What Does a Picker Packer Do?
A picker packer pulls items for customer orders from warehouse shelves, checks them against the order, packs them, and labels the boxes for shipment. Picker packers work in e-commerce fulfillment centers, retail and grocery distribution centers, third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses, and manufacturing plants, following a handheld scanner or voice headset. A case picker pulls full cases instead of single items, usually stacking them on a pallet with an electric pallet jack for store or wholesale orders. Most employers require a minimum age of 18, the ability to stand for a full shift, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Warehouse titles overlap, and employers use them loosely. An order selector is the grocery and food distribution term for a case picker, usually working in cooler or freezer zones with a voice system and a pallet jack. A warehouse associate is a broader title that covers receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and loading. A forklift operator moves full pallets, often at height, and must be trained and evaluated under OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard before driving one.
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Hiring a Picker Packer: What to Expect
Picker packers come from staffing agencies, retail stockrooms, fast food and grocery jobs, seasonal peak hiring, and job seekers with no work history at all. Screen for attendance history, comfort with the physical demands and temperature, and accuracy. Ask what pick rate the candidate worked to at their last warehouse and how it was measured, and walk them through the floor during the interview so they see the pace, the noise, and the cold before they accept.
Picker packer postings usually leave out the details that make new hires quit in the first week. Shift start and end times, mandatory overtime during peak season, freezer or cooler work, the heaviest item, and the pick rate after the training period are the facts candidates need, and a posting without them loses new hires once they see the floor. List each of them plainly, along with the pay rate and any shift differential.
A posting for this role should name the pick rate expected after training, how it is measured, the picking system used (RF scanner, voice headset, pick-to-light, or goods-to-person station), and the temperature zone. California, New York, Washington, and Minnesota have warehouse quota laws that require employers to give workers their production quotas in writing, so write the quota out in the posting and the offer.
On skilled trades and industrial searches, 4 Corner Resources submits qualified candidates in an average of 2.5 days, clients interview an average of 1.3 candidates per hire, and we submit 1.55 candidates per hire.
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Picker Packer Core Responsibilities
- Select items from warehouse inventory using an RF scanner, voice headset, or pick-to-light system
- Inspect products for quality and accuracy before packing
- Pack, label, and seal boxes to carrier and customer shipping standards, choosing the right box size and dunnage
- Operate electric pallet jacks and conveyors, and forklifts once trained and evaluated under OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard
- Report short picks, damaged items, and location errors in the warehouse management system (WMS)
- Work at goods-to-person stations where robots or shuttles bring shelves and totes to the picker
- Meet the written pick rate and accuracy standard for the assigned zone
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Follow safety rules for powered equipment, conveyors, robotic work zones, and cold storage
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Ability to operate warehouse equipment such as electric pallet jacks, RF scanners, and wearable ring scanners
- Knowledge of order processing and inventory tracking in a warehouse management system (WMS)
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to move and stack packages for a full shift
- Ability to follow voice picking prompts and pick-to-light displays
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Time management and ability to hold a steady pick rate through a full shift
- Teamwork and clear communication with leads about short picks and damaged items
- Reliable attendance and consistency in meeting carrier cutoff times
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a warehouse, fulfillment, or logistics environment
- Familiarity with shipping software, handheld scanners, or voice picking systems
- Forklift or pallet jack training and evaluation under OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard
- Experience at goods-to-person or autonomous mobile robot (AMR) picking stations
- Experience working in cooler or freezer zones
How Much Does a Picker Packer Make?
Typical national range: $29,364 to $39,620, with a national average of $34,577. Salary data reviewed October 2026 by 4 Corner Resources.
Picker packer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Picker Packer is:
$34,577
Sample Job Description Templates for Picker Packers
Entry-Level Picker Packer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level picker packer to support warehouse operations by selecting, packing, and preparing products for shipment. This role is ideal for individuals looking to start a career in logistics and distribution, with training provided on warehouse procedures and equipment.
Responsibilities
- Pick items from inventory using an RF scanner or voice headset
- Pack and label products securely for shipment
- Inspect products for damage or defects before packaging
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation
- Follow safety rules for pallet jacks, conveyors, and robotic work zones
- Report short picks and damaged items in the warehouse management system
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of warehouse operations and equipment
- Ability to lift and move packages up to 50 pounds
- Familiarity with barcode scanners or order tracking systems (training provided)
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in order fulfillment
- Reliability and ability to follow instructions
- Teamwork and willingness to tell a lead when an item or location does not match the order
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a warehouse or distribution environment helpful but not required
- Availability for peak season overtime and weekend shifts
Experienced Picker Packer
Position Overview
We are hiring an experienced picker packer to handle order fulfillment tasks with accuracy and efficiency in a high-volume warehouse environment. This role requires prior experience in logistics or distribution and the ability to work independently.
Responsibilities
- Accurately select and pack items for customer or client orders
- Operate RF scanners, voice picking headsets, and the warehouse management system (WMS)
- Maintain proper packaging and labeling standards
- Report damaged products or inventory discrepancies
- Work goods-to-person, put wall, or pick-to-light stations as assigned
- Assist in training new team members on warehouse procedures
- Meet the written pick rate, accuracy standard, and daily carrier cutoff times
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with order tracking systems and barcode scanners
- Knowledge of warehouse processes and inventory management basics
- Ability to operate electric pallet jacks and conveyor systems safely
Soft skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail in high-volume environments
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1 to 2 years of experience in a warehouse, fulfillment, or logistics role
- Forklift training and evaluation under OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard
Senior Picker Packer
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior picker packer to manage complex orders, oversee quality standards, and support junior team members. This role requires advanced knowledge of warehouse operations and consistent accuracy at high order volumes.
Responsibilities
- Manage large or complex order fulfillment tasks
- Monitor accuracy and quality of packed orders before shipment
- Coach junior and entry-level picker packers on scanner use, packing standards, and pick accuracy
- Suggest slotting and packing changes that cut travel time and packing errors
- Check that work in the zone follows safety rules and company guidelines
- Work with warehouse supervisors to balance work between zones during peak volume
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency with the warehouse management system (WMS), RF scanners, and voice picking
- Knowledge of shipping standards and packaging requirements
- Familiarity with cycle counts and inventory audits
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Problem-solving when stock, labels, or orders do not match
- Clear communication with pickers and supervisors about errors and priorities
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3 or more years of experience in warehouse operations
- Prior experience training or mentoring junior staff
Lead Picker Packer
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead picker packer to oversee daily workflow, assign tasks, and support team performance in the warehouse. This position blends hands-on order fulfillment with team coordination responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily picker packer operations and delegate tasks
- Confirm orders are fulfilled accurately and before carrier cutoff times
- Train new employees on proper packing and safety procedures
- Monitor team pick rates and accuracy in WMS labor reports and identify areas for improvement
- Report inventory or operational issues to supervisors
- Help maintain compliance with safety and quality standards, including OSHA powered industrial truck rules
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of warehouse operations and safety practices
- Ability to manage workflow and track team performance
- Skilled in using the warehouse management system (WMS), labor reports, and RF equipment
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching abilities
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Effective communication with both staff and management
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 or more years of experience in warehouse or logistics roles
- Experience in a leadership or team lead capacity
Picker Packer Supervisor
Position Overview
We are seeking a picker packer supervisor to manage a team of warehouse staff, oversee daily operations, and maintain accuracy and efficiency in order fulfillment. This role requires leadership experience and a strong understanding of logistics processes.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate picker packer staff performance
- Oversee scheduling, staffing, and daily workflow
- Confirm orders are fulfilled accurately, safely, and on schedule
- Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching to staff
- Enforce compliance with warehouse safety, quality, and operational standards
- Collaborate with management to improve productivity and reduce errors
- Resolve escalated issues related to inventory or shipping
- Provide written production quota descriptions to workers where state warehouse quota laws require them
- Coordinate with maintenance and automation technicians when goods-to-person systems, AMRs, or conveyors go down
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of warehouse management systems and logistics operations
- Ability to manage staffing, scheduling, and performance metrics
- Experience using labor management system (LMS) reports to plan staffing and track pick rates
- Familiarity with OSHA powered industrial truck rules, workplace safety compliance, and state warehouse quota laws
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent organizational and decision-making abilities
- Clear communication with staff, supervisors, and external partners
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred Qualifications
- 7 or more years of warehouse experience, including 2 or more years in a supervisory role
- Experience leading teams in high-volume distribution environments