerns of a store. They show hospitality to customers and provide assistance in finding products. They also maintain their store by stocking the shelves, maintaining organization, and cleaning. They may also be responsible for ringing up purchases.

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.

Store worker vs loader/unloader salary

Store workers and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Store WorkerLoader/Unloader
Average salary$26,528$31,827
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCTacoma, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMinnesota
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyBunge
Best paying industryRetailTransportation

Differences between store worker and loader/unloader education

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

Store WorkerLoader/Unloader
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Store worker vs loader/unloader demographics

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

Store WorkerLoader/Unloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 59.3% Female, 40.7%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between store worker and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Store worker example responsibilities.

  • Utilize the POS system for accurate inventory.
  • Perform first-in, first-out (FIFO) procedures in merchandise storing coolers.
  • Use cardboard baler, electric hydraulic/hand-operate pallet jacks, weigh scale, POS.
  • Process debit, credit, checks, WIC, and food stamp transactions.
  • Ensure product are properly store using FIFO method to prevent loss to the government.
  • Reconcile cash, checks, money orders, WIC, ATM debits and credit card transactions.
  • Show more

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

Store worker vs loader/unloader skills

Common store worker skills
  • Safety Rules, 17%
  • Strong Work Ethic, 17%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Stock Shelves, 12%
  • Basic Math, 9%
  • Commissary, 5%
Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%

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