Why you should apply for a warehouse position

During your job search, you may have come across open positions at a warehouse or fulfillment center.

Your initial thought might be that you're not interested in that type of work because of some preconceived notion of what warehouse work entails.

But there’s a lot more to the role than what is included in the job description. Whether you're interested in a seasonal position or a more permanent role, there are a lot of benefits to explore in warehouse work.

This article will look into some things that you may not know about the career, including requirements and benefits. Plus, we’ll tell you who is hiring near you.

What is a warehouse job?

Warehouses and fulfillment centers are large facilities where companies store merchandise. Brands such as Amazon, UPS, Walmart, FedEx, and DoorDash rely on a team of warehouse workers to make sending and receiving goods a smooth process.

For those working in a warehouse, daily tasks may include loading and unloading trucks, stocking shelves, and managing inventory. They use computer systems to accept and process orders and pack items ready for shipping.

They check labels, answer phones, and keep the warehouse clean and tidy.

There are different warehouse jobs available. For example, if you're looking for an entry-level position, look for a general warehouse associate job.

There may also be other positions available, including jobs for forklift drivers, pickers, logistic managers, inventory managers, and warehouse drivers.

Warehouse workers can work days, nights, and weekends. If you want to earn some extra cash, there can be opportunities for overtime.

What do you need to work in a warehouse?

In most states, the minimum age to work in a warehouse is 16 years old. However, potential employers usually want you to be at least 18 years old. You'll also need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Your daily duties will include physical tasks, such as lifting, bending, and reaching. You should be physically fit and comfortable with physical labor.

A warehouse is a team environment, so you'll need to work well with others. Communication skills, computer skills, and time management are all important. You'll also have to maintain a safe working environment.

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The role can involve using different equipment, such as pallet jacks, forklifts, and conveyors. You should be a fast learner and interested in gaining technical skills.

The exact requirements can depend on the company and the job title. For example, if it's a supervisor role, you'll need leadership skills and experience.

What are the benefits of working in a warehouse?

Right now, there's a high demand for warehouse workers, with the industry set to grow by 6% over the next ten years. These jobs come with a range of perks, and you'll gain valuable experience.

What are the benefits of working in a warehouse? Let's take a look.

1. Warehouse roles offer competitive pay and great benefits for entry-level work

Many entry-level positions pay the minimum wage and offer little or no benefits to workers.

But, if you get a job in a warehouse, you can make a decent living. The average salary for a warehouse worker in the US is $17.65 per hour. You can start with no experience and take advantage of training programs and opportunities for promotion.

Plus, most part-time and full-time employees get a benefits package. Depending on the employer, you may get health insurance, financial benefits, and time off.

2. You can start working fast

Since demand is so high for warehouse workers, the hiring process tends to move quickly. This means you can get on-boarded and start working without any delays.

If you get invited to a warehouse interview, make sure you dress to impress. Not sure what to wear? We recommend the business casual dress code.

You should research the company ahead of time and practice your interview answers. For more interview tips, click here.

Sometimes when a company has a hiring spree, you'll only have a quick phone interview. In some cases, you'll skip the interview process entirely.

3. There's a lot of room for career development

Many warehouses prefer to promote from within rather than hire externally. Employers will provide on-the-job training and advancement opportunities for those interested in climbing the ladder into supervisor and management positions.

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The best part? Advancement doesn’t have to take years. Most promotions happen within the first 8 - 12 months of employment.

If you're prepared to put in the effort, you can take advantage of training and job opportunities. For example, you may start out as a warehouse driver and work your way toward a logistics manager position.

You can also use your skills in other industries.

4. It's a wonderful opportunity for those interested in seasonal work

The demand for warehouse work increases significantly around the holiday season. Facilities begin to ramp up hiring to meet the demands of companies in the supply chain as early as mid-September and will typically keep seasonal workers through January or February.

These temporary employees are often offered flexible schedules, a good work-life balance, competitive pay, and a rewarding work environment.

Even if you’re not interested in a long-term warehouse career, a seasonal position can give you work experience. You’ll learn a range of new skills, and you can add the details to your resume.

This is ideal for those who have been out of the workforce for a while.

5. Job security is high for warehouse workers

With the continued growth of e-commerce and same-day delivery services, there’s a high need for warehouse workers.

Being hired for a warehouse position means having consistent work and, even more importantly, a consistent paycheck.

Over the years, there's been no slowdown in purchasing from both e-commerce or brick-and-mortar businesses. Businesses need massive warehouses for product storage, order processing, and delivery needs.

6. Warehouse associates are extremely important

Warehouse workers are one of the most important positions in the industry. Associates and other roles within the warehouse operations team work together to sort, package, and ship billions of items worldwide.

Without them, none of that would be possible. Delays in the warehouse can cause issues down the supply chain. For example, it can lead to empty shelves in department stores and customers not receiving their goods on time.

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Because warehouse associates are so important, companies often reward them with a fair salary and employee benefits.

7. You will improve your soft skills

Many people assume that warehouse positions are solely manual labor, but this is no longer the truth. With the various technological advancements in both distribution and logistics, warehousing has evolved into very dynamic roles.

Today, warehouse environments have the potential to improve and develop a worker’s transferable skills in many areas, including adaptability, time management, communication, and attention to detail.

You can also learn technical skills such as how to drive a forklift and how to update inventory management software.

Examples of employers that are hiring right now

Now that you know the benefits of working in a warehouse, you may be thinking about applying for a job. You can start your search by browsing warehouse positions on our job board.

There are warehouse roles available across the country, but there are employers that hire regularly. Here are some companies that may have jobs available near you.

Walmart

Walmart has 210 distribution centers with over 600 warehouse workers in each location.

Customers can shop in-store and online. The brand relies on its warehouse team to fulfill customer orders and transport goods to retail locations.

Walmart distribution and warehouse jobs near me

Amazon

Amazon fulfillment centers are fast-paced environments.

In some areas, there’s a two-hour or less delivery service. To keep customers happy, associates have to pick and pack merchandise with efficiency and accuracy.

There are Amazon fulfillment centers across the country, as well as overseas.

Amazon warehouse and fulfillment jobs near me

UPS

UPS (United Parcel Service) warehouse workers are called package handlers. They use different technology and equipment to sort millions of packages.

The company hires regularly, and if you get a seasonal position, it can lead to a full-time job.

UPS warehouse and package handler jobs near me

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FedEx

FedEx offers a range of services, including national and international parcel delivery. The company employs around 550,000 people.

Package handlers work as a team to load, unload, and sort packages. There are part-time and full-time opportunities, with the option of paid overtime.

FedEx Ground warehouse jobs near me

DoorDash

DoorDash warehouses are set up as convenience stores. When a customer makes an order through the DoorDash app, warehouse associates pick, scan, and pack the products. The range includes grocery items and food.

When the order is ready, it’ll be picked up by a DoorDash driver.

DoorDash jobs near me

Working in a warehouse

Warehouse employees get a competitive hourly rate and benefits. Working in this industry will also give you valuable experience and opportunities for promotion.

To get a warehouse job, you should feel comfortable with heavy lifting, bending, and stretching. You'll need good communication skills, teamwork skills, and organization.

Warehouse employers are hiring now, including Amazon, FedEx, Walmart, UPS, and DoorDash. From associates to warehouse managers, there's a position to suit your skills and experience.

Some positions are seasonal, helping you get back into the workforce and gain new skills. If you like the work environment, your temporary role can lead to a part-time or full-time job.

Want to find a job in a warehouse or fulfillment center near you? Start with our job board. Then, visit our resource center for tips to help you get hired.