Warehouse positions are the backbone of any successful operation. From inventory management to packing and shipping, every role contributes to keeping the warehouse running smoothly—day in and day out.
Understanding these different warehouse jobs isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. When companies value each warehouse employee, they can improve efficiency, reduce delays, and more effectively fulfill orders.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common warehouse positions, explain what each one does, and show how these roles help create a well-organized and productive operation. Whether you’re thinking about working in a warehouse or just want a deeper understanding of how it all works, this breakdown is for you.
Warehouse Manager
Responsibilities & Tasks:
The warehouse manager holds one of the top warehouse positions and oversees nearly every part of daily operations. From setting goals and improving productivity to managing costs and ensuring safety, this role demands strong leadership and broad experience.
Warehouse managers are involved in almost every aspect of working in a warehouse. They understand shipping and receiving, inventory control, equipment operation, and safety compliance. Their hands-on experience helps them make smart decisions that keep things running smoothly.
They also act as the bridge between departments. Managers work closely with inventory control specialists, order pickers, maintenance staff, and other warehouse employees to ensure everything flows efficiently. They monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like inventory accuracy and order fulfillment speed.
People leadership is another big part of the job. Warehouse managers are responsible for hiring, training, and supporting the team. They help build a positive work culture that motivates employees and encourages collaboration.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most warehouse managers have 5 to 7 years of warehouse experience, including 2 to 5 years in a leadership role. As of 2025, the average salary for a warehouse manager in the U.S. ranges from $58,000 to $68,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Warehouse Supervisor
Responsibilities & Tasks:
The warehouse supervisor serves as the link between the warehouse manager and the rest of the staff. They oversee daily operations, making sure tasks are completed on time and meet company standards. In this role, supervisors coordinate the work of warehouse associates, order pickers, and other team members.
One of their key responsibilities is to optimize workflow. For example, they review warehouse processes often to spot inefficiencies. Based on what they find, they make changes that help increase speed and reduce errors.
In addition, warehouse supervisors focus heavily on safety. They perform regular safety inspections and lead training sessions. As a result, they help create a safer environment for every warehouse employee.
Another important part of this role is managing records. Supervisors monitor stock levels, review performance data, and generate reports. This makes it easier to fulfill orders quickly and accurately.
Beyond that, they also play a leadership role. Supervisors support the team, solve day-to-day problems, and encourage better communication across the warehouse.
Experience and Salary Range
Most warehouse supervisors have 3 to 5 years of warehouse experience. They also typically have at least 1 to 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
As of 2025, the average salary for a warehouse supervisor in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Warehouse Associate
Responsibilities & Tasks:
Among all warehouse positions, the warehouse associate is one of the most hands-on and versatile roles. These employees are involved in nearly every part of warehouse operations and help keep everything running efficiently. From receiving inventory to organizing shelves and assisting with shipping, their day-to-day tasks are essential to success.
Warehouse associates, also known as material handlers in some facilities, are responsible for receiving, storing, and organizing goods. They ensure products are in the correct locations and ready for the next step—whether that’s assembly, picking, or packing. Additionally, they help load and unload trucks, scan and label items, and update digital inventory systems. They also assist in keeping the warehouse clean and orderly, which supports safety and efficiency.
A big part of their job involves keeping accurate inventory records. For instance, warehouse associates conduct regular cycle counts to make sure the physical stock matches the numbers in the system. This prevents stockouts and ensures the warehouse can fulfill orders on time.
Another important duty is preparing shipments. Associates follow detailed instructions to pick and pack items correctly. Their accuracy directly impacts customer satisfaction by minimizing mistakes and delays.
Experience and Salary Range
Most warehouse associate positions require only a high school diploma or GED, making them a common entry point for those interested in working in a warehouse. While many roles are open to beginners, employers often prefer candidates with 1 to 2 years of related experience.
As of 2025, the average salary for a warehouse associate in the United States ranges from $32,000 to $39,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size.
Workforce Growth: The U.S. warehouse workforce has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from approximately 754,460 workers in 2014 to over 1.76 million by the end of 2024
Order Picker
Responsibilities & Tasks:
In large warehouses, certain warehouse positions are highly specialized. One of the most important of these roles is the order picker—a position focused entirely on preparing accurate shipments. Order pickers retrieve products from shelves, sort them, and get them ready to be shipped.
The job requires both precision and speed. To do this well, order pickers follow customer orders and carefully select the correct items in the right quantities. They often use handheld scanners, mobile apps, or printed pick lists to locate and verify product information. As a result, the picking process becomes faster and more reliable.
In addition to picking items, order pickers are also responsible for maintaining accuracy. If the wrong item or quantity is picked, it can lead to delays, customer complaints, or even returns. That’s why they pay close attention to every detail. Their accuracy directly supports customer satisfaction and builds trust with clients.
Moreover, this warehouse job plays a key role in inventory control. While picking, order pickers also monitor stock levels and report any shortages or inconsistencies to the warehouse supervisor or inventory control specialist. By doing so, they help prevent stockouts and improve inventory accuracy.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most order picker positions are considered entry-level. However, some employers prefer candidates with 1 to 2 years of warehouse experience. Additionally, the ability to use scanning tools and follow digital workflows is often a plus.
As of 2025, the average salary for an order picker in the United States ranges from $33,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on region, shift, and experience level.
Inventory Control Specialist
Responsibilities & Tasks:
Among all warehouse positions, the inventory control specialist plays a critical role in maintaining accuracy and efficiency. This warehouse job focuses on keeping stock levels organized and up to date to ensure smooth operations across the facility.
These specialists are responsible for monitoring stock levels, performing routine cycle counts, and tracking product movements. As a result, they help prevent delays, shortages, and costly inventory errors. By staying organized and detail-oriented, they enable the rest of the warehouse team to work without interruption.
For example, when products are received, moved, or shipped, inventory control specialists update the warehouse management system (WMS) to reflect those changes. This way, managers have real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing them to make informed decisions about reordering and fulfillment.
In addition to tracking inventory, these professionals also resolve stock discrepancies. When issues arise, they investigate differences between physical counts and system data. Furthermore, they conduct root cause analysis and implement process improvements to reduce future errors. That’s why their work is essential to maintaining warehouse accuracy and supporting customer satisfaction.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most inventory control specialist positions require 2 to 4 years of experience working in a warehouse, particularly in inventory-focused roles. Employers often prefer candidates who are familiar with WMS platforms, barcode scanners, and other digital tools.
As of 2025, the average salary for an inventory control specialist in the U.S. ranges from $42,000 to $52,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Responsibilities & Tasks:
Among the most time-sensitive warehouse positions, the shipping and receiving clerk ensures the smooth flow of goods in and out of the facility. This warehouse role focuses on both the receipt of incoming inventory and the preparation of outgoing shipments.
Shipping and receiving clerks start by accepting incoming deliveries. Upon arrival, they inspect shipments and verify their contents against purchase orders. They also ensure that all received items are in good condition before accepting them into inventory. In doing so, they help prevent errors and confirm that the right products are received in the correct quantities.
On the outbound side, they prepare shipments for delivery. This includes packing, labeling, and ensuring that all items are secured and ready for transport. As a result, customers receive complete and accurate orders.
Equally important, shipping and receiving clerks are in charge of documentation. They generate packing slips, shipping labels, and other required paperwork that accompanies each shipment. This documentation is critical for tracking goods, managing returns, and keeping the logistics process organized.
In addition, they work closely with logistics partners to schedule pickups and deliveries. They coordinate with transportation companies, confirm schedules, and follow up to avoid delays. Thanks to their communication skills and attention to detail, shipments move smoothly from the warehouse to their next destination.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most shipping and receiving clerk positions require at least 1 to 3 years of experience working in a warehouse or logistics environment. Familiarity with basic inventory systems, barcode scanning, and shipping platforms like FedEx or UPS is often preferred.
As of 2025, the average salary for a shipping and receiving clerk in the U.S. ranges from $35,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on location, workload, and experience level.
Current Employment Figures: As of March 2025, there are about 1.82 million individuals employed in the warehousing and storage sector in the U.S., according to seasonally adjusted data.
Quality Control Inspector
Responsibilities & Tasks:
Within key warehouse positions, the quality control inspector plays a vital role in maintaining product standards. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that everything—from raw materials to finished products—meets company and industry quality expectations.
To start, inspectors perform detailed checks on incoming materials, components, and completed goods. They carefully examine each item for defects, inconsistencies, or operational issues. In many cases, they also conduct functional tests to verify performance before an item moves on to the next stage.
As part of their inspection process, they identify and separate any damaged goods from inventory. At the same time, they verify that all other items are in good condition and ready for use or shipment. This ensures only high-quality products are passed along the supply chain.
In addition to inspections, they compare products against predefined specifications and quality benchmarks. By doing so, they help prevent defective items from reaching customers, protecting both the brand and the operation.
Furthermore, quality control inspectors collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues. They document any defects or non-conformities and provide feedback for corrective action. As a result, they help improve processes and reduce recurring issues.
Ultimately, their attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that only the best products leave the facility. This warehouse role is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and upholding brand reputation.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most quality control inspector positions require at least 2 to 4 years of experience in working in a warehouse or manufacturing setting. Employers typically look for candidates familiar with quality standards, inspection tools, and basic reporting procedures.
As of 2025, the average salary for a quality control inspector in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on industry, certifications, and level of responsibility.
Maintenance Technician
Responsibilities & Tasks:
Among all warehouse positions, the maintenance technician plays a vital role in keeping the warehouse running safely and efficiently. Their primary focus is to ensure that all equipment and facility systems are in optimal condition at all times.
To start, maintenance technicians perform routine inspections and maintenance on warehouse machinery and infrastructure. This includes checking for signs of wear, troubleshooting problems, and repairing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. By addressing issues early, they help prevent equipment failures that could cause costly downtime.
In addition, maintenance technicians help enforce safety compliance. They make sure all systems follow local regulations and warehouse safety standards. As a result, they contribute directly to creating a safer work environment for every warehouse employee.
Moreover, technicians often coordinate with external service providers and contractors for specialized installations or major repairs. They ensure that all tasks are completed properly and on schedule, keeping operations on track. Their technical knowledge, combined with strong problem-solving skills, makes them essential to smooth, uninterrupted warehouse performance.
Experience and Salary Range:
Most maintenance technician positions require 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience working in a warehouse or industrial environment. Employers also value certifications in areas such as HVAC, electrical systems, or mechanical repair.
As of 2025, the average salary for a warehouse maintenance technician in the U.S. ranges from $45,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on technical expertise, certifications, and facility complexity.
Average Salary: The median annual wage for hand laborers and material movers, a common warehouse position, was $37,680 in May 2024.
Conclusion
Warehouse positions are the building blocks of a smooth, efficient operation. From the warehouse manager to the maintenance technician, each role contributes to keeping products moving, customers happy, and business goals on track.
Understanding the responsibilities tied to every warehouse job helps companies allocate resources, reduce errors, and improve overall performance. At the same time, it gives job seekers and current team members a clearer path for growth and specialization.
Whether you’re managing a team or considering working in a warehouse, recognizing the value of each position—from entry-level to leadership—is essential. By doing so, you build a stronger, more connected, and productive workforce.
Ready to explore warehouse automation solutions? Contact us today to find the right system for your business.
