Warehouse Associate Career Path

Warehouse Associate Career Path

Are you looking for a warehouse career? Maybe already have one, but you want to know how to move up in a warehouse? We’ve got you covered. Here at NCW, we’re always looking to help provide valuable information to job seekers and spread our industry knowledge.

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Increase in Warehouse Associate Salary Over the Last 5 Years
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Warehouse Associates Currently Employed in the U.S.
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Increase in Warehouse Employment since 2000

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See if you check the boxes to be a great warehouse associate:

Detail Oriented

When working inside a warehouse there is a plethora of moving parts and as a warehouse associate maintaining accurate documentation is an essential part of your job. Being organized at your workstation translates to success in other areas of your work.

Mechanical & Technical Skills

Having mechanical and technical skills in this position are all but required. You might be asked to perform work with a multitude of tools and machines, so a basic knowledge of how to use tools really helps.

Safety First Mindset

Inside a warehouse there are many moving parts: inbound material, outbound material, forklifts transporting goods or individuals taking inventory. With all of this in mind it is vital to stay alert and abide by all safety regulations implemented by the warehouse staff.
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Warehouse Associate Job Overview

We think you have what it takes to be a Warehouse Associate… do you?

As a key contributor to the warehousing industry, there are many warehouse worker duties and responsibilities that hold the warehouse together and keep it running smoothly. It makes sense that the success of a warehouse’s operation relies heavily upon the warehouse associates because they perform so many different tasks.

Getting Into the Nitty Gritty:

Keep an eye out for changes – every job posting is different, and every employer has their own preferences for production associates. Roles and responsibilities in every production associate job description likely include:   

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Material Movement

A common task for a warehouse associate is the loading/unloading and sorting of materials coming in or going out of the warehouse. This could require operation of heavy machinery or brute strength as some packages are upwards of 50 pounds.

High-Level Thinking

When operating heavy machinery, you must be cautious as you move about inside the warehouse. Depending on the size of the warehouse there could be dozens of forklifts transporting materials simultaneously.

Inventory

You will have to ensure that you are always providing updated inventory metrics while receiving new materials that you are supposed to is crucial to a warehouse. Although it may seem more like busy work at first, you will quickly see its importance to your team.

Safety Checks

Depending on the warehouse you may be required to perform safety checks on your forklift and troubleshoot any problems. Knowing the ins and outs of your machinery helps diagnose and solve problems faster.

Unsure of next steps to become a Warehouse Associate? We’ve got you:

Getting Started
Continued Learning
Climbing the Ladder
The Future

Jump Right In

Anyone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent can become a warehouse associate! When you start out as an entry level warehouse associate you will always report to a supervisor/manager. If you are brand new to the industry there will be required on-the-job training for the first few days or weeks.

Process and Equipment

• Understanding regular warehouse operations takes time but can really help with your career advancement. As you master your everyday routine you will undoubtedly see more success. Through training and practice, you will perfect your skills in operating heavy machinery and other tools or equipment necessary for the job.

Experience is Key

Hard, consistent work over a few years reaps benefits like a promotion or pay increase. Depending on your production both can come even sooner! There are three levels of warehouse associates: entry, intermediate, and senior. With each level increase, you will see increases in salary and responsibilities.

Warehouse Career Progression

• Your warehousing career doesn’t have to plateau at senior-level warehouse associate. There are roles like warehouse manager or supervisor that you can advance to once you’ve gained enough experience. Warehouse manager qualifications are strictly experience and knowledge based. There is no specific formula or degree.

Here are some trends we’ve noticed in the Warehousing industry:

For those interested in embarking on their warehousing career, it’s important to keep up with the trends in the industry. Don’t worry, we did all the digging for you! Here’s what we found!

01

Warehouse associate trends

According to Zippia, 56.5% of people in the field are white, while 20.2% are Hispanic or Latino. 74.8% are male and 25.2% are female warehouse associates.

02

Trends in the Warehousing Industry

Retail sales are shifting to e-commerce, which has created an increased need for hands-on labor to fulfill the ever-increasing orders.

03

Related jobs

Job titles often related to warehouse associates: material handler, forklift operator, picker packer, production associate, and warehouse worker.

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So, how much can you earn?

Let's Talk Warehouse Associate Salary

A warehouse associate’s salary can range between $36,000-$46,500 based on factors like experience, company, geographic location, and economic conditions. Here’s the break down: 

Entry level avg. salary: $36,000

Intermediate level avg. salary: $40,700

Senior level avg. salary: $46,500

After seeing the breakdown, you can tell how your experience really plays a part in your salary. Once you put in the time you reap the benefits. If you start your career as a warehouse associate sooner rather than later, you will likely have more opportunities to move up in the field.

Unsure of next steps to become a Warehouse Associate?

We're Here to Help!

NCW Warehouse Worker

Let us show you why NCW should be a part of your journey to becoming a warehousing hire:

We specialize in helping warehousing professionals find their right fit. If you have experience operating heavy machinery, picking/packing materials, or logging extensive inventory details, we can help you find your next job in the warehouse! Have another specialty? Don’t worry, we do more than hire for warehousing jobs, so let us know how we can help you.

Our recruiters have years of experience working with top talent, just like you. Our goal is to get to know you, understand your aspirations, chat through your experience, and connect you with a position that aligns with your wants and needs. 

Connect to Opportunitiy

Our team puts your resume directly in front of hiring managers' eyes.

Expanded Network

NCW expands your network to uncover opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

By Your Side

Our recruiters prep you for the interview process and guide you through every step of the way.
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