Dock Worker Salary in the United States

How much does a Dock Worker make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dock Worker in the United States is $41,567 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $50,157
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,654 to $46,063
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,003
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View as table View as graph 25% $38,654 10% $36,003 90% $50,157 75% $46,063 $41,567 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Dock Worker Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $46,063 $3,839 $886 $22
Average $41,567 $3,464 $799 $20
25th Percentile $38,654 $3,221 $743 $19
Check out Dock Worker Job Openings in the United States
Dock Worker

MAKIA FREIGHT INC - Columbus, OH

Dock Worker

Estes Express Lines - Columbus, OH

Part-Time Dock Worker / Forklift Operator

Dayton Freight - Columbus, OH

Dock Worker / Forklift Operator, Part-Time

ArcBest - Columbus, OH

Search More Dock Worker Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Dock Worker Salaries

A Dock Worker'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.

Top Paying Cities for Dock Workers

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: $52,428
  • San Francisco: $51,854
  • Oakland: $50,761

What Skills Can Increase a Dock Worker's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.83% 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.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
  • Warehouse Management (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): Planning, arranging, and organizing goods and materials for the daily operation of a warehouse.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.83%
Housekeeping 3.86%
Warehouse Management 1.82%
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 Dock Worker's salary.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Presentation
$45,308
9%
Collaboration
$43,645
5%
Scheduling
$43,229
4%
Standard Operating Procedures
$43,229
4%
Leadership
$43,229
4%
Dedication
$42,814
3%
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Dock Worker Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Dock Worker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Dock Worker positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Dock Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Dock Worker

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$49,880$24.020%
Energy & Utilities$49,880$24.020%
Financial Services$49,880$24.020%
Pharmaceuticals$49,880$24.020%
Software & Networking$49,880$24.020%

How Education impacts a Dock Worker's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dock Workers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Dock Worker with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,284 and $42,760).

Dock Worker Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Dock Worker
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.5%
High School 60.0%
Associates 25.0%
Bachelors 7.5%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Dock Worker Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Dock Worker'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Dock Worker

Salaries for a Dock Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,440 in 2023 to around $44,103 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Dock Worker salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Dock Worker Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$44,440
2024
$44,402
2025
$44,103
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $44,440
2024 $44,402
2025 $44,103
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Dock Worker

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Dock Worker

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

Find Your Next Dock Worker Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Dock Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • ABF Freight

    Columbus, OH

    ABF Freight | Columbus, OH

    ABF Freight - - Responsibilities: Load and unload trailers for the purpose of transporting a wide variety of cargo. Move cargo, drive a forklift or use a p... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Old Dominion Freight Line

    Columbus, OH

    Old Dominion Freight Line | Columbus, OH

    Join The Od Family As A Dockworker. Are you someone who never rests on their laurels, always strives to go above and beyond, and is committed to keeping yo... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Old Dominion

    Columbus, OH

    Old Dominion | Columbus, OH

    Old Dominion - - Responsibilities: Load and unload freight on trailers using a motorized forklift, pallet jack or manually in compliance with state and fed... more

    4 Days Ago

  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

    Emergency Medicine Physician Needed near Columbus, Ohio. An excellent opportunity for a full-time EM Physician to join an Emergency Department team near Co... more

    3 Days Ago

  • eviCore healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    eviCore healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Provides timely expert medical review for requests to evaluate the medical necessity of services that do not meet utilization review criteria while located... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Alto Health Care Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    RN

    Alto Health Care Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Position Overview. We are currently seeking experienced and compassionate Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our network of healthcare professionals. As a Reg... more

    3 Days Ago

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FAQ about Dock Worker

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Dock Worker?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Dock Worker roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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