When it comes to running a successful business, the number one concern is inventory management. Because inventory alone accounts for 20-30% of the total business budget, and businesses are very finicky about how well they can manage inventory and prevent any disruptions in the overall supply chain.
It is stated that about 79% of companies with a high-performing supply chain are performing better than others in the same industry. And one of the vital parts of the supply chain is the warehouse.
Now, if we break it down carefully, inventory is stored in a warehouse, where it is managed by warehouse staff. And for the staff to manage inventory, they need experience that we call warehouse experience. But what we don’t understand is that warehouse experience is more than just lifting boxes; it involves both physical and technical work that requires experienced and educated personnel.
Therefore, companies looking to optimize their warehouse workflow and staffing must understand how warehouse experience works and what skills their people need or what skills companies must look for in candidates.
What is warehouse experience?
All the experience a person gains while working in a warehouse, from receiving shipments to handling, placing, packing, and shipping.
What would count as warehouse experience?
By warehouse experience, we mean all the knowledge and practical exposure a person gains from working in a warehouse, including tasks such as receiving shipments, inventory handling, offloading shipments, picking, packing, preparing orders, operating specialized machinery like forklifts and pallet jacks, along with automation and safety protocols. All these tasks are crucial for the smooth movement of products from manufacturers to consumers.
Level of expertise in warehouse management
1- Entry level
Most warehouse jobs start with basic roles that don’t require much education. A high school diploma or GED is usually preferred, but not always required.
Common starting positions include:
- Warehouse Associate: General tasks including receiving, storing, and shipping products
- Order Picker: Selecting items based on customer orders with focus on accuracy
- Material Handler: Moving goods throughout the facility using various equipment
- Inventory Clerk: Tracking stock levels and conducting regular counts
2- Mid-Level
With experience, workers can advance to specialized roles:
- Forklift Operator: Operating powered industrial trucks for material movement
- Shipping and Receiving Clerk: Managing incoming and outgoing shipments
- Quality Control Inspector: Making sure products meet standards before shipment
- Warehouse Coordinator: Overseeing specific operational areas
3- Senior-level
Warehouse experience helps you move forward in your career. Many companies let you start in entry-level jobs and grow into supervisory roles.
Advanced positions include:
- Team Lead/Supervisor: Direct supervision of warehouse staff
- Warehouse Manager: Overall facility operations management
- Operations Manager: Strategic oversight of multiple warehouse functions
What can I do with warehouse experience?
Warehouse experience is a valuable asset. If you have experience working in a warehouse on any level, you can seek career opportunities in warehouse, supply chain management, and logistics.
Do I need experience to work in a warehouse?
It depends on the level of expertise you have. For entry-level roles, little or no experience is required, and it can be learned without any specific qualification. Meanwhile, for more senior or managerial roles, prior experience in supply chain, logistics, or warehouse operations is required.
What jobs can I get with warehouse experience?
With a warehouse experience, you can get multiple jobs with your level of expertise;
- Forklift operator
- Warehouse Associate
- Shipping and receiving clerk
- Inventory control specialist
If you already have previous experience in warehouse management, then you can get a more senior role like warehouse supervisor or manager.
Plus, apart from the warehouse, you can also get jobs in logistics, supply chain management, and procurement.
What skills do you need to work in a warehouse?
There are three types of skills you need before you look for a job in a warehouse.
Physical skills
Warehouse jobs require workers to be physically strong and have good stamina. They must be able to lift heavy objects, sometimes weighing up to 50 pounds, and perform activities such as stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
Technical and soft skills
Successful warehouse workers need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills:
- Attention to detail for managing inventory and fulfilling orders.
- Basic computer skills for using inventory systems and barcode scanners.
- Good communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with others.
- Problem-solving skills to fix operational issues quickly.
- Organizational skills to keep warehouse operations running smoothly.
Equipment handling
Many warehouse jobs involve operating specialized equipment. Having forklift certification is especially helpful because certified operators earn about $18 per hour, while non-certified workers earn around $17.84. Other equipment includes pallet jacks, conveyor belts, and scanning devices.
Compensation and benefits
Salary Information
our salary while working in the warehouse varies depending upon our location, experience, and specialization. The average warehouse worker salary in the United States is $33,010, with hourly rates typically ranging from $15.87 to $17.92 per hour.
Entry-level positions start around $32,000 annually, while experienced workers can earn up to $43,500.
Benefits and Perks
Many warehouse employers offer comprehensive benefits packages including:
- Health insurance, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plans and 401(k) programs
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Overtime opportunities that can significantly boost earnings
- Shift differentials for second and third-shift work
How fast is the warehouse industry expanding?
The warehouse industry is growing fast. There are over 1.35 million warehouse workers in the U.S., and about 186,500 job openings. Jobs in warehousing have increased by 90% since 2000, while overall employment grew by only 12%. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts warehouse jobs will grow by 21% in the next 10 years.
Why is warehouse experience in high demand?
There are several reasons for this demand hike.
- E-commerce is growing. With the growing e-commerce industry, brands are seeking fulfillment centers, which is ultimately increasing demand for specialized workers with warehouse experience.
- With the rising imports in the country, there is an increased need for storage capacity that also puts this skill in demand.
- Consumer expectations for faster delivery are another reason why businesses are seeking individuals with prior experience in warehousing.
Does having warehouse experience provide job security?
Warehouse jobs are secure. The number of material movers is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is about average for most jobs. Even during tough economic times, warehouse jobs remain relatively stable due to their importance in supply chains.
Also, read about a virtual warehouse.
Training and professional development
On-the-Job Training
Most warehouse skills are learned through practical experience. Entry-level roles typically provide comprehensive on-the-job training.
Workers learn everything from safety protocols to equipment operation through hands-on practice under supervision.
Certification Programs
Professional certifications can significantly enhance career prospects:
- Certified Logistics Associate (CLA): Foundation-level certification covering basic warehousing skills.
- Qualified Warehouse Logistics Professional (QWLP): Designed for early-career professionals with one year of experience.
- Forklift Safety Certification: Required for equipment operators.
What are the challenges warehouse staff face?
1- Physical challenges
Warehouse work involves various physical challenges. Common injuries include musculoskeletal disorders from lifting and repetitive motions. Around 1.9% of warehouse staff suffer from musculoskeletal disorders.
2- Safety challenges
Warehouse safety requires constant attention. The fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average of 16 fatalities every year in the warehousing and storage sector.
3- Common Hazards
The most frequent warehouse injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls (45% of short-term injuries)
- Lifting and carrying injuries (31% of long-term injuries)
- Struck by falling or moving objects (10-12%)
- Falls from height (6-19%)
End Note
With e-commerce on the rise, the warehousing industry is going to grow, so fulfillment centers and warehouse experience will remain in demand.
If you’re looking for a job with warehouse experience or want to start a career, then begin with an entry-level role or get certifications to qualify for a position that matches your expertise.
Or, if you are a business with a warehouse and a warehousing staff, invest in proper training for your staff to prevent warehouse injuries and make them efficient at their tasks.
