If it seems like warehouses are springing out of fields on the outskirts of cities across the United States, well, you’re not wrong. As the gigantic concrete and steel walls swallow acres of land and semi-trucks begin pouring in and out with goods destined for business and homes globally, warehouse jobs are plentiful for those with the right training.
What are some common warehouse jobs?
From labor-intensive work such as forklift driver, loaders, and material handlers to information technology systems, the internet of things (IoT) and management, the job opportunities are as varied as the products for which these logistics hubs have been built.
Industries in the warehousing and storage subsector primarily operate warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and other warehouse products. These businesses provide facilities to store goods, but they do not sell the goods they handle.
Warehouse job growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as of January 2023, there was a seasonally adjusted total of 1.94 million people employed in warehousing and storage. Some breakdowns include 310,840 industrial truck and tractor drivers, 331,480 material handlers and laborers, 73,060 shipping and receiving clerks, 338,100 stock clerks and 16,000 managers.
Despite these opportunities, warehousing businesses continue to struggle with finding enough employees to fulfill their potential. The demands of a 24-hour operation have led to more automation and software solutions to increase efficiency and safety for employees.
Driven by e-commerce, the number of warehouses globally is forecast to rise from nearly 150,600 in 2020 to 180,000 by 2025, according to Interact Analysis. Without more automation, an additional 3.5 million warehouse workers will be needed worldwide to cover current needs and that expansion.
Warehouse positions
Many colleges offer certification programs and degrees geared toward filling roles in warehousing. Certification can prepare workers a range of positions within the general career area:
- Warehouse material mover and handler/supervisor
- Dispatcher
- Customer service representative
- Buyer
- Data entry clerk
- Allocations specialist
- Terminal or dock supervisor
- Delivery scheduling clerk or overage
- Shortage and damage clerk
- Quality control inspector
- Loader
- Shipper
- Receiving or return good clerk
- Supply technician
- Picker and packer
- Forklift worker
General warehouse managers handle the day-to-day operations of a warehouse. Management roles require additional training and experience and can be attained in a variety of ways. Employers often prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field of logistics. But there are also certification programs designed to teach aspiring warehouse managers who have ground-level experience how to manage inventory, assign roles and responsibilities, and lay out available floor space. It all starts with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Operators are looking to train technically skilled workers and realize far faster benefits from automation as well. This promises to make warehouse jobs more attractive intellectually and drive higher compensation, thus making the overall market more compelling for job seekers and those seeking upskilled career transitions.
Filling all these roles and responsibilities in the fast-paced warehouse environment can be challenging, and high turnover can add to this. Staffing partners like MarketStaff can provide suitable employees for a myriad of roles as your business grows and strives to maintain top-notch service levels. Temporary job placement can also lead to full-time permanent employment, benefiting the business and the employee in the long run.
MarketStaff works with job seekers nationwide to connect them with clients who are looking to fill temporary assignments. If you’re looking for warehouse jobs, contact us today.