What Does an Amazon Warehouse Associate Do?
Find out what an Amazon warehouse associate does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an Amazon warehouse associate.
Amazon warehouse associates are the people who make it possible for you to get your hands on that new book, video game or piece of electronics equipment as quickly as possible. They’re responsible for receiving, storing and shipping all of the products in Amazon’s massive inventory.
Warehouse associates typically work long hours under difficult conditions. The job is physically demanding and requires a great deal of stamina.
Amazon Warehouse Associate Job Duties
Amazon warehouse associates have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Monitoring the location of inventory in the warehouse to ensure that no items are missing and that items are stored properly
- Stocking shelves with items such as books, clothing, toys, or other products
- Unpacking shipping containers and storing merchandise in the warehouse
- Marking damaged boxes so that the damage can be easily identified in the future
- Picking orders from shelves and packing them for shipping to customers
- Performing cycle counts to ensure that inventory is accurate and up to date
- Receiving inventory shipments and unpacking items to be stored in the warehouse
- Operating forklifts and other equipment to move large boxes of products around the warehouse
- Making sure that all items are stored in an orderly fashion that maximizes space efficiency
Amazon Warehouse Associate Salary & Outlook
Amazon warehouse associates are paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on their level of experience, the size of the company, and the location of the job.
- Median Annual Salary: $31,437 ($15.11/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $41,000 ($19.71/hour)
The employment of warehouse workers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
Warehouse automation, such as the use of robots and computer systems, will allow fewer workers to do more work. However, some jobs will still be needed to maintain and repair the equipment. In addition, e-commerce continues to increase the demand for warehouse space.
Related: Amazon Warehouse Associate Interview Questions and Answers
Amazon Warehouse Associate Job Requirements
To become an Amazon warehouse associate, you will need to meet the following qualifications:
Education: Most warehouse associates have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some warehouses may require warehouse associates to have a GED or other equivalent credential.
Training & Experience: Most warehouse associates learn the specific processes and procedures for their role while on the job. Training for this role may include shadowing a current warehouse associate or completing a period of supervised work before being allowed to complete tasks on their own. Training often includes a period of time learning how to use the equipment and tools required for the role, how to safely move items and how to organize and label items.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not often required for this role, but they can show your ambition and motivation and increase your competitiveness when applying for jobs.
Amazon Warehouse Associate Skills
Amazon warehouse associates need the following skills in order to be successful:
Packing and shipping: Packing and shipping skills are important for any associate working in an Amazon warehouse. You may be responsible for packing and shipping customer orders, so it’s important to know how to properly package items to ensure they don’t get damaged in transit. You may also be responsible for packing and shipping products from the warehouse to the customer, so it’s important to know how to properly package and label products.
Inventory control: Inventory control is the ability to keep track of the products in a warehouse. This is an important skill for an associate to have because it ensures that the company has the right amount of products. It also ensures that the company doesn’t overstock or understock their products.
Communication: Communication skills are necessary in any job, but especially in a warehouse environment. You may be required to communicate with other employees, supervisors and customers. You may also be required to read and interpret documents, so it’s important to have strong written communication skills.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a crucial skill for any associate working in a warehouse. You should be able to notice small changes in the products you handle and scan. This can help you ensure the products are in good condition and ready to be shipped. It can also help you identify any issues with the products and prevent them from being shipped to customers.
Physical stamina: Physical stamina refers to the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. As an associate in a fulfillment center, you may be required to lift and move heavy boxes for long periods of time. Having a high level of physical stamina can help you meet the demands of your job.
Amazon Warehouse Associate Work Environment
Amazon warehouse associates typically work in a fast-paced environment with little down time. They may be required to stand for long periods of time, lift heavy boxes, and use powered equipment to move merchandise around the warehouse. The job can be physically demanding, and workers may be required to work long hours, including weekends and holidays. The work environment is often loud and can be stressful, especially during busy times of the year.
Amazon Warehouse Associate Trends
Here are three trends influencing how Amazon warehouse associates work. Amazon warehouse associates will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for Better Work-Life Balance
The need for better work-life balance is a trend that is affecting the workforce as a whole. As technology advances, employees are finding new ways to stay connected with their families and friends while also getting work done.
This trend is having a particularly strong impact on the warehouse industry, where many workers are required to work long hours in order to keep up with demand. Amazon Warehouse Associates can capitalize on this trend by developing skills that allow them to work remotely or set their own schedules.
More Automation in the Warehouse
As automation becomes more prevalent in the warehouse, Amazon will need to hire professionals who can manage these systems. This includes both installing and maintaining robots and other automated equipment.
In order to be successful in this field, professionals will need to have a deep understanding of how these systems work and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Greater Focus on Employee Engagement
Employee engagement has become an increasingly important topic in recent years as businesses have realized the value of keeping their employees happy and productive.
As a result, Amazon Warehouse Associates will need to learn how to engage with their coworkers in order to create a positive work environment. This includes things like being on time, staying late when needed, and helping out with tasks that aren’t in their job description.
How to Become an Amazon Warehouse Associate
A career as an Amazon warehouse associate can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the logistics industry. As an Amazon warehouse associate, you’ll be responsible for picking and packing customer orders. This is a physically demanding job that requires a lot of stamina. You’ll need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
In order to become an Amazon warehouse associate, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You should also be able to pass a drug test and criminal background check.
Advancement Prospects
There are many opportunities for advancement for Amazon Warehouse Associates. Some Associates may be promoted to a lead position, where they will oversee a team of other Associates. Others may move into management positions, where they will be responsible for coordinating the work of multiple teams. Still others may choose to specialize in a particular area of the warehouse, such as shipping or receiving. With experience, some Associates may even become trainers, helping to onboard new hires and teaching them the ropes.
Amazon Warehouse Associate Job Description Example
The Amazon Warehouse Associate is responsible for a wide range of tasks including receiving and processing incoming stock, picking and packing orders, and shipping. They must be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet the demands of the Amazon customer. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a fast-paced warehouse environment and be able to lift heavy boxes (up to 50 lbs). They must also be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures
- Comply with Amazon safety standards
- Operate warehouse equipment in a safe and efficient manner
- Pick and pack orders accurately and in a timely manner
- Perform quality control checks on products
- Keep up with the fast pace of the warehouse environment
- Stay organized and efficient while working
- Be able to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs)
- Be able to stand for long periods of time
- Be able to work in a team environment
- Be able to work independently with little supervision
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work well with others in a team setting
- Flexible schedule, including nights and weekends
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher
- Previous experience working in a warehouse or distribution center
- Experience using a forklift or other material handling equipment
- Ability to operate a pallet jack
- Basic computer skills