Career Development

What Does a Walmart Order Filler Do?

Find out what a Walmart Order Filler does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Walmart Order Filler.

The Walmart Order Filler plays an essential role in the smooth operation of the retail giant’s supply chain, ensuring that stores and customers receive the products they need in a timely manner. This position involves gathering items from inventory to fulfill orders accurately and efficiently, preparing them for shipment or direct pickup. By maintaining a steady flow of goods from the warehouse to the end destination, the Order Filler supports Walmart’s commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Their efforts directly impact the availability of merchandise on shelves and online, contributing to the overall shopping experience without drawing attention to the complexity of the logistics involved.

Walmart Order Filler Job Duties

  • Retrieve customer orders from the storage area using a handheld device that provides the location and details of each item.
  • Pack customer orders carefully to prevent damage during transportation, ensuring fragile items are properly protected.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts, to move large and heavy items to the packing area.
  • Perform quality checks on items before packing to ensure they match the order specifications and are free from damage.
  • Label packed customer orders accurately with shipping information and order details for easy identification and tracking.
  • Load packed orders onto delivery trucks, organizing them efficiently to maximize space and ensure safe transport.
  • Assist in inventory management by reporting discrepancies between actual stock and the inventory system to supervisors.
  • Participate in periodic warehouse cleaning and maintenance tasks to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

Walmart Order Filler Salary & Outlook

Walmart Order Filler salaries can vary based on experience level, shift timing (night shifts often have differential pay), full-time or part-time status, and performance-based incentives. Additionally, tenure and internal promotions can lead to salary increases, while seasonal demand may temporarily boost earnings through overtime opportunities.

  • Median Annual Salary: $37,800 ($18.17/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)

The employment of Walmart order fillers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

This slowdown is primarily due to increased automation and efficiency in Walmart’s warehousing and inventory management systems. As technology advances, machines and software are taking over tasks traditionally performed by order fillers, reducing the need for human labor in these roles.

Walmart Order Filler Job Requirements

Education: A Walmart Order Filler typically holds a high school diploma, emphasizing foundational skills in mathematics, communication, and basic technology. Courses in logistics or supply chain management, though not mandatory, can provide a competitive edge. This role values adaptability and attention to detail, nurtured through varied high school subjects that encourage organizational skills and efficiency. Major-specific education is not a prerequisite, making it accessible for individuals with a general educational background.

Experience: Walmart Order Fillers typically enter the role with minimal to no prior experience, making it an accessible position for many. On-the-job training is a cornerstone of the role, equipping new hires with the necessary skills to efficiently pick and pack orders. Training programs may cover areas such as safety protocols, inventory management, and customer service essentials. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in a fast-paced retail environment, offering a hands-on approach to learning and skill development.

Certifications & Licenses: No specific certifications or licenses are typically required for the job of a Walmart Order Filler.

Walmart Order Filler Skills

Inventory Management: Tracking and replenishing stock efficiently is crucial for filling orders accurately and on time, impacting customer satisfaction and store performance positively. It involves a detailed focus and the ability to anticipate and react to shopping trends to keep stock levels balanced, avoiding overstock and stockouts.

RF Scanning: Locating and picking inventory items from extensive warehouse areas is streamlined through this skill, significantly cutting down the time needed to find products. It demands a detailed focus and quick adaptation to different product codes and locations, ensuring orders are fulfilled accurately.

Pallet Jack Operation: Navigating the busy aisles of a Walmart distribution center requires safe operation of pallet jacks to transport heavy merchandise from storage to shipping docks. This skill calls for precise control and awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents and ensure orders are processed on time.

Order Picking Accuracy: Verifying that each item precisely matches the customer’s order is critical. By meticulously checking product types, sizes, and quantities, order fillers minimize errors and returns, boosting customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Time Management: Prioritizing and organizing tasks effectively allows for the quick and accurate processing of orders. Order fillers must balance speed with accuracy, managing multiple orders at once and adapting to changing workloads without sacrificing service quality.

Safety Compliance: Following established safety protocols and guidelines is essential for minimizing accident risks and maintaining a safe work environment. Regular safety audits, proper equipment handling, and immediate hazard or incident reporting are practices that uphold the highest safety standards in the workplace.

Walmart Order Filler Work Environment

A Walmart Order Filler operates in a dynamic, fast-paced warehouse environment, where the primary workspace is vast and segmented into various sections for different products. The role requires the use of specific tools and equipment, including handheld scanners and potentially forklifts, to efficiently manage inventory and fulfill orders.

Work hours are structured yet offer some flexibility to accommodate different schedules, with the possibility of shifts extending into evenings and weekends. The dress code is practical, emphasizing safety and comfort suitable for a warehouse setting.

The culture within the warehouse emphasizes teamwork and communication, as order fillers frequently interact with colleagues and supervisors to ensure accuracy and meet deadlines. Safety protocols are rigorously followed to minimize risks in this physically demanding role.

While the job does not typically require travel, it does demand a high level of physical activity, including lifting and moving merchandise. The environment can be noisy due to machinery and ongoing operations, but it also fosters a sense of community among staff. Opportunities for professional development are available, encouraging employees to grow within the company.

Advancement Prospects

Walmart Order Fillers have a clear pathway to advance within the company’s logistics and supply chain operations. Starting from this role, individuals can aim for positions such as Department Manager or Supervisor in the distribution centers. This progression is typically achieved through demonstrating exceptional performance, reliability, and an understanding of Walmart’s operational procedures.

To ascend, an Order Filler should focus on mastering inventory management systems and showing leadership potential among peers. Walmart often recognizes employees who can efficiently manage time, exhibit problem-solving skills, and contribute to improving operational efficiency.

Additionally, embracing Walmart’s culture and participating in company-offered training programs related to logistics and management can further bolster one’s prospects. Success in this trajectory can eventually lead to roles such as Assistant Manager or General Manager within the distribution centers, marking significant career advancement from the Order Filler position.

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