How to hire a warehouse loader

How to hire a warehouse loader, step by step

Here's a step-by-step warehouse loader hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a warehouse loader job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new warehouse loader
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a warehouse loader do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your warehouse loader job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a warehouse loader for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A warehouse loader's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, warehouse loaders from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of warehouse loaders and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Warehouse Loader	Description	Hourly rate
   Warehouse Loader	Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials. Others feed or remove material to and from machines, clean vehicles, pick up unwanted household goods, and pack materials for moving.	$12-19
   Material Handler	Material handlers are responsible for moving products, storing items, and managing supplies to proper shelf categories. A material handler also documents deliveries and ensures that all items for shipment are correct and free of any damage... Show more	$12-19
   Mover	Movers help people take or move things from one place to another through their physical strength. They work manually to help customers in their businesses or homes... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallets
   • Loaders
   • Electric Pallet Jack
   • OSHA
   • Customer Orders
   • Basic Math
   • Safety Procedures
   • Work Ethic
   • Math
   • RF
   • Load Trucks
   • Team Work
   • Order Sheets
   • Customer Satisfaction

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Follow OSHA regulations to maintain a safe work environment.
   • Verify orders are selected and load properly using RF scanner.

   More warehouse loader duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your warehouse loader job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A warehouse loader salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, warehouse loaders' average salary in louisiana is 36% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level warehouse loaders earn 33% less than senior-level warehouse loaders.
   • Certifications. A warehouse loader with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a warehouse loader's salary.

   Average warehouse loader salary

   $16.10hourly

   $33,496 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level warehouse loader salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average warehouse loader salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$39,584	$19
   2	Colorado	$38,217	$18
   3	Washington	$36,806	$18
   4	Massachusetts	$36,274	$17
   5	Illinois	$36,248	$17
   6	Oregon	$35,688	$17
   7	Utah	$35,416	$17
   8	Arizona	$35,377	$17
   9	Nebraska	$34,851	$17
   10	California	$34,479	$17
   11	South Carolina	$34,245	$16
   12	Michigan	$33,936	$16
   13	Missouri	$33,921	$16
   14	Indiana	$33,841	$16
   15	Georgia	$33,597	$16
   16	Connecticut	$33,439	$16
   17	Ohio	$33,274	$16
   18	Texas	$32,960	$16
   19	North Carolina	$32,699	$16
   20	Kansas	$32,623	$16

   Average warehouse loader salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	DeWitt LLP Law Firm	$47,447	$22.81
   2	United Natural Foods	$41,264	$19.84	15
   3	PepsiCo	$39,847	$19.16	35
   4	Dairy Farmers of America	$39,311	$18.90	28
   5	Post Holdings	$39,232	$18.86	15
   6	Utz Brands	$38,641	$18.58	8
   7	National Beverage	$38,630	$18.57	5
   8	Dole	$37,750	$18.15	1
   9	Shaw Industries	$37,556	$18.06
   10	Staples	$37,008	$17.79	51
   11	US Foods	$36,839	$17.71	255
   12	Green Mountain Coffee Roasters	$36,597	$17.59
   13	Inteplast Group	$36,565	$17.58
   14	Sysco	$36,003	$17.31	106
   15	Maine Drilling & Blasting	$35,948	$17.28
   16	Saint-Gobain	$35,703	$17.16	8
   17	Tyson Foods	$35,623	$17.13	1
   18	Associated Materials Group, Inc.	$35,560	$17.10	1
   19	Milgard Windows & Doors	$35,389	$17.01
   20	Salson Logistics	$35,304	$16.97

4. Writing a warehouse loader job description

   A warehouse loader job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a warehouse loader job description:

   Warehouse loader job description example

   Part Time Loader to assist with loading trucks in the morning.
   Will sort packages and load boxes by hand or using pallet jacket
   
   Job Summary
   
   Responsible for specialized warehouse tasks in loading, unloading, order pulling, shipping, returns, forklift, fabrication, counter, or may have a generalized role working in all departments.
   
   Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities
   Complete tasks such as loading, unloading, sorting, picking, stocking, staging, fabrication and transportation of goods. Load and unload materials to and from designated storage area, such as racks, shelves, or vehicles. Stack or pile materials, such as lumber, boards, or pallets Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported. Verify computations against physical count of stock. Maintains condition of work area (i.e. free of trash, product in correct location, etc.). Follows company safety policies and procedures and encourages other associates to do the same. Receive and fill orders or sell supplies, materials, and products to installers and subcontractors. May drive truck to pick up incoming stock or deliver materials to designated locations or operate forklift or other machinery in order to complete tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.
   Nature and Scope
   Selects correct processes from clearly prescribed rules, past practices, or instruction. Seeks advice and guidance on non-routine or problem areas from supervisor. Deviations from the norm are cleared by the supervisor. Under close supervision, exercises limited latitude/independent judgment. Work typically involves detailed checks or close review of output by a senior coworker and/or supervisor. None.
   Work Environment
   Typically located in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors that may cause noticeable discomfort or a moderate risk of accident or illness, such as temperature extremes, moving machinery, loud noises, and fumes. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in a physical environment. Ability to stand for periods of time up to and exceeding 60 minutes. Ability to make repetitive movements, such as using a 10-key or calculator, bending, or squatting. Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.
   Education and Experience
   HS Diploma or GED strongly preferred. 0-2 years of experience in area of responsibility.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right warehouse loader for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your warehouse loader job on Zippia to find and recruit warehouse loader candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit warehouse loaders, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new warehouse loader

   Once you have selected a candidate for the warehouse loader position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new warehouse loader first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a warehouse loader?