what is an order picker?
As an order picker, you select customers’ orders and package them for shipping. You ensure the products match each customer's requirements and are packed without damage or errors. You also prepare the paperwork and add their addresses to ensure that the items are shipped to the right customers.
Since you assist with inventory movement throughout the warehouse, you use material handling equipment, like an order picker or a forklift. You operate the machines to locate and retrieve items from storage areas and shelves. It is important to verify that you pick the correct items and place them on the proper pallets or carts for transport. When handling materials headed to companies, you ensure orders are processed correctly by double-checking the weight. You also keep the work environment safe and clean to ensure product quality.
As an order picker, you usually work in distribution centres and warehouses to supply raw materials and finished goods to customers. You also work in manufacturing companies, selling directly to customers and retail stores. For instance, you organize the distribution of finished products to wholesalers and retailers.
Would working as an order picker suit your organization and interpersonal skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an order picker role.
view order picker jobsaverage order picker salary
According to Job Bank, order pickers receive a salary of $33,574 per year. Companies that pay hourly rates offer a salary of roughly $17.22 per hour. Entry-level positions involve less complex skills and require minimal experience. Hence, your salary is as low as $30,225 annually. The most experienced order pickers often take home $40,658 yearly.
how to increase your salary as an order picker
As an order picker, you require minimal educational qualifications. That means having some qualifications can boost your earning potential. You also require extensive experience and skills in order to increase your earnings. You earn more after gaining years of experience in the warehouse environment.
The location also influences your earnings. Some areas have higher salaries due to high demand and high cost of living. For instance, working in British Columbia attracts an average annual salary of $36,191. In Quebec, it is $35,548 annually. Meanwhile, you earn $35,100 per year in Alberta. Regions like Nova Scotia have lower earnings, typically around $32,175 per year.
The industry and company size also influences your potential salary. Working in a large company earns you more than order pickers in smaller companies.
Would you like to know what an order picker earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an order picker? Then download our Randstad salary guide and find out all about the salary of an order picker in Canada.
types of order pickers
The types of order pickers depend on the equipment they use. Some of the types of machines for picking orders include:
- warehouse forklift: as an order picker, you can use a forklift to move high volumes of inventory around large facilities. Using forklifts, you manoeuvre items in the warehouse and load them onto delivery trucks. The forklifts are also useful in offloading trucks.
- pallet jacks: as an order picker, you use transport pallet jacks to move palletized loads through a warehouse. They are ideal for moving items in tight spaces and are available in manual and electric options.
- order picker: when using an order picker, you ride on a platform that raises the height of the stand. However, the order picker is designed to carry one or two units instead of a whole pallet of items. Order pickers improve efficiency in picking and handling items in warehouses.
working as an order picker
Order pickers hold the supply chain process together by ensuring the company delivers raw materials and finished products on time. Here are the tasks, work schedules and career opportunities of order pickers in Canada.
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what does an order picker do?
Some of the tasks of an order picker include:
- gathering items: as an order picker, you play a crucial role in fulfilling the orders of an internal or external customer. You follow the order list to check the quantity and sizes of items a customer requires. When you remove products from the shelves, you confirm the quality before packaging them for delivery.
- completing the necessary paperwork for deliveries: as an order picker, you prepare the paperwork after packaging the items to be delivered. For instance, you ensure items are labelled and that the customer's address is indicated clearly on the packaging equipment. You also prepare the necessary paperwork for the shipping schedule for the day to minimize the chances of delays.
- assisting with inventory count: as an order picker, you keep track of the inventory in the warehouse. After daily deliveries, you assist with inventory cycle count and ensure the numbers are accurate. When the inventory of some items gets too low, you ensure that the products are delivered on time to avoid order fulfilment delays.
- loading and unloading inventory: as an order picker, you assist the warehouse workers with loading and unloading inventory in the warehouse. You handle stock and supplies delivered to the warehouse. You also ensure the items are stored properly and sign the delivery paperwork. You assist with putting incoming inventory into designated areas to make it easier to find them.
- cleaning the warehouse space: as an order picker, you are expected to keep the warehouse environment clean and tidy. After fulfilling an order, you clean and tidy up the work area to ensure safety. A clean environment prevents workers from tripping around the warehouse.
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work environment of an order picker
As an order picker, you work in warehouses and distribution centres. You mainly work indoors, rarely outdoors. Unlike other indoor jobs that require sitting behind a desk, you spend most of the day on your feet. You only sit for a few hours to complete paperwork, but the rest of the day is spent moving items from storage areas on the warehouse floor. You work at high heights when removing items from top shelves or storage areas. Hence, you require knowledge of safe working practices to minimize accidents. You also put on safety equipment, such as gloves and hard hats.
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who are your colleagues?
Order pickers work with various professionals in retail and warehouse environments. For instance, you are likely to work alongside warehouse associates, shipping clerks and warehouse managers. Sometimes, you also interact with customer service representatives and sales associates to confirm order requirements for a customer. Sometimes, you liaise with other workers in the production department. These include production supervisors, administrative assistants and accounting technicians.
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order picker work schedule
An order picker works 40 hours a week, which can be four 10-hour or five 8-hour days. During the busy season, there is a likelihood of working overtime. In the busiest times, companies usually hire temporary workers to assist you, and you are likely to work in shifts to keep up with the orders. During slow seasons, you work fewer hours, allowing you to build your skills.
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career opportunities as an order picker
Working as an order picker is a good entry into the retail and warehousing industry. You have numerous opportunities for career growth in the supply chain industry. Some order pickers become warehouse associates or sales associates. You can also work in machine operations and specialize in roles like forklift and crane operators.
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advantages of finding a job as an order picker through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
order picker skills and education
You don’t need any educational requirements to become an order picker. However, it helps to have the following qualifications:
secondary school education: you require a high school diploma to become an order picker in Canada. Most order picker jobs are trained in-house, and a few weeks of on-the-job training will prepare you for the role. You can also improve your skills by gaining certifications like forklift operations. Certifications improve your knowledge of operating machinery and performing maintenance tasks.
competencies and characteristics of order pickers
- attention to detail: as an order picker, the company relies on you for accurate customer deliveries. Hence, you pick the correct items in the warehouse and ensure the quality matches the customer's requirements. Attention to detail helps you improve your order accuracy.
- ability to use computers: as an order picker, you prepare the paperwork for every delivery and use computers to locate customer orders. Knowledge of computers and scanning technology is beneficial in the role.
- time management and organization skills: as an order picker, you require organization skills to prioritize tasks and maintain production quotas. Time management skills also help you prepare the orders for timely delivery to avoid delays.
- interpersonal skills: as an order picker, you work in retail and warehouse environments with various other professionals. Interpersonal skills help you excel within a team environment. For instance, communication skills help you relay information clearly, while active listening is useful when engaging with others or learning from their ideas.
- physical strength: working as an order picker involves picking heavy items, arranging the warehouse and packaging goods. Your duties require physical strength since you move around and lift a lot of heavy items. Having good dexterity and eye-hand coordination also improves your safety in the work environment.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an order picker.
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what are the duties of an order picker?
As an order picker, you select items and prepare them for shipping. You pick orders safely and ensure the product size and quality is accurate before preparing the paperwork required for delivery. You also clear obstructions in the warehouse and keep the surfaces clean.
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how much do order pickers make in Canada?
As an order picker, you earn an average salary of $33,574 per year. The amount fluctuates based on experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often attract a lower salary due to minimal skills and experience. The most experienced order pickers take home over $40,658 annually.
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is being an order picker a hard job?
The work of an order picker is physically demanding. It is important to have sufficient physical strength and stamina to lift heavy items around the warehouse. You are also knowledgeable about operating machinery since you use warehouse equipment to lift heavy objects.
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how do I become a successful order picker?
To become a successful order picker, improve your skills in operating machinery and gain additional certification in forklift operations. You also need computer skills to manage inventory and ensure accurate order delivery.
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what type of job is order picking?
An order picker is a supply chain and logistics professional. Order pickers are responsible for filling orders and ensuring that the items are ready for delivery. You work in warehouses or distribution centres.
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how do I find a job as an order picker?
Finding a job near you as an order picker is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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