What Does a Warehouse Associate Do?
A warehouse associate supports day-to-day operations in a storage or distribution facility. These team members play a crucial role in maintaining organized inventory, fulfilling orders, and ensuring shipments move efficiently. Whether working in receiving, picking, packing, or shipping, warehouse associates are essential to the smooth operation of the supply chain.
This role involves a mix of manual labor, basic inventory tracking, and the safe operation of equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts. It requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and a commitment to following safety protocols. Warehouse associates are often cross-trained in multiple tasks and may rotate among departments based on workflow demands.
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Warehouse Associate Core Responsibilities
- Load and unload trucks, checking for damage and verifying item counts
- Pick items according to order sheets or RF scanners
- Pack orders securely and prepare them for shipment
- Label and stage products for outbound delivery
- Assist with inventory counts and shelf restocking
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas
- Operate material handling equipment safely (e.g., pallet jacks, forklifts if certified)
- Follow all safety protocols and report hazards or incidents promptly
- Support returns processing and product inspections as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of inventory systems or handheld scanners
- Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) and stand for extended periods
- Familiarity with loading, unloading, picking, packing, or shipping procedures
- Experience with pallet jacks or forklifts preferred
Soft skills
- Reliability and punctuality in attendance
- Attention to detail and accuracy in order processing
- Ability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures
- Teamwork and communication with supervisors and coworkers
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred, but not always required
Certifications
- Forklift certification preferred but not mandatory (depending on facility)
- OSHA 10 certification is a plus
Warehouse Associate Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a warehouse, fulfillment center, or similar setting
- Familiarity with WMS or inventory software
- Bilingual communication skills (e.g., English/Spanish)
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, or variable shifts
National Average Salary
Warehouse associate salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Warehouse Associate is:
$36,733
Sample Warehouse Associate Job Descriptions
The first step when hiring a great warehouse associate is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.
Example 1: Shipping & Receiving Associate
Position Overview
A shipping & receiving associate is responsible for handling inbound and outbound deliveries in a warehouse setting. This role ensures accurate verification of shipments, proper documentation, and timely movement of goods within the facility. It’s a critical function that supports inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Receive incoming shipments, verify packing slips, and inspect for damage
- Log received items into inventory systems and label them accordingly
- Prepare outgoing shipments, including boxing, labeling, and documentation
- Load and unload trucks using pallet jacks or forklifts (if certified)
- Communicate discrepancies or issues with vendors or supervisors
- Maintain organized shipping and receiving areas
Requirements
Hard skills: Basic data entry, familiarity with shipping software, experience with loading docks
Soft skills: Detail-oriented, organized, effective communicator
Education: High school diploma or GED preferred
Certifications: Forklift certification preferred
Example 2: Order Picker/Packer
Position Overview
An order picker/packer is responsible for accurately selecting items from warehouse shelves and preparing them for shipment. This role supports e-commerce and retail fulfillment by ensuring orders are complete, undamaged, and packed to company standards.
Responsibilities
- Locate and pick items based on order tickets or scanner prompts
- Inspect items for quality and expiration dates
- Pack items securely for shipment using appropriate materials
- Label and stage packed orders for delivery
- Replenish picking bins and assist with returns as needed
Requirements
Hard skills: Use of RF scanners, basic packing knowledge
Soft skills: Attention to detail, efficiency, good hand-eye coordination
Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Certifications: None required; packing experience a plus
Example 3: Inventory Control Associate
Position Overview
An inventory control associate helps maintain accurate stock levels within the warehouse. This includes conducting cycle counts, investigating discrepancies, and helping resolve inventory issues. The role supports operations by ensuring inventory records reflect the actual physical stock.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine cycle counts and audits of inventory
- Investigate inventory variances and report findings
- Update WMS or spreadsheets with accurate stock counts
- Coordinate with receiving and shipping teams for reconciliation
- Identify and label slow-moving or obsolete inventory
Requirements
Hard skills: Basic Excel, WMS experience, counting accuracy
Soft skills: Analytical thinking, precision, problem-solving
Education: High school diploma or GED required
Certifications: None required; inventory or retail stockroom experience a plus