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Warehouse Worker I Salary in the United States

How much does a Warehouse Worker I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Worker I in the United States is $33,992 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Warehouse Worker I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $39,464
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,539 to $36,856
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,306
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Warehouse Worker I Salaries

A Warehouse Worker I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Warehouse Worker I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Warehouse Worker I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Warehouse Worker I (0-1 years): $33,992
  • Warehouse Worker II (1-3 years): $42,223
  • Warehouse Worker III (3-5 years): $46,932
  • Warehouse Supervisor (5+ years): $65,187
  • Warehouse Senior Supervisor (5+ years): $81,026
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Warehouse Worker I0-1 years$33,992
Warehouse Worker II1-3 years$42,223
Warehouse Worker III3-5 years$46,932
Warehouse Supervisor5+ years$65,187
Warehouse Senior Supervisor5+ years$81,026
View as Graph

How Do Warehouse Worker I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Warehouse Worker Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $37,636.
  • California: $37,493.
  • Massachusetts: $36,993.

Top Paying Cities for Warehouse Worker Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $42,874
  • San Francisco: $42,405
  • Oakland: $41,511

What Skills Can Increase a Warehouse Worker I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.97% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.28% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
  • Container (Mentioned in 2.48% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.97%
Inventory Control 3.28%
Container 2.48%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Warehouse Worker I's salary.

  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management $37,391
10%
Analysis $36,711
8%
Scheduling $36,371
7%
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Warehouse Worker I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Warehouse Worker I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,987. While startup companies pay approximate $32,134.

Warehouse Worker I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $32,134
Growth Stage 51~500 $33,984
Established 501~5000 $36,682
Enterprise 5000+ $37,987

Warehouse Worker I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Warehouse Worker I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Warehouse Worker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Warehouse Worker I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Warehouse Worker I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$50,988$25.050%
Telecom$49,288$24.045%
Construction$47,589$23.040%
Media$45,889$22.035%
Aerospace & Defense$44,190$21.030%

How Education impacts a Warehouse Worker I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Warehouse Worker I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Warehouse Worker I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $36,069 and $37,542.

Warehouse Worker I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Warehouse Worker I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.3%
High School 70.1%
Associates 11.7%
Bachelors 10.8%
Masters 0.9%
Doctorate 0.2%
View as Graph

Warehouse Worker I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Warehouse Worker I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$31,539
Average $33,992/year
$36,856
$2,628
Average $2,833/month
$3,071
$607
Average $654/week
$709
$15
Average $16/hour
$18
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $36,856 $3,071 $709 $18
Average $33,992 $2,833 $654 $16
25th Percentile $31,539 $2,628 $607 $15

Warehouse Worker I Salary Growth & Career Path

Warehouse Worker I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Warehouse Worker I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Warehouse Loss Prevention Manager $94,543 178%
Warehouse Worker II $42,223 24%

Most common benefits for Warehouse Worker I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Warehouse Worker I

Here are companies hiring for Warehouse Worker I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Warehouse Worker I

1. Where can a Warehouse Worker I earn the most?

A Warehouse Worker I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Warehouse Worker I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Warehouse Worker I is $42,874.

2. What is the highest pay for Warehouse Worker I?

The highest pay for Warehouse Worker I is $39,464.

3. What is the lowest pay for Warehouse Worker I?

The lowest pay for Warehouse Worker I is $29,306.

4. What are the responsibilities of Warehouse Worker I?

Moves materials within a warehouse and completes other warehouse support tasks. Performs various operations, including unloading, picking, packing, counting, and checking items to maintain inventory. Operates hand trucks, forklifts, hoists, motorized conveyors, or other material handling equipment according to safety policies and procedures. May view or input information into a warehouse management system (WMS), enterprise resource system (ERP), or other database. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Warehouse Worker I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Warehouse Worker I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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