How To Become A Warehouse Loader: What It Is and Career Path

What is a warehouse loader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The main function of a warehouse loader is to load and unload cargo on trucks. However, their scope of responsibilities encompasses so much more than that. They are also in charge of operating cargo handling equipment, verifying the accuracy of orders, locating products in the warehouse, and recording all items loaded or unloaded.

Warehouse loaders often work more than forty hours a week. This position is also physically demanding, which requires a good amount of strength, stamina, and manual dexterity to lift heavy objects repeatedly.

Anyone who applies for the job typically needs a high school diploma or GED. Prior experience may not be required, as training is provided on the job. What's a more important qualification is physical fitness, as this determines the efficiency and level of safety at which a warehouse loader will be able to perform their duties. However, some employers require applicants to have a license to operate heavy machinery such as forklifts.

The job of a warehouse loader can earn an average salary between $26,000 to $36,000. If this is an interesting job position for you, you can find opportunities in warehouses, manufacturing companies, large-scale retail facilities, and logistics companies.

ScoreWarehouse LoaderUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,496

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.14%

Asian 5.22%

Black or African American 13.89%

Hispanic or Latino 21.29%

Unknown 5.30%

White 53.16%

Gender

female 7.48%

male 92.52%

Age - 39

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 - 39

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a warehouse loader

Explore warehouse loader education requirements

Most common warehouse loader degrees

High School Diploma

59.2 %

Diploma

13.5 %

Associate

12.2 %

Start to develop specific warehouse loader skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	27.81%
Loaders	7.33%
Electric Pallet Jack	6.11%
OSHA	4.84%
Customer Orders	4.40%

Complete relevant warehouse loader training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New warehouse loaders 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 warehouse loader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real warehouse loader resumes.

Research warehouse loader duties and responsibilities

Reconfigure WMS to manage company's new multi-brand strategy.
Utilize an RF (radio frequency) gun to locate the product.
Train newly hire warehouse dock loaders on all safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
Load all trucks including bulk trucks and side loaders.

Prepare your warehouse loader resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your warehouse loader resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a warehouse loader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable warehouse loader resume templates

Build a professional warehouse loader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your warehouse loader resume.

Apply for warehouse loader jobs

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

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

How do warehouse loaders rate their job?

-/5

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Warehouse loader reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022

Pros

It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020