Warehousing is quickly becoming one of the largest industries in the world, and the ongoing e-commerce boom has amplified demand for warehouse workers. According to experts, businesses may need to increase average worker pay by up to 3.5% to attract and retain the talent necessary to keep the warehousing sector afloat.
What are the most in-demand warehouse roles right now?
Warehouse Associates
The warehouse associate is the lifeblood of a smoothly operating warehouse. It is a jack-of-all-trades position that has become a vital component of the warehouse machine. Without these associates, warehouses simply could not operate.
It is varied and exciting role. A typical day can include inventory tracking, administrative tasks, picking and packing, shipping, receiving, and more.
The average salary for an associate in Canada is just over $35,000. Heightened demand during peak periods causes many employers to offer sign-on bonuses and other perks in order to attract more candidates.
Pick & Pack/Packaging Associates
Although it will depend on the size of the warehouse and the type of products involved, pick and pack associates are generally considered to be a precious resource.
It is a physical job. It can require individuals to do a lot of walking, lifting, and carrying as they move products around the warehouse. These employees need to be quick on their feet and able to withstand long periods of physical activity, while also having an attention to detail. Strong organizational skills are also essential to succeeding in this role.
The average salary for packaging associates is just shy of $30,000, or around $15 an hour. It is generally seen as an entry-level position, but advancement opportunities are often available.
Forklift/Heavy Equipment Operators
There has always been demand for forklift or heavy machinery operators in warehouses – but with the rapid expansion of the industry, that demand is now at an all-time high!
Operating heavy machinery usually requires some kind of certification to ensure all safety measures are being met. This is one of the only technical requirements though, making this position an attractive gateway into the industry.
No formal education is required, and employees benefit from working in a fast-paced environment, with the chance to acquire transferable skills. In addition, there is earning potential of nearly $39,000 a year for experienced forklift operators.
Overnight Shifts
One of the main distinguishing factors between e-commerce and traditional shopping is that e-commerce never sleeps. As such, most warehouses operate around the clock to ensure that quotas are being met. Overnight warehouse workers are more sought after now than ever before.
While it may not seem like the most appealing job, there are actually plenty of reasons why working the late shift can be a win. These positions involve obscure hours, so they tend to command higher wages by way of compensation. Another benefit is that there are fewer distractions during a night shift, placing less stress on individuals and allowing them to work more efficiently.
Warehouse Manager
For warehouses to run smoothly, they need to have an organized leader at the helm. Proficient warehouse managers will always be fundamental to achieving peak performance. Warehouse managers are responsible for overseeing all the day-to-day operations of a warehouse. Candidates will require demonstrable leadership skills and relevant managerial experience to be a considered for such roles.
The average salary for a warehouse manager is around $51,000/year, or just over $21/hour. However, due to the unprecedented demand for managerial positions, experts predict that some businesses could begin offering hourly wages in excess of $42/hour.
Are you thinking about a career in warehousing? TRG Staffing Solutions would be happy to help you secure a new role. Contact us today to learn more about how we can
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