What does a warehouse worker do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock or other materials in warehouses, stores and plants. No formal education is required, and training is typically one month or less. BLS reports a median pay of $38,220 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 53-7062 |
| O*NET code | 53-7062.00 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential |
| Median annual wage | $38,220 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 6,917,800 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a warehouse worker do?
BLS says hand laborers and material movers manually move or sort goods according to plan or schedule, pack or wrap products by hand, keep a record of the goods they move, package or sort, signal machine operators to help move goods, and clean vehicles, machinery and other equipment.
Work environment
They work in stockrooms, warehouses, manufacturing plants and other settings. Retail trade employs 35 percent, transportation and warehousing 22 percent, administrative and support and waste management and remediation services 11 percent and wholesale trade 11 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says no formal education is required, and training is usually on the job, typically one month or less. Some roles need a state-issued license. Refuse and recyclable collectors driving trucks above a certain capacity need a commercial driver's license.
Skills that matter
BLS lists customer-service skills, detail orientation, hand-eye coordination, listening skills, physical stamina and physical strength as important qualities for this work.
How much does a warehouse worker make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $38,220 for hand laborers and material movers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of hand laborers and material movers to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 904,200 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Say which equipment or systems you have used, and be clear about your availability for shifts.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Construction laborers and helpers, Delivery truck drivers, Truck drivers, Logisticians.
Frequently asked questions
Do warehouse workers need a degree? No. BLS says no formal educational credential is required, and training is typically one month or less.
How many openings are there each year? BLS projects about 904,200 openings per year, mostly from workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
How much do hand laborers and material movers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $38,220 for hand laborers and material movers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is warehouse worker a good career? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 904,200 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Construction Laborer Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Delivery Driver Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Truck Driver Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Logistician Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Hand laborers and material movers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/hand-laborers-and-material-movers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 53-7062.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-7062.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.