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Warehouse loader vs package handler

The differences between warehouse loaders and package handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a warehouse loader has an average salary of $33,496, which is higher than the $32,785 average annual salary of a package handler.

The top three skills for a warehouse loader include pallets, loaders and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a package handler are warehouse environment, load trailers, and delivery truck.

Warehouse loader vs package handler overview

Warehouse LoaderPackage Handler
Yearly salary$33,496$32,785
Hourly rate$16.10$15.76
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs103,23293,831
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a warehouse loader do?

This individual works as part of a team to ensure all the loading processes are carried out efficiently. Their responsibility is to maintain the inventory of the warehouse or shipping operation they work with. They are primarily expected to load and unload trucks and to operate machinery such as forklifts or shrink-wrap machines. Furthermore, they may have to keep records of items loaded and unloaded in the warehouse and process items. In some cases, they are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the warehouse.

What does a package handler do?

A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.

Warehouse loader vs package handler salary

Warehouse loaders and package handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Warehouse LoaderPackage Handler
Average salary$33,496$32,785
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $40,000Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySaint Cloud, MNSaint Paul, MN
Highest paying stateHawaiiMinnesota
Best paying companyDeWitt LLP Law FirmALDI USA
Best paying industryEducationRetail

Differences between warehouse loader and package handler education

There are a few differences between a warehouse loader and a package handler in terms of educational background:

Warehouse LoaderPackage Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Warehouse loader vs package handler demographics

Here are the differences between warehouse loaders' and package handlers' demographics:

Warehouse LoaderPackage Handler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 92.5% Female, 7.5%Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 5.2% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between warehouse loader and package handler duties and responsibilities

Warehouse loader example 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.
  • Show more

Package handler example responsibilities.

  • Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
  • Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
  • Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
  • License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )
  • Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
  • Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.
  • Show more

Warehouse loader vs package handler skills

Common warehouse loader skills
  • Pallets, 28%
  • Loaders, 7%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Customer Orders, 4%
  • Basic Math, 4%
Common package handler skills
  • Warehouse Environment, 25%
  • Load Trailers, 10%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Load Packages, 8%
  • Load Trucks, 7%

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