• Receiving and storing: Unload trucks, verify incoming shipments against documentation, and organize items in the warehouse. 

• Order fulfillment: Accurately pick, pack, and label products to fulfill customer orders. 
   

• Inventory management: Conduct quality control checks, track stock, and keep accurate inventory records. 
   

• Shipping: Prepare packed orders for delivery and coordinate with logistics teams. 
   

• Workstation maintenance: Keep the work area clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies. 
   

• Physical ability: Capable of heavy lifting and standing for long periods. 
   

• Detail-oriented: Crucial for accuracy in picking orders and managing inventory. 
   

• Organizational skills: Needed to maintain a tidy and efficient warehouse environment. 
   

• Safety-conscious: Follows safety protocols to prevent accidents. 
   

• Team player: Communicates effectively with other departments and team members. 
   

• Warehouse Management Software (WMS): Used for tracking inventory and optimizing operations.

• Handheld scanners: Scan items for tracking and data entry.

• Computer systems: Used for recording information and generating reports. ​

What's the best way to find work as a warehouse associate?

A common frustration of job seekers is that they can't find a job without experience, but they can't get experience without a job. The good news is that being a warehouse associate doesn't always require previous experience. Having relevant skills from other jobs can help, as can doing specific training for warehouse work.

If you're interested in giving warehouse work a try, consider signing up for Instawork. If you're capable of physical work, can learn to use software, and are willing to put in the effort, you've got a good chance of being selected for shifts.

Warehouse associate skills & qualifications

If you're wondering "what is a warehouse associate," you may also be wondering what it takes to become one. The most important skills for a warehouse associate include organization and people skills. Physical fitness is also important since a lot of the work is on your feet and you'll be frequently moving items, some of which might be heavy.

It also helps to have a basic understanding of how a typical warehouse works. Check out this training guide to learn some common warehouse terminology, layout, processes, and more.

Other skills you'll need as a warehouse worker may include:

• Being able to carry a heavy load (the weight may vary depending on the warehouse)
• Knowing (or learning) how to use warehouse management systems
• Having a basic understanding of math for inventory and reports
• Using basic computer programs like Excel
• Working well under pressure and in team environments
• Being comfortable communicating with new people and supervisors
• Organizing spaces effectively
• Thinking on your feet and responding quickly if problems arise
• Being detail-oriented and having a good memory

Besides these skills, some (but not all) employers may require other qualifications, such as:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Some past experience working in a warehouse
• A driver's license
• Safety and compliance training​

Where to find work as a warehouse associate

One of the great things about warehouse work is that it's critical to a number of different industries. From e-commerce giants to mom-and-pop shops, any business that sells products at a high enough volume will need warehouse support.

Instawork also makes it easy to connect with local warehouses and start working right away. All kinds of Partners use Instawork to look for hard workers with a can-do attitude that is interested in helping out in their warehouses. And with Instawork, you can pick up as many or as few shifts as you want, offering you flexibility and control over your own schedule. And if that weren't enough, Instawork shifts often pay above the industry average!

What does a warehouse associate make?

One of the most common questions that go along with "what is a warehouse associate" is "what does a warehouse associate make?"

According to Salary.com, the average US warehouse associate makes an average of $16 per hour. Of course, this full-time salary will depend on the location and size of the company. Your experience in the field and how long you've been working there can make a difference as well.

To bump up your earnings even higher, you can try taking some technical classes with your local community college or get an industry certification like a forklift license.