2025 Average US Warehouse Worker Salary - Hourly & Annual Pay Details

Key Takeaways

• The average warehouse worker salary in 2025 is about $18.90 per hour, or $39,300 annually for full‑time employees.
• Entry‑level workers earn roughly $14‑$16 per hour; experienced staff can make $22‑$26 per hour.
• Pay varies widely by region - the West Coast tops the list, while the Southeast lags behind.
• Union‑affiliated facilities, e‑commerce hubs, and roles that require certifications typically pay more.
• Understanding BLS data, benefits, overtime rules, and negotiation tactics can boost your earnings.

Where the Numbers Come From

A reliable salary picture starts with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the federal agency that publishes the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey every year. The OES samples thousands of employers across every state, then calculates median wages, hourly rates, and annual earnings for each occupation.

The U.S. Department of Labor validates that data and provides context on benefits, overtime, and work‑hour standards. For 2025, the BLS released its final figures in September, incorporating pandemic‑related rebounds and the surge in e‑commerce fulfillment work.

National Average Figures

According to the 2025 OES release, a full‑time warehouse worker is a person who performs tasks such as picking, packing, loading, and inventory management in a storage facility earns a median hourly wage of $18.90. Multiply that by a standard 2,080 work hours (40 hours × 52 weeks) and you get an annual salary of $39,300 before taxes.

Part‑time employees (under 30 hours per week) see a lower average of $16.20 per hour, translating to $33,700 annually if you convert to full‑time equivalents.

How Experience Shapes Pay

Experience level is the single biggest driver of wage growth. Below is a quick snapshot based on the latest BLS breakdown:

Notice how a senior worker can earn more than $10,000 above the national median simply by staying in the field longer.

Regional Pay Variation

Geography matters. The cost of living, local demand for logistics workers, and the concentration of large distribution centers all push wages up or down.

• West Coast (California, Washington, Oregon): $21‑$24 per hour. Tech‑driven fulfillment centers in the Bay Area and Seattle pay a premium for speed and accuracy.
• Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio): $17‑$19 per hour. Strong manufacturing base, moderate cost of living.
• South (Texas, Georgia, Florida): $16‑$18 per hour. Rapid growth in e‑commerce hubs, but wages lag behind the West.
• Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania): $19‑$22 per hour. High labor costs and dense population drive up pay.

When you factor in overtime eligibility (time‑and‑a‑half after 40 hours), many workers in high‑pay regions regularly bring home $45‑$55 k per year.

Full‑Time vs Part‑Time, Overtime, and Benefits

Full‑time roles usually include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. According to the Department of Labor, about 60 % of warehouse workers receive at least one benefit, with larger firms offering more comprehensive packages.

Overtime can be a major earnings boost. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates overtime pay for any hours over 40 per week. In practice, many warehouses schedule 45‑50‑hour weeks during peak seasons, effectively raising the hourly take‑home rate to $28‑$30 for overtime‑eligible staff.

What Pushes Wages Higher?

Several factors consistently out‑perform the baseline salary:

• Union representation: Union‑affiliated warehouses report median wages $2‑$3 higher per hour.
• Industry focus: Workers in e‑commerce fulfillment (Amazon, Walmart) often earn 10‑15 % more than those in traditional wholesale.
• Specialized certifications: Forklift operation, hazardous‑materials handling, and inventory‑management software (e.g., SAP WM) can add $1‑$2 per hour.
• Shift differentials: Night‑shift or weekend work typically carries a $1‑$1.50 premium.

Employers looking to retain talent often bundle these perks, so job seekers should ask about them during interviews.

How to Benchmark and Negotiate Your Pay

1. Check the latest BLS data for your state and occupation code (SOC 53‑3011).
2. Compare your current hourly rate to the regional median in the table above.
3. Gather evidence of any certifications, overtime hours, or safety‑record achievements.
4. Prepare a short pitch: highlight how your experience aligns with the higher‑pay benchmarks and request a specific raise (e.g., $2 per hour).
5. If the employer can’t increase base pay, negotiate for extra benefits-health coverage, paid training, or flexible schedules.

Being armed with hard numbers makes it harder for managers to dismiss your request as “just a feeling.”