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Order Picker

Order Picker roles (also called warehouse picker, order selector, or pick/pack associate) focus on building accurate customer orders: scanning, picking items from locations, verifying quantities, and preparing totes/cartons for shipping. Terms (site type, shift, productivity standards, and pay) depend on the employer and seasonality. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.

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Sector: Logistics & Warehousing Typical route: EB-3/H-2B* Work type: Temporary or permanent Typical gross pay: $14–$24/hr Last updated: January 1, 2026

Hiring reality: warehouses reward accuracy + steady pace. Supervisors watch scan compliance, mis-picks, damages, and attendance as closely as speed.

What this role is (in practical terms)

Order picking is the process of collecting items from warehouse locations to build shipment-ready orders. Most sites use a scanner (RF handheld), a warehouse management system (WMS), and location barcodes. Your daily goal is simple: pick the right item, in the right quantity, in the right condition — consistently.

Role story (non-template):

In picking, the fastest worker is not always the best worker. The trusted worker is the one who can hit a steady pace, keep errors low, and protect product condition—so the dock receives clean, correct orders without rework.

Typical tasks (examples)

Pick items by location and scan barcodes to confirm correct selection
Verify quantity, handle fragile goods correctly, and prevent damage
Pack into totes/cartons, apply labels, and stage for shipping
Support loading/unloading or replenishment tasks if assigned
Maintain housekeeping: clear aisles, safe stacking, clean work zone

Accuracy signals: scan compliance, correct SKU/UPC, no short picks, clean labels, minimal damages.

Productivity signals: stable pace over the full shift, safe movement, no shortcuts that create errors.

Short candidate portrait

Accuracy-first: checks item, quantity, and condition before closing the tote/carton
Scanner-ready: comfortable with RF scanning, basic screens, and barcodes
Warehouse-safe: respects aisle rules, pedestrian zones, and equipment movement
Physically steady: can walk/stand for long periods and lift as site policy allows
Reliable: consistent attendance and stable output across shifts

Requirements (detailed)

CV + basic workplace communication

English CV is required for review. Basic English is commonly needed to follow safety briefings, scanner prompts, and supervisor instructions.

Accuracy and compliance

Warehouses measure errors (wrong item, wrong quantity, damages). Careful handling and scan discipline are mandatory.

Physical readiness

Expect walking, standing, bending, and repetitive movement. Lifting requirements depend on site policy and assignment. Comfort in a fast-paced environment is important.

Safety behavior

PPE and site rules vary. Common expectations: safe lifting, clear aisles, no phone distractions, and strict compliance near moving equipment.

Shift availability

Many sites operate multiple shifts. Weekends and overtime can be required during peak periods.

Note: additional requirements may apply by state, employer, and site policy.

How picking usually works (workflow map)

Different warehouses use different systems (RF scanning, voice picking, pick-to-light). The workflow below matches most order picker operations.

1) Receive a task

Scanner/voice assigns a location and SKU. You confirm the route and start the pick path.

2) Pick + scan

You pick the item, scan to confirm, and verify quantity/condition before placing it in the tote/carton.

3) Build the order

You keep items organized, protect fragile goods, and prevent mix-ups between orders.

4) Pack + label

You close cartons/totes, apply labels, and ensure the correct order ID is attached.

5) Stage for shipping

You place finished orders into the correct staging zone for dock loading or next processing step.

6) Hand-off + housekeeping

You report issues (missing stock, damaged goods) and keep aisles and stations safe and clear.

CV tip: list systems you used (RF scanner / WMS / voice picking) and mention your accuracy habits (scan compliance, low mis-pick rate, careful handling).

Gross pay and overtime (USA planning ranges)

Pay varies by state, employer, shift, and performance-based programs. The ranges below are realistic for planning; exact offers are confirmed by the hiring employer.

Level (typical)	Gross hourly pay	Gross annual estimate (40h/week)	Typical scope
Entry / onboarding 0–3 months	$14–$17/hr	$29,120–$35,360	Basic picking/packing, scanner training, housekeeping, learning location discipline and error prevention.
Standard performer 3–18 months	$17–$21/hr	$35,360–$43,680	Stable pace, strong scan compliance, low damages, consistent quality and reliable attendance.
High-trust / complex zones 18+ months	$21–$24/hr	$43,680–$49,920	More complex zones (fragile/high value), station rotation, dependable output under peak schedules.

Overtime (gross example)

Example at $18/hr: 40h = $720; plus 10h at 1.5× adds $270 → $990 gross/week. Overtime depends on employer policy and scheduling.

What increases pay

Low error rate (mis-picks, shorts, wrong labels)
Low damages (careful handling, correct stacking)
Stable pace over the whole shift (not only first hour)
Ability to rotate zones after training
Reliable attendance during peak periods

Important notes

All figures are gross (brutto)
Taxes/deductions depend on payroll setup and location
Exact pay is confirmed only by the hiring employer

Work conditions in the USA (warehouse reality)

Shifts & peak schedules

Many sites run multiple shifts and extend hours during peak demand. Flexibility improves placement options.

Scanner-driven performance

Systems track picks, time, and accuracy. Good workers keep compliance high and errors low while maintaining pace.

Safety near equipment

Expect strict rules around aisles, docks, pallet jacks, forklifts, and pedestrian zones. Safety violations can end assignments.

Equipment & systems you may see

RF handheld scanners and barcode location checks
Voice picking headsets (site-dependent)
Pick carts / totes / pallet builds
Pallet jack / electric pallet jack (if authorized)
Packaging stations (labels, tape, dunnage, scales)

If you have equipment authorization or training history, list it clearly on your CV (even if the new site requires retraining).

What employers commonly check

Accuracy: correct item, quantity, and label
Damage control: careful handling and safe stacking
Compliance: scan discipline and rule-following
Attendance: consistent presence across shifts

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

Next steps

Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
After review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.

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What to include in your CV

Picking systems: RF scanner / WMS / voice picking (if used)
Task scope: pick, pack, label, stage, shipping/receiving support
Quality habits: scan compliance, low damage rate, careful handling
Shift flexibility (day/night/weekends) and attendance reliability
Any measurable results (accuracy, low errors, consistent pace)

Common rejection reasons

No English CV or incomplete contact details
Vague experience (no picking/packing/scanning details)
Unclear shift availability
Concerns about accuracy/safety discipline

Fix these before applying to improve review speed.

FAQ (role-specific)

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Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: any U.S. work authorization path depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.