How much do warehouse jobs pay in 2022?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average warehouse job paid $23.10 an hour at the start of 2022.

However, there are a few factors that can influence how much a warehouse associate makes, including their work experience, their skill level, the hours they work, where they live and the employer they work for.

Here, we'll go over how much Schneider warehouse associates are currently making and explain the factors that affect warehouse associate pay to provide you with a more complete answer to the question, "How much do warehouse jobs pay?”

How much do Schneider warehouse associates make?

How much a warehouse associate makes at Schneider varies based on several factors, but as a general overview ...

A Warehouse Associate I could expect to make $11.10 to $25.19 an hour at Schneider.

• Warehouse Associate I is Schneider’s most entry-level position. The role requires a high school diploma and little to no work experience.
• This range can vary based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s job history, additional schooling and the geographic location of the role they are applying for.

A Warehouse Associate II could expect to make $13.70 to $30.80 an hour at Schneider.

• A Warehouse Associate II generally has some prior experience working in a warehouse setting and operating a forklift.
• Starting pay may be affected by the candidate’s years of warehouse experience, education level, geographic location and relevant skills, including the ability to label freight and operate certain equipment.

A Warehouse Associate Lead could expect to make $16.60 to $37.30 an hour at Schneider.

• A Warehouse Associate Lead generally has at least a few years of experience in warehousing, shipping or receiving work. They are highly skilled associates who can operate a wide variety of equipment (e.g. hand trucks, pallet jacks, forklifts).
• This range can vary based on the amount of prior leadership or warehouse experience, education level, geographic location and relevant skills. Some desirable skills could include prior experience working with computers, inventory management systems, paperwork and analytical tools.

Many of these roles offer second- or third-shift options, which often qualify for a 50 cent shift differential.

What influences how much a warehouse associate makes?

1. Work experience.

Warehouse associates typically earn higher pay the longer they are in the industry. Someone who has years of experience with warehousing, shipping or receiving work will usually receive a higher starting wage than someone with little to no prior warehouse experience.

Many warehouses offer opportunities for employees to earn more the longer they stay with the company.

2. Skill level.

Warehouse workers can find opportunities to earn more by showing they can safely and efficiently operate equipment such as hand trucks, pallet jacks, forklifts and turrets. 

Experienced associates with leadership abilities can often find opportunities to earn more by advancing to a leadership or management position.

3. Hours worked.

Warehouse associates in nonmanagerial roles are typically paid hourly. The average warehouse employee works about 42 hours a week and often time has the opportunity to earn beyond their base pay:

• Overtime pay: Associates who work overtime are typically provided overtime pay at one-and-a-half times their base rate. November and December usually have the most potential for overtime pay, as the holiday season ramps up demand. According to the BLS, the average warehouse employee works about three to four hours of overtime a week during the holiday season. 
• Holiday premium pay: Some warehouses offer a premium pay rate for hours worked during company holidays. For example, Schneider associates 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 all full-time hourly associates receive.
• Shift differential: Associates who work second, third or weekend shifts often enjoy a higher pay rate. For example, Schneider warehouse associates are paid a differential of 50 cents per hour for eligible shifts. 

4. Location.

Where you live can have an influence on how much you make as a warehouse associate. Schneider’s pay rates are market-driven, meaning warehouse locations have different pay rates based on the cost of labor in each geographical region.

5. Employer.

In addition to a paycheck, some companies offer other forms of compensation that help employees pay for healthcare, save for retirement and take time off work when needed.

Some of the benefits Schneider offers include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance. 
• 401(k) with company match. 
• Tuition reimbursement program. 
• Seven paid holidays and six flex days per year.

Check out Schneider's full list of benefits for warehouse associates.

Advancement opportunities for warehouse associates

Schneider’s entry-level warehouse roles can lead to higher-paying opportunities within the organization through on-the-job training and a commitment to safety and excellence.

Associates in the Warehouse Associate I role can advance to Warehouse Associate II through experience and on-the-job training. Some even go on to serve in Warehouse Associate Lead roles and beyond. Many of Schneider’s current warehouse leaders started out in the loading docks.