How much does a warehouse laborer make?

You check a work order, sort boxes, and move them between shelves, loading docks, and trucks by hand or with simple equipment. You label and secure loads, pack damaged boxes, and record what you moved.

Did you know? Some warehouse laborers build wooden crates from pre-cut lumber, then brace or pad them so cargo won’t shift in transit.

In the U.S., these jobs usually need no diploma or prior experience; employers teach the work and safety rules, often in a month or less. Forklift work is a separate step: operators must be at least 18 and trained and certified.

School needed: High school plus some training

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, location, and the employer or industry. BLS says workers’ skills and credentials can matter too, though most hand-moving jobs do not require formal schooling. Some jobs include night or weekend shifts.