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What is a warehouse packer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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A warehouse packer is responsible for stacking and piling goods into their correct containers and preparing them for shipment using various equipment. They clean and prepare boxes before placing goods in them and pack them following a specific set of instructions. They also check to ensure containers are damage-free and verify if items pulled out of the package are correct. Warehouse packers earn a median sum of $12 per hour, which amounts to $25,000 a year.

A warehouse packer primarily prepares items for shipping by weighing, labelling, and packing them into shipping containers. They build the boxes or pallets for shipment and place the packaged orders in the correct distribution area. They then scan those items or manually update the inventory system. Packers tag the containers with marking tools and remove defective products or materials, placing them on moving equipment such as conveyors or in specified areas such as loading docks.

A warehouse packer typically holds a high school diploma or its equivalent. They are expected to have a warehouse or shipping experience. Some employers prefer candidates to operate an electric pallet jack or forklift and stand for long periods and lift to 50 lbs.

ScoreWarehouse PackerUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,384

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 7.84%

Black or African American 13.01%

Hispanic or Latino 20.48%

Unknown 3.68%

White 54.32%

Gender

female 46.71%

male 53.29%

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
4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.7

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Warehouse packer career paths

Key steps to become a warehouse packer

  1. Explore warehouse packer education requirements

    Most common warehouse packer degrees

    High School Diploma

    53.5 %

    Associate

    15.2 %

    Diploma

    14.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific warehouse packer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Pallets53.51%
    Pallet Jack8.61%
    Customer Orders7.29%
    Dollies5.08%
    Assembly Line3.39%
  3. Complete relevant warehouse packer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New warehouse packers 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 packer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real warehouse packer resumes.
  4. Research warehouse packer duties and responsibilities

    • Pack shipments for customers and send out through FedEx.
    • Utilize FedEx shipping software by creating and editing shipping labels for each customer.
    • Work as a team player with fellow employees to ensure the operation run smoothly.
    • Pile boxes onto pallets and have the pallets send off to the workers with forklift to arrange for shipping
  5. Prepare your warehouse packer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your warehouse packer 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 packer 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 packer resume templates

    Build a professional warehouse packer 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 packer resume.
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
    Warehouse Packer Resume
  6. Apply for warehouse packer jobs

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

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

How did you land your first warehouse packer job

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Average warehouse packer salary

The average warehouse packer salary in the United States is $30,384 per year or $15 per hour. Warehouse packer salaries range between $25,000 and $36,000 per year.

Average warehouse packer salary
$30,384 Yearly
$14.61 hourly

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How do warehouse packers rate their job?

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Warehouse packer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Stay busy stay in shape early hours no one ever died from a little hard work good lumpers can throw 1000 pcs an hour off the floor of a trailer on to a pallet or skid.all you hear is slaming off the wall of the trailer your unloading.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Learning where the parts are for such as the refinery. Nuts and bolts are used for. Washers, flanges and pipes are connected to.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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