4 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Warehousing

A decent job that’s easy to get and provides a clear path to promotion—who wouldn’t want something like that? Well, that’s exactly what the warehouse industry offers the modern American worker. 

In an ever-changing world, why not cast your lot with an industry that’s rapidly expanding? Warehouses are growing across the country, and they’re hiring lots of workers as a result. You can take advantage of these circumstances to land yourself a steady, flexible position—and pave the way for a fantastic career. 

Average pay for warehouse workers

In the United States, warehouse workers earn $15.13/hr on average—but your wage could be significantly lower or higher depending on your geographical location, your experience, and your position. When you’re first starting out, you might have to accept an entry-level job at less than $15/hr. With some time, however, you can progress in your career and earn higher wages through promotion. Warehouse managers, for example, earn an average annual salary of $56,898. 

Employment outlook for the logistics industry

The logistics industry, which includes warehousing, is growing rapidly—meaning aspiring warehouse workers should see plenty of job openings for years to come. Experts predict the industry will grow 11% per year for the next eight years – largely thanks to the continuing rise of e-commerce. When an industry expands, it’s bound to require additional workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects annual 6% increases in employment opportunities for “hand laborers and material movers,” a category that includes warehouse employees. 

4 reasons why you should consider a career in warehousing

Whether you’ve been considering a warehouse career for years or just recently got the idea, it’s worth knowing why the industry has so much potential. Here are four of the main reasons why you should explore a career in the warehouse and logistics industry 

Entry-level jobs are often easy to come by

While some industries have a high barrier to entry, warehouses make it relatively simple to get your foot in the door. Most managers don’t require any prior experience or training for entry-level positions. They don’t care whether you’ve been working in a similar workplace for years. What they want to see are soft skills like reliability and strong communication. If you can display these traits through your interview and resume, you can probably land your first job at a warehouse. From there, you’ll receive on-the-job training and set yourself up for a positive career trajectory. 

Warehouse jobs provide room for career growth

Warehouse managers often like to promote from within, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to seek specialized positions that come with higher pay. The key is to be an eager learner, always picking up new skills when you have the chance. One day, you might learn to navigate the computer system that manages inventory. Another time, someone could show you how to operate a forklift. This new knowledge could later make you a candidate to become a logistics manager or forklift operator, both of which would likely bring a significant pay increase.  

Warehouse work offers flexibility

Today’s workers have come to appreciate the many benefits of flexibility, and the warehouse industry is a great option for anyone determined to enjoy those advantages. Most warehouses operate on a round-the-clock basis, so you’ll have the chance to choose a schedule that works for your lifestyle. Whether you’re balancing your warehouse work with another job, a demanding hobby, or childcare duties, you’ll likely be able to find shifts that accommodate your schedule. 

The warehouse industry also provides plenty of short-term positions. These temporary jobs are great for plugging holes in your schedule or bridging the gap between two longer-term endeavors. 

A booming industry

Since it’s tied to the e-commerce explosion, the warehouse industry is truly booming. Even in the pandemic-affected 2020, warehouses continued to grow across the country. There aren’t many industries that are so resilient. 

In a job market that will only become more challenging if predictions of a recession prove true, it’s important to choose a sector that seems primed to overcome any macroeconomic challenges. Even if the economy suffers a significant blip, Americans will surely maintain their desire for material goods. As a savvy modern worker, it simply makes sense to join an industry with such solid long-term prospects. 

Conclusion 

Laptops. Baby dolls. Birdfeeders. Beauty products. The American landscape is chock-full of consumer goods—the products and materials that make our world go round. Whether these goods are sold in massive retail stores, mom-and-pop shops, or online vendors, they need to be stored and sorted throughout their journey. 

Warehouses are the staging grounds for today’s consumer-based society, and they need plenty of workers to keep them in operation. If you want to work on the frontlines of the contemporary economy—and give yourself room to grow while you’re at it—then the warehouse industry is a fantastic place to build your career.

About the Author: Ben Clabault is a freelance writer from Sandwich, Massachusetts. He has spent much of his adult life traveling through Latin America. He currently lives with his fiance in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His areas of expertise include travel, marketing, SaaS, and global cultures. You can find his work on Copyfolio and reach out to him on LinkedIn.