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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average warehouse employee works about 41 hours a week.
However, there are a few factors that can influence the amount of time you might spend in the warehouse, including the availability of certain shifts, overtime and holiday work.
We dive deeper into each of these factors below to provide you a better way to estimate an answer to the question "How many hours do warehouse workers work per week?"
Shifts available to warehouse workers
Due to the 24/7 nature of shipping and transportation, it’s easy for warehouse workers to find a work schedule that aligns with their needs. First-, second- and third-shift opportunities and weekend shifts are typically available for those who want a full-time job.
Below are three examples of what a Schneider warehouse associate’s weekly schedule might look like:
Warehouse associate A:
Works full time (40 hours a week), first shift: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Warehouse associate B:
Works full time (40 hours a week), second shift: Monday-Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Warehouse associate C:
Works full time (40 hours a week), third shift: Sunday-Thursday from 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Some companies even offer part-time options. According to the BLS, the average part-time warehouse associate works closer to 24 hours a week.
Support and weekend shifts
One of the major benefits of a warehouse job is the availability of non-traditional work schedules. The variety of second, third and weekend shifts provide greater flexibility for college students and parents.
Associates who work non-traditional shifts often enjoy a higher pay rate as well.
For example, Schneider warehouse associates are paid a differential of 50 cents for eligible shifts. An eligible shift is defined as any single work shift with at least four continuous hours worked between 3 p.m. and 5 a.m. and/or during the weekend (between 9 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday).
Overtime potential
Overtime is often available in warehouses, especially during periods of increased demand. November and December are the busiest months for warehouse workers and have the most potential for overtime.
According to the BLS, the average warehouse employee works about three to four hours of overtime a week during the holiday season. During the rest of the year, workers average closer to two hours of overtime a week.
Those that work overtime, are typically provided overtime pay at one-and-a-half times their base rate.
Holiday shifts
Warehouse associates may also have to work holidays depending on their company’s needs. Holiday shifts may be mandatory or offered on a voluntary basis.
Some warehouses offer a premium pay rate for hours worked during company holidays.
At Schneider, for example, associates who work on a holiday are paid one-and-a-half times their base rate for all hours worked on paid company holidays. This is in addition to the eight hours of holiday pay that all full-time hourly associates receive.
Schneider offers seven paid holidays each calendar year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Do warehouse jobs pay weekly?
In addition to having opportunities to rack up more hours, Warehouse associates are sometimes paid more frequently. Warehouse jobs pay weekly or biweekly, depending on the company.
Almost all of Schneider’s hourly warehouse associates are paid on a weekly basis. Schneider also offers an On-Demand Pay program that allows associates to instantly access up to 50% of their eligible earned wages at any time before pay day. The program is one part of the competitive benefits package that our warehouse associates enjoy.
