Warehouses are the backbone of modern supply chains, and with the rise of e-commerce, they’ve never been busier. If you’ve ever ordered something online, an order picker likely played a key role in getting that item from a warehouse shelf to your doorstep.
Order picking is an entry-level job that doesn’t require prior experience, but it offers stability, opportunities for growth, and a clear path to higher-paying roles in warehousing and logistics.
So, what exactly does an order picker do? How much can you earn? And how can you get started in this field? Let’s break it down.
What Does an Order Picker Do?
Order pickers work in warehouses and distribution centers, selecting and preparing items for shipment. Their daily tasks typically include:
- Locating and retrieving products based on order lists
- Using barcode scanners or inventory management systems to track stock
- Operating warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts (if certified)
- Ensuring that orders are packed, labeled, and ready for shipping
- Following safety guidelines and productivity targets
Because warehouses operate on tight schedules, order pickers are expected to work efficiently while maintaining accuracy. Most employers provide on-the-job training, making this role accessible even to those without prior experience.
How Much Do Order Pickers Earn?
Salaries for order pickers vary based on location, industry, and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):
In Georgia:
- The average annual salary is $34,370
- The top 10% of earners make $47,610 or more
- The lowest 10% of earners make $28,230 or less
In the United States:
- The average annual salary is $36,390
- The top 10% of earners make $48,890 or more
- The lowest 10% of earners make $29,150 or less
Pay can increase based on overtime, shift differentials, and industry demand. Warehouses that operate around the clock often offer higher wages for night shifts and weekend work. Certifications, such as forklift operation, can also open doors to better-paying roles.
Why Is Demand for Order Pickers Increasing?
If you're looking for a job with stability and growth, order picking is a great choice. Warehouses and distribution centers are hiring more order pickers every year, and this demand is expected to keep increasing over the next decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are expected to be over 485,800 job openings each year until 2033 for order pickers and similar warehouse roles.
Here’s why:
- Online shopping is booming. More people are ordering products online, which means warehouses need more workers to pick and pack orders.
- Companies are expanding. Businesses are opening new warehouses and distribution centers to keep up with customer demand.
- Technology is helping, but people are still needed. Even with new machines and automation, companies rely on order pickers for accuracy and problem-solving.
- It’s not just retail. Order pickers work in many industries, including food distribution, healthcare, and manufacturing.
With hundreds of thousands of job openings every year, order picking offers job security, reliable pay, and room to grow.
.Career Advancement: What Comes After Order Picking?
Many warehouse supervisors and logistics professionals started as order pickers before moving into higher-paying roles. With time and experience, order pickers can advance into:
- Forklift Operator – Requires certification and typically offers higher wages
- Inventory Control Specialist – Focuses on stock management and tracking
- Warehouse Supervisor – Oversees daily warehouse operations and teams
- Logistics Coordinator – Works with supply chain planning and shipment management
Many employers offer training programs and internal promotions, so motivated workers can move up quickly.
Tips to Improve Efficiency and Performance as an Order Picker
If you're new to order picking, the best way to improve is through experience. But there are also a few tricks that can help you boost your efficiency, save energy, and get through shifts with less stress. Here’s what seasoned order pickers recommend:
1. Master the Basics: Pick It Up, Put It Down
Order picking is repetitive work, and the faster you develop good habits, the better. You’ll be handling the same types of products every day, so find a stacking method that works for you and stick to it. Small adjustments in your routine can make a big difference over the course of a shift.
2. Pay Attention to Common Orders
Many warehouses ship similar orders regularly, especially for recurring customers or store locations. If you start recognizing common orders, you’ll anticipate what’s coming next. Knowing that certain stores always order in bulk or that a specific aisle has heavier products can help you plan ahead and work more efficiently.
3. Every Step Counts—Take Fewer of Them
The more you walk, the more energy you burn. Instead of taking multiple small steps to reach a product, take longer, deliberate strides. It doesn’t seem like much in the moment, but over the course of a shift, reducing unnecessary movement will help you conserve energy and increase efficiency.
4. Take Breaks Wisely
It might seem like skipping breaks will help you get more done, but exhaustion will slow you down in the long run. Instead of taking the full 15 minutes, use five to seven minutes to hydrate, stretch, and reset. A short mental break can keep you focused without slowing your momentum.
5. Speed Comes from Efficiency, Not Rushing
Many new order pickers try to move as quickly as possible but end up making mistakes that cost more time to correct. Speed comes from efficiency, not rushing. The best order pickers don’t just grab products blindly—they already know where everything is going before they even touch a case.
6. Find a Steady Rhythm and Stick to It
Some workers go all-out early in their shift and then burn out before the day is done. Instead of pushing hard for a few hours and slowing down later, find a pace you can maintain for the entire shift. The most productive pickers work consistently from start to finish instead of going too fast and losing steam halfway through.
7. Stack With Purpose
Before you pick up a case, know exactly where it’s going on the pallet. If you stop and look down at your pallet after every pick, you’re wasting time. Experienced pickers visualize their stacks in advance, allowing them to grab, place, and move without hesitation.
8. Stop Overthinking Your Productivity Score
Checking your percentage constantly will mess with your head and slow you down. Instead of obsessing over the numbers, focus on working efficiently and keeping a steady rhythm. If you’re doing things right, the numbers will take care of themselves.
9. Run Your Own Race
Don’t compare yourself to the fastest person on the floor. Everyone works differently, and trying to match someone else’s pace might actually slow you down. As long as you’re meeting expectations and improving over time, you’re doing your job well.
By improving your efficiency and staying consistent, you’ll not only make your shifts easier but also put yourself in a great position for raises, better shifts, and promotions.
How to Get Started as an Order Picker
One of the biggest advantages of this career is that you don’t need prior experience to get started. Many warehouses provide on-the-job training, so as long as you're willing to learn, you can step into this role quickly.
Most employers look for reliable workers who can keep up with the physical demands of the job, including:
- Lifting and moving items regularly
- Standing and walking for long periods
- Staying accurate while working quickly
While a high school diploma is preferred by some employers, it’s not always required—your ability to work efficiently and stay focused matters more.
If you're looking to move up faster or earn higher pay, getting certified in forklift operation can open doors to better-paying warehouse roles. OSHA safety training is another great option, helping you stand out while preparing you for jobs that require more responsibility. Learning how to use inventory management systems is also a plus, especially if you’re interested in transitioning into a supervisor or logistics role later on.
Have you read?
Is an Order Picker Job Right for You?
For those looking for a stable, entry-level job with room for growth, order picking is an excellent option. This role provides hands-on experience, job security, and opportunities for advancement within the logistics industry.
If you’re interested in starting a career as an order picker or exploring other warehouse jobs, Timpl can help.
Contact Us Today to Get Started!
