Carrier, warehouse

What does a warehouse dispatcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A warehouse dispatcher is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing deliveries of goods from the warehouse to customers or other facilities. Tasks include loading and unloading, inspecting goods, documenting deliveries, and ensuring the correct items are sent to the right recipient on time. The role often requires the use of forklifts and other tools to handle heavy loads, as well as meticulous handling of shipping documents and orders. The work environment is typically physically demanding and may involve standing and moving around most of the day, often in warehouse facilities with varying temperatures and noise levels. Flexibility is important as workload can fluctuate depending on the season and order volume.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for warehouse dispatchers have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, which increased to 31 900 SEK in both 2023 and 2024. This represents an increase of about 7% between 2022 and 2023, after which the salary level has remained stable. The rise can partly be explained by increased demand for logistics services and warehouse personnel, especially as e-commerce has grown. However, salary increases have plateaued in the past year, indicating that the market has stabilized and supply and demand are more balanced. Gender pay differences remain small but noticeable, with women earning about 98% of men's salaries.

Warehouse dispatcher salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (woman)
• Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month (man, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK/hour
• Women: 31,200 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 32 000 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a warehouse dispatcher, no extensive formal education is usually required, but a high school diploma with a focus on logistics or transportation is advantageous. Many employers provide internal training, but experience in warehouse work, a forklift license, and good computer skills are strong assets. Practical experience is highly valued and can be crucial for employment.

• High school diploma: Business and administration program or equivalent (3 years)
• Forklift license: Usually required, especially for category B licenses
• Internal training: Common upon hiring
• Internship: Experience from warehouse or logistics is advantageous
• Computer skills: Basic knowledge of warehouse management systems

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for warehouse dispatchers include shift premiums for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some employers also offer extra vacation days and opportunities for skills development, especially in forklift operation or logistics systems.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a warehouse dispatcher varies by region and season, but nationally, job opportunities are considered plentiful. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, which may be due to the physically demanding nature of the job and high staff turnover. Challenges also include managing stressful periods, ensuring accuracy under time pressure, and quickly adapting to new routines or technical systems. Digitalization and automation are increasing demands on technical understanding and flexibility among staff.

Tips for those wanting to become a warehouse dispatcher

To succeed as a warehouse dispatcher, it is helpful to be organized and have good planning skills, as the workday often involves managing many deliveries simultaneously. Flexibility and adaptability assist with changing tasks and unexpected situations, especially during busy periods. Good teamwork skills are important since work is often performed in teams where communication is key to efficiency. Attention to detail and a sense of responsibility are central qualities, as errors in deliveries can have significant consequences. Being physically resilient and maintaining good health is also beneficial, as the job sometimes involves heavy lifting and working in various environments. Actively seeking new knowledge, such as obtaining a forklift license or learning new warehouse management systems, increases chances of employment and offers better development opportunities.

Key facts about warehouse dispatchers

• Education level: High school diploma recommended, forklift license often required
• Work environment: Warehouse, often physically demanding
• Work pattern: Shift work common, including day and evening shifts
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: Forklift operation and warehouse management systems

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a warehouse dispatcher, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as warehouse manager, team leader, or logistics supervisor. With additional education or experience, roles like logistics coordinator or transportation planner may also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities within the profession are expected to remain large in the future, with demand anticipated to stay stable over the next five years. Paradoxically, there is a recruitment situation where employers struggle to find staff despite many seeking to leave the profession, indicating good job prospects for new applicants. Currently, there are over 400 job openings nationwide in the field.

Common questions about warehouse dispatchers

• What does a warehouse dispatcher earn?
  - A warehouse dispatcher has an average salary of 31 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
• What education is required to become a warehouse dispatcher?
  - Usually, a high school diploma and forklift license are required, but many employers offer internal training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What tasks does a warehouse dispatcher perform?
  - Responsibilities include planning, loading, unloading, delivery, and documentation of goods.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Attention to detail, flexibility, teamwork skills, and good physical condition are key qualities.
• How high can the salary become for a warehouse dispatcher?
  - The highest known salary is 56,700 SEK per month for a man in the public sector with post-secondary education.