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

What is a warehouse picker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A warehouse picker selects and prepares orders from a warehouse inventory for shipment or delivery. They use handheld scanners to locate items, gather them, and pack them for shipment. Warehouse pickers must be physically fit and able to lift heavy boxes and operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks. They are responsible for maintaining inventory records, restocking shelves, and keeping the warehouse organized requiring attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

ScoreWarehouse PickerUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,263

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.6

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 6.81%

Black or African American 7.95%

Hispanic or Latino 20.03%

Unknown 5.37%

White 58.94%

Gender

female 29.07%

male 70.93%

Age - 35

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 - 35

Stress level

4.6

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a warehouse picker?

Pros

Opportunities for overtime and extra pay
Potential for advancement within the company
Job security in industries that require warehousing
No need for formal education or training
Possible bonuses and incentives for meeting quotas

Cons

Long hours, sometimes overnight or early morning shifts
Possibility of working weekends and holidays
Noise pollution from machinery and equipment
Possibility of working with hazardous materials
Limited opportunities for career growth beyond warehouse work

Key steps to become a warehouse picker

Explore warehouse picker education requirements

Most common warehouse picker degrees

High School Diploma

50.9 %

Associate

15.7 %

Bachelor's

14.9 %

Start to develop specific warehouse picker skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	27.29%
Electric Pallet Jack	19.37%
Customer Orders	16.04%
Basic Math	5.39%
Work Ethic	5.18%

Research warehouse picker duties and responsibilities

Used WMS and RF systems to pick and stage customer specify orders and lead a team of employees.
Train for safe operation of PIVs and warehouse logistics.
Work the night shift as a picker/packer using a pallet jack, stacking, wrapping, and loading pallets onto trucks.
Assemble medical equipment-Deliver medical supplies to patients homes and medical facilities-Prepare supplies and packaging for delivery-Load packages according to borough

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