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Unload associate vs dock worker

The differences between unload associates and dock workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dock worker has an average salary of $36,027, which is higher than the $32,951 average annual salary of an unload associate.

The top three skills for an unload associate include safety procedures, pallets and cleanliness. The most important skills for a dock worker are safety rules, tractor trailer, and LTL.

Unload associate vs dock worker overview

Unload AssociateDock Worker
Yearly salary$32,951$36,027
Hourly rate$15.84$17.32
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs47,102119,104
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does an unload associate do?

An unload associate is responsible for ensuring the unloading process flows efficiently. They are responsible for unloading trucks, loading trucks, and stocking stores so consumers can find whatever they seek without much hassle. They may be expected to unload regional distribution center (RDC) freight from delivery vehicles or docks. If merchandise gets damaged, they will be expected to dispose of it following company policies and recommended proper procedures for disposal of hazardous materials.

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.

Unload associate vs dock worker salary

Unload associates and dock workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Unload AssociateDock Worker
Average salary$32,951$36,027
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $29,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City-Coon Rapids, MN
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between unload associate and dock worker education

There are a few differences between an unload associate and a dock worker in terms of educational background:

Unload AssociateDock Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Unload associate vs dock worker demographics

Here are the differences between unload associates' and dock workers' demographics:

Unload AssociateDock Worker
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 90.8% Female, 9.2%Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between unload associate and dock worker duties and responsibilities

Unload associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage all lifting of goods efficiently and maintain store floor at all times and ensure cleanliness in same.
  • Used a RF scanner to scan the product into inventory.
  • Utilize the RF system daily to obtain work orders and/or equipment need to perform.
  • Receive truck from regional RDC and make sure the correct documentation correlates with the truck.
  • Cross reference incoming RDC and order sheets to ensure proper product are at the correct destination.
  • Separate merchandise and pallets according to department.
  • Show more

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

Unload associate vs dock worker skills

Common unload associate skills
  • Safety Procedures, 47%
  • Pallets, 37%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
  • Hazardous Materials, 3%
  • Sales Floor, 2%
  • Stock Merchandise, 1%
Common dock worker skills
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Tractor Trailer, 8%
  • LTL, 8%
  • Unload Trailers, 6%
  • Basic Math, 5%
  • Dock Equipment, 5%

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