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Warehouse associates work behind the scenes to manage the flow of freight, loading and unloading the goods we use every day.
If you’re considering joining the industry and wondering, ‘are warehouse jobs worth it?’ keep reading to see our top five reasons why working in a warehouse is a good career.
5 benefits of working in a warehouse
1. Warehouse associates can make good money.
The average warehouse job paid $22.94 an hour at the start of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most entry-level warehouse associates are paid hourly, which means their paychecks reflect the exact amount of time they worked each week.
However, the wage a warehouse associate earns varies based on several factors, including:
- Work experience.
- Skill level.
- Where they work (city and state).
- What company they work for.
Many companies, like Schneider, offer ways for warehouse associates to earn more in addition to their base hourly wage, such as:
- Sign-on bonuses.
- Shift differential for working second and third shift.
- Weekend pay.
- Overtime opportunities.
2. Warehouse associates can choose their schedules.
Many companies that hire warehouse associates operate around the clock. This means associates can often pick to work:
- First shift.
- Second shift.
- Third shift.
If you need extra flexibility in your schedule, many warehouses also offer part-time and weekend work opportunities.
3. Warehouse associates can advance their careers.
There are many opportunities for associates to grow their career while working in a warehouse. One of the most common ways is by putting in time as an entry-level warehouse associate and then moving into more experienced warehouse roles, such as:
Experienced warehouse roles often come with higher pay and more responsibility than that of an entry-level associate. On-the-job training can help associates develop the skills they need to advance their warehouse careers.
4. Warehouse associates have great job security.
According to the BLS, the employment of all warehouse workers is expected to grow by 6% through 2031.
As long as people continue buying products, warehouse associates will always be needed to pack and ship orders.
Plus, the rising popularity of same-day and next-day delivery options has created a need for more warehouse workers to handle the increased volume of orders.
5. Warehouse associates enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
You won’t be bored working at a warehouse – since freight is constantly being moved in and out, warehouse associates always have something to do.
Working in a warehouse can be physically demanding: warehouse associates are often expected to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. The daily responsibilities of a warehouse associate can include:
- Operating warehouse equipment.
- Wrapping pallets.
- Conducting inventory checks.
- Loading and unloading freight.
- Performing product inspections and assemblies.
Doing these tasks throughout your shift can help the day go by faster. There’s always something new to learn!
