What is a warehouse associate and how to become one

Q: How long does it take to become a Warehouse Associate?

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become a warehouse associate. That is the time it takes to learn specific warehouse associate skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education.

Q: Do you need a college degree to work in a warehouse?

No, you do not need a college degree to work in a warehouse. While the qualifications and skills you need to work in a warehouse will depend on the type of job you plan to pursue, most companies only require a high school diploma.

Q: How much does a warehouse associate make an hour?

A warehouse associate makes approximately $14.00 an hour, on average. Hourly wages can range from $12.00 to $17.00 per hour based on employee experience, company, and location. This pay range represents over 75% of those working as warehouse associates.

Q: What are warehouse duties?

Warehouse duties include the handling, processing, and shipping of customer orders. Associates in the warehouse ensure that what the customer has ordered safely makes it from the warehouse to its destination.

Q: What do you feel are the most important responsibilities of a warehouse associate?

The most important responsibilities of a warehouse associate are to accurately inventory items arriving and departing from the warehouse. Warehouse associates are the link between the consumer and the company.

Q: What does it take to be a warehouse associate?

A warehouse associate needs to be organized, have good attention to detail, and be capable of physical labor. This occupation requires both physical and mental skills. Working in a warehouse is really moving and keeping track of incoming and outgoing inventory. A warehouse associate should be organized in their approach to inventory. Many warehouse positions require the associate to be able to use computer software to track inventory accurately.

Q: What makes a good warehouse associate?

A good warehouse associate needs to be organized, pay attention to detail, and be capable of physical labor. This occupation requires both physical and mental skills in an often changing work environment. A good warehouse associate needs to be organized, pay attention to detail, and be capable of physical labor. This occupation requires both physical and mental skills in an often changing work environment.

Q: What qualifications do you need to work in a warehouse?

The qualifications needed to work in a warehouse are a high school diploma, physical capabilities, and motivation. Most of the skills and safety qualifications needed to work in a warehouse will be learned on the job.

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Meegan Feori Ph.D.

A warehouse associate is an entry-level worker responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing products within a warehouse. They use forklifts and pallet jacks to move inventory and maintain accurate records of stock levels. Warehouse associates may package and ship products, as well as maintaining cleanliness and organization. They follow safety protocols and work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail. This job requires physical stamina and basic math skills.

What general advice would you give to a warehouse associate?

Meegan Feori Ph.D.

Associate Professor, San Diego Mesa College

Consider your career in terms of what you are willing to do right now to support yourself and be self-sufficient. During the last recession, I was underemployed, working as a part-time pool lifeguard and making funnel cakes at a local amusement park. Not ideal, but with my funds running low, it was necessary. A third part-time position I had, updating apparel tech packs, did pave my way to a full-time job in the fashion industry. So hustle and be flexible. Also, take time to consider what you can do to create opportunities for yourself. This could include an internship, volunteering, taking a warehouse position at a fashion brand, or completing a class that interests you. The best advice I was ever given was to keep pursuing your goals and accept that what you will be doing in ten years will be better than you ever imagined. The advice came true for me, and I think it will be true for you as well.

ScoreWarehouse AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $32,863

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.01%

Asian 6.74%

Black or African American 9.95%

Hispanic or Latino 20.16%

Unknown 5.62%

White 56.52%

Gender

female 26.29%

male 73.71%

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

6.1

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 warehouse associate?

Pros

Opportunity for overtime pay
Possibility of advancement within the company
Potential for benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans
Relatively stable job market
Potential for bonuses or incentives based on performance

Cons

Repetitive tasks may become monotonous
Low starting wages for entry-level positions
Potential for high stress during peak seasons or deadlines
Unpredictable schedules or last-minute changes to work shifts
High turnover rates may lead to inconsistent work environments

Key steps to become a warehouse associate

Explore warehouse associate education requirements

Most common warehouse associate degrees

High School Diploma

50.4 %

Associate

16.8 %

Bachelor's

15.5 %

Start to develop specific warehouse associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	15.47%
Work Ethic	11.75%
Customer Service	8.14%
Basic Math	7.14%
Warehouse Environment	4.52%

Research warehouse associate duties and responsibilities

Rotate stock by code and receiving date - FIFO.
Create and ship documents for customs using DHL software.
Utilize RF gun for scanning duties include closing out invoices and assigning load plans.
Perform all tasks according to OSHA regulations and also attend daily safety tool box meetings.

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