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Warehouse associate vs distribution associate

The differences between warehouse associates and distribution associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a distribution associate has an average salary of $33,453, which is higher than the $32,863 average annual salary of a warehouse associate.

The top three skills for a warehouse associate include pallets, work ethic and customer service. The most important skills for a distribution associate are pallets, basic math, and customer orders.

Warehouse associate vs distribution associate overview

Warehouse AssociateDistribution Associate
Yearly salary$32,863$33,453
Hourly rate$15.80$16.08
Growth rate1%-3%
Number of jobs215,910175,791
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age3843
Years of experience-12

What does a warehouse associate do?

Warehouse associates are employees who take on any task needed at the company warehouse. They receive incoming deliveries, store the items in their proper places, scan the items to log them into the company system, manage stocks and inventory, conduct product inspection to check for damages or defects, and maintain the overall cleanliness of the warehouse. Warehouse associates are also responsible for receiving purchase orders, assembling and packing products related to orders, checking the accuracy of the products relative to the order, and ensuring proper shipment of the products.

What does a distribution associate do?

A distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.

Warehouse associate vs distribution associate salary

Warehouse associates and distribution associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Warehouse AssociateDistribution Associate
Average salary$32,863$33,453
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaNew York
Best paying companyUlineClearwater Paper
Best paying industryManufacturingAutomotive

Differences between warehouse associate and distribution associate education

There are a few differences between a warehouse associate and a distribution associate in terms of educational background:

Warehouse AssociateDistribution Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Warehouse associate vs distribution associate demographics

Here are the differences between warehouse associates' and distribution associates' demographics:

Warehouse AssociateDistribution Associate
Average age3843
Gender ratioMale, 73.7% Female, 26.3%Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between warehouse associate and distribution associate duties and responsibilities

Warehouse associate example 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.
  • Utilize a hand-held RF unit to select products/quantities for retail orders in a high volume warehouse.
  • Require consistent heavy lifting, math skills (primarily measurements), and fierce attention to detail.
  • Show more

Distribution associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage and monitor KPI's, departmental metrics and ensure all checks and balances are in place.
  • Process LTL and small parcel shipments.
  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of facility.
  • Keep up the cleanliness of the entire warehouse.
  • Complete all OSHA and IBM safety classes and training classes for department.
  • Close orders using Lawson system and ensure deliveries contain the correct products.
  • Show more

Warehouse associate vs distribution associate skills

Common warehouse associate skills
  • Pallets, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Warehouse Environment, 5%
  • Math, 4%
Common distribution associate skills
  • Pallets, 34%
  • Basic Math, 30%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Shipping Receiving, 2%
  • RF Scanner, 2%
  • Quality Standards, 2%

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