Picker Packer

What is the job description of a picker packer?

In search of the ideal candidate to swiftly and correctly pick orders and then pack them for shipping.  Duties include:

  • Picking orders quickly and accurately
  • Treating products with care so they arrive in mint condition
  • Lifting, wrapping, labeling and loading products for shipping
  • Following all company safety protocols
  • Keep work area clean and organized
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs and stand for the entire shift
  • Consistently meet deadlines for product orders
  • Weekend and 2nd Shift Openings

What is the salary of a picker packer?

The current average hourly wage for pickers and packers is $11.50.  That's about $24,000 a year. This may not seem like much compared to other blue-collar careers but one thing to consider is that this position requires no prior education.  This opportunity, and pay, may be perfect for someone fresh out of high school, college or in need of a job with no prior experience.

Another wonderful thing about picker/packer jobs is there is room to move and grow.  Depending on location and level of experience this position can see a high-side pay of $14.00 per hour or $29,000 annually.  This can be more if an employee moves into a managerial role for the company's picking or packing team.

Where do picker packers work?

Pickers and Packers are normally found in factory or warehouse settings.  Factories are warehouses utilize pickers and packers to do exactly what their names suggest – pick and pack products.  Both roles usually entail long hours of standing, walking and squatting. As well, some positions may require that candidates be able to lift a certain weight.  Some pickers and packers have to lift heavy materials.

Another common industry pickers or packers can be found are retail.  These positions are needed behind the scenes to move delivered inventory to its proper area.  The employees of this particular industry may also be responsible for pulling and preparing stock for online orders.

The job can require employees to work with box-cutter knives, safety wear (eye-protection, steel-toed boots) and in extreme temperature conditions (such as a loading bay or unheated warehouse).  Another possibility with this type of job is that employees may be required to work a shift-type schedule. This, ultimately, will depend on the company's needs but it's likely that jobs will offer 2nd and 3rd shifts.

What kind of skills do you need to become a picker packer?

Picking and Packing at a facility are both fast-paced jobs that require a few skills to be successful.  For one, being able to handle a fast-paced and stressful environment is a must. The job must be done quickly and carefully.  This, of course, can be stressful for some people so it's important to be able to remain calm under pressure.

Another skill that works well in this position is the ability to multitask.  Most jobs in this sector require that employees balance a range of responsibilities such as picking necessary products, removing empty containers, identifying faulty items, keeping track of and reporting stock needs, and packing or loading finished products for shipping.

Those with great organization skills will also do well in a picker/packer position since they will have to organize and keep track of items so that they can find them quickly.  As well, many pickers/packers are responsible for completing reports of incoming or outgoing products. This means employees must be diligent about keeping these reports up to date and organized. Some reporting or work orders may come via computer so having a basic knowledge and being comfortable working with computers is very helpful for this position too.

Mental ability is not the only asset of a picker/packer, physical ability is important as well.  Many of these jobs require long shifts of standing, squatting, lifting and walking throughout the workspace.  This means stamina and strength are a must.

What kind of education do you need to become a picker packer?

While no formal education is required to become a picker/packer there are a few educational courses that can boost your resume when looking for jobs in this sector. Since these jobs often show up in factory and warehousing environments it never hurts to have some sort of first aid or CPR certification.  These safety-related certifications are a great benefit to you and your potential employer when you are working in a demanding job or environment.

Another great educational choice that can boost your chances of getting hired is having a second language.  Spanish and Chinese are the 2nd and 3rd most spoken languages in the United States.  If you can speak these additional languages it can boost your desirability to employers.

What kind of training do you need to become a picker packer?

There is no required training or certification in order to work in a picker or packer position.  This means you can often walk into this type of job with little to no experience. The company hiring is likely to put any employees through their own training so that company needs are met.  This training can include the functions or logistics of the job, company standards for quality and even safety practices to be followed. So while training on the front end may not be required it will likely be a part of the job from the start and throughout a career in this position as needs or standards change.

What qualifications do you need to meet to become a picker packer?

There are no education or prior experience requirements to become a picker or packer but some skills are certainly an asset to have to perform this job successfully.  Being very well organized and able to multitask can help candidates succeed in keeping up with the workload and reporting that the job often requires.

As well, candidates who work well under the pressure of a highly stressful and fast-paced work environment will have an edge since nearly any industry or company hiring for pickers and packers will have a similar working situation of quick turn-around on orders and high-stakes for accuracy. Finally, candidates should be physically fit enough to do the job.  Picking and packing jobs often require many hours of standing, walking, lifting or squatting so candidates must have the strength and stamina to work within these requirements.

How do I get hired as a picker packer?

The great news is that picker/packer positions are normally considered entry-level positions and so they are often available in abundance and with the need for little to no prior experience.  A well-balanced resume is never a bad thing to have though. This means any prior experience in a warehousing or factory environment is a plus or a similar position with a smaller company can help too.

The easiest way to find picker/packer jobs is by Googling "Picker/Packer Jobs" and your city or zip code.  This will give you multiple job boards with a variety of positions available in your surrounding area. If you need help finding a job with a specific feature, such as certain benefits, hours or work conditions, then a staffing agency may be a better bet.  A local agency will be able to find an\ job that fits your resume and needs.  As well, a local recruiter can get to know you on a personal level and vouch for you during the application process.

What is the demand for picker packer jobs?

While factory automation has taken some of these positions there is still a great need for pickers and packers.  There are some things within this role a machine just can't match a human on. For one, many of these machines are not equipped to notice product defects which can cause further issues down the line.  A human can better spot a faulty part before even sending it to its next location.

As well, machines can't make judgment calls.  If you feel you need to slow down or speed up to meet production's needs or if something about the products seems off, a human eye and heart can anticipate these factors better than any machine.

In all, picker/packer jobs are still out there and will continue to be.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that these jobs, in particular, will continue to grow at a rate of 7% over the next five years.