7 Distribution Center Jobs That Typically Pay the Best
May 17, 2018 | Career Blog
In May of 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics counted about 4.8 million jobs in transportation and warehousing. And many of the opportunities in the distribution industry require little to no experience. Some entry-level positions even have comparable wages to managerial positions, depending on the area you’re working in.
Distribution center jobs may not have necessarily stemmed from your ‘what I want to be when I grow up’ category, but with a little more information, you may find a position in this industry that would be quite lucrative and gratifying. Here are 7 examples of distribution center jobs that typically pay the best.
Entry-Level Distribution Positions
There are a few positions that are not necessarily breaking the bank, but they do pay considerably well for being entry-level and requiring little to no experience to get hired.
1. Warehouse Material Handler and Hand Laborer
Median Pay: $25,870 per year
Potential Pay: $42,890 per year
Responsibilities:
- Moving materials manually
- Packing or wrapping products manually
- Keeping record of materials and products moved
- Signaling those operating machinery in order to assist in moving materials
- Keeping equipment and workplaces clean and organized
2. Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
Median Pay: $35,400 per year
Potential Pay: $55,770 per year
Responsibilities:
- Getting the machines set up
- Monitoring the machines for any unusual activity or sounds
- Inserting materials into machines
- Operating metal or plastic molding, core making, or casting machines
- Adjusting the temperature, cycle times, and speed rates on the machines
- Smoothing out edges and checking for imperfections on finished items
- Testing of performance quality on finished items
- Replacing dull cutting tools
- Reporting and documentation of production numbers
3. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Drivers
Median Pay: $42,480 per year
Potential Pay: $64,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Following assigned traffic laws
- Reporting to dispatcher any incidents that occur during the trip
- Driving long distances
- Insuring that cargo is secure in the vehicle
- Maintenance of logs that show work hours according to federal and state regulations
- Keeping the vehicle clean and organized
4. Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
Positions in this area, though entry-level, are paid a higher amount due to high-risk surroundings.
Median Pay: $80,440 per year
Potential Pay: $108,240 per year
Responsibilities:
- Reading charts, meters, and gauges to check voltage and electricity flows
- Adjusting controls to keep the flow of power regulated
- Checking equipment for operating problems
- Regulating generators, turbines, and other equipment as needed
Manager-Level Distribution Roles
Positions in this area usually require experience within the industry or having worked in a similar position in a related field.
5. Shipping and Receiving Supervisor
Median Pay: $41,876 per year
Potential Pay: $58,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Inventory maintenance
- Verifying the state and quantity of items received and those being shipped
- Ensuring goods are shipped on time
6. Warehouse Supervisor
Median Pay: $46,314 per year
Potential Pay: $60,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Ensuring that products are being moved safely and according to protocol
- Meet deadlines and distribution center targets
- Directing workers in quality production work
- Possible training and development of staff members
7. Warehouse Manager
Median Pay: $48,669 per year
Potential Pay: $70,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Scheduling of shipments
- Inventory
- Maintaining supplies
- Supervising workers
- Monitoring work and training of programs to enhance productivity
Find the Right Distribution Center Job for You
There are many different types of distribution center jobs and, no matter your background, you could make a decent amount of money doing them. With the help of a staffing agency, you can find the ideal position according to your strengths and skill set. If you have an interest in working in the warehouse industry, speak with a staffing agency today to learn about the different positions that are available and which ones could be the potential beginning of your career.