Let's make money! Your salary as a warehouse worker with and without forklift license

Lost in the search for the right job? We'll show you why starting out as a warehouse worker can pay off. The job title warehouse worker is actually self-explanatory: these are people who take care of the warehouse and the goods. Sounds like a job you'd be up for? Then find out here what salary you can expect, what difference the employer makes and why it's worthwhile to get a forklift license.

Check it out: Starting and salary with and without experience 

You want to start working right away without having to go back to school first? No problem! The job as a warehouse clerk offers entry-level and employment opportunities for both semi-skilled and inexperienced people. While you typically do a two-year apprenticeship to become a warehouse specialist in a company or dual, there are so opportunities for career changers as well. Thus, even as a beginner, you can start as a warehouse clerk through retraining or on-the-job training with no experience.

Hourly wage of a warehouse worker: You can count on this

However, how much you earn as a warehouse worker depends on how much work experience you already have. On average, a salaried warehouse worker receives 25,000 euros per year. This corresponds to a gross monthly salary of approximately 2,083 euros. In the best case, your salary can go up to 35,000 euros per year (2,916 per month).

Full-time, part-time or mini-job: Take your pick

This amount of the salary depends on the work experience and of course on how many hours you work at all. The hourly wage as a warehouse worker is between twelve (minimum wage) and 20 euros. 

Would you prefer to work 40 hours a week or maybe only 20? You have the choice, because the profession is suitable for people who are looking for a full-time job or prefer to work part-time. It is also conceivable to take on a mini-job to earn some extra money.

Make it big - night shift bonus and special payments

If you don't want to work less, but want to earn more, check the job descriptions for additional payments. As a warehouse clerk, you often have the opportunity to supplement your salary with special payments. Especially night owls, who can work through the night without any problems, earn significantly more money with the night shift bonus.

Red Flags: Jobs with and without temporary employment

However, check the job descriptions for red flags as well. When reading job advertisements for warehouse clerks, for example, you should pay attention to whether the job is a temporary position. It can not only have a positive effect on your salary, but also give you professional security if the job is not temporary.

Whether Berlin or Bavaria, retailer or service provider - warehouse workers are in demand

A clear advantage of the profession is your wide choice of employers. As a warehouse clerk, you can earn your money in almost any city and often in rural areas as well. 

At first glance, there is often not much difference between the employers, since the tasks at Lidl, Amazon, DHL and Co. are similar. However, you should take a closer look at the salary. With some, the hourly wage is higher from the start, while others set it lower but guarantee you an annual pay increase. The amount of night shift bonus or vacation pay can also make a big difference.

So it's worth checking all the details and not just looking at the initial hourly wage. This way you can find the right job in your area, whether you live in Dortmund or Hamburg, move to Berlin or prefer to stay in rural Bavaria.

A real advantage: the forklift driver's license

In addition to employer choice and experience, however, there's another easy way to improve your chances of getting hired and your salary: The forklift license. The reason for this is relatively clear when you look at the fields of activity - many jobs simply require a forklift driver. 

While it is therefore stated as a prerequisite in some job advertisements, it is an advantage in others. When applying for a job and negotiating your salary, a forklift license is always a plus. The monthly salary for forklift drivers, for example, is on average 200 euros higher than for warehouse staff without a forklift license.

Particularly due to the low costs and the small amount of time required, a forklift training course can thus pay off quickly. Depending on the course, the duration is between two and five days, with the cheapest offers starting at 150 euros. The providers include TÜV and Dekra as well as manufacturers of vehicles such as STILL or Jungheinrich. 

If you're looking for a job that's both varied and gives you the opportunity to keep adding to your salary, it's worth taking a closer look at job postings for warehouse clerks.

FAQ

What do you do as a warehouse clerk?

The tasks as a warehouse worker are very diverse. The main tasks include the organization of the warehouse - documentation, picking and checking inventory - as well as the transport of goods - goods receipt, goods dispatch, quality control and transport orders within the warehouse. 

How much do you earn as a warehouse clerk?

Depending on the industry, professional experience and skills, a warehouse clerk earns between 26,000 and 35,000 euros per year. This corresponds to a gross monthly wage of approximately 2,166 or 2,916. Hourly wages can vary greatly and range from twelve to 21 euros.

How much does a forklift license cost?

The cost of a forklift driver's license starts at 150 euros. The majority of courses, such as those offered by TÜV or Dekra, cost between 250 and 300 euros.

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