Warehouse assistant

What does a Warehouse Assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Warehouse Assistant primarily handles receiving, inspecting, registering, and organizing goods within warehouse and terminal operations. Daily tasks also include picking and packing orders, inventory counting, and managing incoming and outgoing deliveries. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, physical activity, and the use of technical tools such as forklifts and digital warehouse systems. Warehouse Assistants are found across various industries, from retail and e-commerce to logistics companies and manufacturing, where accuracy and teamwork are crucial for ensuring an efficient warehouse flow.

Salary development over time

The salary of a Warehouse Assistant has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month, rising to 32 100 in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates a further increase to 33 400. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.7% over the three-year period. The rise can be linked to general wage trends within collective bargaining professions and some influence from inflation, as well as increased focus on logistics and e-commerce, making the job market somewhat more competitive. Despite this, wage growth remains moderate compared to other professions, which can be explained by the large supply of labor and the fact that formal education is often not required to start a career as a Warehouse Assistant.

Warehouse Assistant Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, short pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers)
• Gender differences: Men 33 600 SEK, women 32 700 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and labor market conditions

Education and Qualifications

Employers often seek Warehouse Assistants with a high school education, but in many cases, basic work experience and good physical fitness suffice. Practical experience and a forklift license are advantageous and can increase employability. Formal education is rarely required, but some employers prefer candidates with logistics or transportation backgrounds.

• Formal education: High school diploma, often from business or transportation programs (3 years)
• Certifications: Forklift license, safety training
• Internships: On-the-job training during high school or via employment agencies
• Prerequisites: Often require good physical condition and proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written
• Self-study/online: Courses in logistics or warehouse management can be advantageous

Common Benefits and Compensation

Warehouse Assistants are often covered by collective agreements that provide entitlement to holiday pay, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and occupational pension. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and work clothing. Some employers also offer opportunities for skills development and bonus programs upon reaching specific goals.

Competition and Challenges

The labor market for Warehouse Assistants is characterized by high competition and an oversupply of labor, according to the Employment Service forecasts. Despite the 412 available jobs nationwide in the warehouse and terminal personnel sector, job opportunities are generally limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges include many applicants due to the low formal education requirements, leading to a high number of applicants per position. Seasonal variations in the industry and digitalization may impose higher demands on adaptability and technical understanding to stay competitive.

Tips for Aspiring Warehouse Assistants

To succeed as a Warehouse Assistant, it is beneficial to combine practical skills with personal qualities such as attention to detail and responsibility. Being flexible and able to handle changing pace makes it easier to fit into the work environment, where tasks often vary daily. Initiative is valued by employers, especially when it comes to identifying improvements in warehouse flow or quickly addressing unforeseen problems. Good teamwork skills are also essential, as the work is often team-based, and communication is key to avoiding errors. An interest in technical tools and digital systems is an advantage, as more tasks are digitized. It can be wise to obtain a forklift license and participate in short courses in logistics or safety to enhance your profile. Finally, demonstrating work motivation and a positive attitude can open doors to more responsibilities and career development within the profession.

Key Facts about Warehouse Assistant

• Education level: High school diploma, often from business or transportation programs
• Work environment: Physically demanding and often fast-paced
• Typical employment: Full-time or shift work, part-time employment is common
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, oversupply of labor
• Special skills: Forklift license and digital warehouse management are advantageous

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a Warehouse Assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as warehouse manager, team leader, or logistics coordinator. Experience with digital warehouse systems and forklift operation can lead to more specialized positions, such as in warehouse planning or purchasing. However, forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for Warehouse Assistants and warehouse and terminal staff is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with limited job opportunities and an oversupply of labor. For those seeking further development, additional education in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management can open broader career opportunities within the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Warehouse Assistants

• What is the average salary of a Warehouse Assistant?
  - The average salary is 33 400 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Warehouse Assistant?
  - The highest salary is 35,500 SEK and the lowest is 25,900 SEK per month.
• What are the educational requirements for a Warehouse Assistant?
  - A high school diploma is common, but many employers also hire without formal education if the right personal qualities are present.
• Is a forklift license required to work as a Warehouse Assistant?
  - A forklift license is often advantageous and sometimes a requirement, especially in larger warehouse operations.
• What are the prospects for Warehouse Assistants?
  - Job opportunities are limited, with unchanged demand and high competition according to the Employment Service.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 97% of men's salaries within the Warehouse Assistant profession.
• What personal qualities are important for a Warehouse Assistant?
  - Attention to detail, responsibility, teamwork skills, and flexibility are especially important.