What is the salary as a shipping employee?

Many people dream of becoming a doctor, a mechanic or a successful entrepreneur. They don't usually dream of becoming a shipping employee, but dreams don't come true out of the blue and a job in logistics can still be the perfect step towards realizing your dream career. Whether as a temp job, part-time job or if you want to climb the career ladder in logistics, the job of shipping associate is an important and often underestimated job that is essential in many industries. As a shipping employee, you are responsible for picking and packing orders and coordinating shipping. 

This job is particularly attractive as many companies are looking for shipping staff and it is also possible for career changers without special training to join! Students often work as order pickers and warehouse assistants to finance their studies. Starting out as a shipping employee can also be the first step towards a successful career in logistics, as you can move up quickly.

But what about the salary as a shipping employee? The answer to this can vary greatly depending on the region, industry and experience. Find out everything you need to know about the hourly, monthly and annual salary as a shipping employee below!

Hourly wage as a shipping employee

The hourly wage as a shipping employee is between 12.41 and 17 euros per hour. On average, your hourly wage is 14.14 euros per hour and therefore above the statutory minimum wage, which will be 12.41 euros per hour from January 2024 (indeed, stepstone).

As a beginner or temp, you can work flexibly and earn some extra money. Especially in the logistics sector, such as in large warehouses and distribution centers, there is always a need for helpers who can support the team on an hourly basis. This makes the job an attractive option for anyone looking for a flexible part-time job or a new career direction.

Monthly wage: Germany-wide and in the individual federal states

The monthly salary of a shipping employee can vary greatly depending on the region. In Germany, there are considerable differences that can be attributed to the cost of living and the local labor market. Here is an overview of the average monthly salaries in the different federal states:

• Baden-Württemberg: approx. 2,060 - 3,374 euros
• Bavaria: approx. 1,940 - 3,068 euros
• Berlin: approx. 1,671 - 3,351 euros
• Brandenburg: approx. 1,719 - 2,871 euros
• Bremen: approx. 1,860 - 2,400 euros
• Hamburg: approx. 2,148 - 3,262 euros
• Hesse: approx. 2,223 - 3,494 euros
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: approx. 1,652 - 2,905 euros
• Lower Saxony: approx. 1,887 - 3,088 euros
• North Rhine-Westphalia: approx. 2,015 - 3,162 euros
• Rhineland-Palatinate: approx. 1,876 - 3,296 euros
• Saarland: approx. 1,910 - 3,138 euros
• Saxony: approx. 1,553 - 2,593 euros
• Saxony-Anhalt: approx. 1,583 - 2,339 euros
• Schleswig-Holstein: approx. 2,200 - 3,290 euros
• Thuringia: approx. 1,802 - 2,843 euros

Source: Salarycomparison.com

You could now look at these salaries and be annoyed at the difference between one state and the other - in the same country - but it's important to remember that salaries are highly influenced by the cost of living in the region. Paying €1100 for a one-bedroom apartment in Munich is (unfortunately) normal, but sounds unthinkable to someone from Thuringia - which is why salaries are usually higher in Bavaria. It should also be borne in mind that higher salaries are not synonymous with a higher quality of life.

Annual salary as a shipping employee in the various sectors

The average annual salary of a shipping employee is around 24,700 to 39,980 euros, according to gehaltsvergleich.com. However, this salary can vary depending on the industry and size of the company. In the automotive industry or at large logistics service providers, where pay is often based on collective agreements, annual earnings can be significantly higher. Here are some examples:

• Automotive industry: approx. 33,000 euros
• Chemicals sector: up to 47,600 euros
• Printing, paper & packaging sector: approx. 28,000 - 40,000 euros
• Retail (consumer goods): approx. 20,000 - 35,000 euros

Source: Stepstone.de

The salary may also depend on whether you have additional qualifications or experience in a particular industry. A comparison with other jobs in logistics shows similar salary ranges, such as the salary of a warehouse clerk. While a shipping clerk usually only deals with shipping goods, a warehouse clerk also takes care of incoming goods into the warehouse. A warehouse specialist also works there, taking on additional exciting tasks. You can find out about all the differences between warehouse clerks and warehouse assistants in our article to find the best career opportunities for you.

Find your job as a shipping employee with WorkerHero

If you are looking for a job as a shipping employee, WorkerHero is the perfect platform for you. Here you can find numerous job offers in the logistics industry and find out directly what salaries are common in your region or industry. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, WorkerHero will help you find the right job and develop your career.

If you are also interested in other technical professions, you can find out more about how much you earn as a car mechatronics technician or about the salary of an electronics technician here.

Register with WorkerHero today and discover the best job offers in the field of shipping and logistics. So nothing stands in the way of your start as a shipping employee!

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