Career Guide
Warehouse Worker: Pay & How to Get Hired
A warehouse worker moves, packs, and stores goods in a warehouse or distribution center. In the U.S. they make about $19.35 an hour, and most jobs need little or no experience — employers usually train you.
What a Warehouse Worker makes
| Lower pay (25%) | Typical (median) | Higher pay (75%) |
|---|---|---|
| $17.35/hr | $19.35/hr | $22.56/hr |
U.S. average, 2025. Pay is higher in some metros.
Data from
· U.S. Dept. of Labor (ETA) & Minnesota DEEDSee warehouse worker pay near you How much experience you need
Little to no experience needed — many employers train you on the job.
Usually a high school diploma or GED, though some employers don't require one.
In demand — the U.S. Dept. of Labor flags lots of openings
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
What a Warehouse Worker does
- Move freight, stock, or other materials by hand or with forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks.
- Read work orders or follow spoken instructions to fill and check orders.
- Load and unload trucks, delivery vehicles, and shipping containers.
- Sort and organize cargo before loading and after unloading.
- Keep storage areas clean and protect inventory from damage.
Also called: Material Handler, Loader, Order Picker, Receiver, Laborer.
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
How to get hired as a Warehouse Worker
- Apply to warehouses and distribution centers near you — most hire year-round and post openings weekly.
- Show you're reliable: on-time, able to lift and stand, and available for the shifts they need.
- Say yes to forklift training if they offer it — a forklift cert can raise your pay.
- Bring an ID and be ready for a quick background and drug screen after they offer the job.
The card that helps you earn more
Forklift / PIT certification
employers often pay
There's no national forklift card — your employer certifies you on-site. Distrust any site selling a standalone 'OSHA forklift license.'
How to get itReady to get hired? Make a free Work Card employers can see.
Build my free Work Card — 2 minOther jobs — pay & how to get in
Frequently asked
How much do warehouse workers make an hour?+
In the U.S., warehouse workers (laborers and material movers) make about $19.35 an hour on average, and most earn between $17.35 and $22.56 an hour, per 2025 U.S. Department of Labor data. Pay is higher in some metros and with a forklift certification.
Do you need experience to work in a warehouse?+
No. Most warehouse jobs need little or no experience — the U.S. Department of Labor lists this work as needing very little preparation, and employers usually train you on the job.
What certification helps a warehouse worker earn more?+
A forklift (Powered Industrial Truck) certification. There is no national forklift card — your employer certifies you on-site, and many employers pay for the training. It can move you into higher-paying forklift and lead roles.
Is warehouse work in demand?+
Yes. The U.S. Department of Labor flags warehouse and material-moving jobs as a 'Bright Outlook' occupation with numerous openings, so most areas hire year-round.