Warehouses store raw materials or manufactured goods before they are transported for export or sale. Reliable employees capable of performing warehouse duties are necessary in a broad range of businesses and industries. If you're looking for a physical job in a fast-paced environment, a job as a warehouse worker might be right for you.

Warehouse Job Description

A warehouseman, or warehouse worker, may be tasked with any of a variety of duties that keep a warehouse running efficiently. Responsibilities often include the following:

• Assisting shipping and receiving by unloading trucks and checking in products or materials.
  
• Preparing orders by processing requests, pulling orders, packing boxes and transporting packages to the shipping area.
• Sorting and placing warehouse items, as directed by organizational standards.
• Maintaining inventory controls.
• Preparing packages for mailing.
• Ensuring clean and safe working environment.

Education Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for a position as a warehouseman. Employers generally prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous warehouse experience is sometimes required, although because warehouse operations can vary from one employer to another, on-the-job training is usually provided. It's important that the warehouseman have good communication, organizational and time management skills. As with any job, employers seek workers who are dependable and reliable.

Certain physical requirements are necessary for performance of a warehouse job. Workers regularly lift and move objects between 10 and 50 pounds. In some cases, workers are expected to lift heavier weight. Warehouse workers spend a lot of time on the move; they are frequently required to stand, walk, bend and kneel. Depending on the job, they may be expected to climb and balance.

For the safety of the workers and others, a warehouseman needs good vision and hearing. Although certification is not required to operate heavy equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts, earning a credential can be an asset when looking for a job, since it demonstrates knowledge of the equipment and commitment to safety.

Work Environment

Warehouse workers may work indoors or outdoors. Warehouses are not necessarily climate-controlled, so you may be working in the heat or cold, even if you're inside all the time. A warehouse worker may work full-time, part-time or perform shift work that involves evenings, nights, weekends or holidays.

Warehouse Resume Sample

Many warehouse positions are entry-level, so prior experience is not required. When writing a resume, be sure to list skills that an employer asks for in a job announcement. You can look online to find a warehouse resume sample. You might want to include statements such as the following:

• Fluent in English and Spanish.
  
• Can lift up to 100 pounds routinely.
  
• Proficient with computer software, including data entry programs, Word and Excel.
  

If you have experience, you may be qualified for higher wages or a supervisory position. On a resume, briefly explain duties performed at your previous position:

• Received shipments and stored products in warehouse.
  
• Coordinated transfers of products between several facilities.
  
• Oversaw all products leaving the warehouse to ensure accuracy of shipments.
  
• Performed weekly inventory to find damaged or unacceptable products to improve quality control.
  

Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks data and makes projections for all civilian occupations. Warehouse workers are classified in several ways. Their occupational titles and average salaries are listed below:

• Hand Laborers and Material Movers: $25,870 per year/$12.44 per hour.
  
• Shipping, Receiving and Traffic Clerks: $31,810 per year/$15.29 per hour.
• Laborers and Freight, Stock and Movers: $27,040 per year/$13.00 per hour.

Salaries vary by geographic location, employer and other factors. Wages are generally higher in metropolitan areas, where costs of living are also higher. Job growth for warehouse workers is expected to be about 7 percent through 2026, which is average, when compared to all other occupations.