Stockers and order fillers receive, organize, and ship inventory in warehouses and retail settings. The work is physical and fast-paced, you can start with a high school diploma, and jobs are widely available across industries.
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You receive shipments, check them against orders, and place items on shelves or in storage areas. You pick items from inventory to fill customer orders, pack them for shipment, and label packages. You communicate with supervisors and coworkers to stay coordinated, monitor stock levels, and identify when supplies run low. You move heavy objects, sometimes using equipment like hand trucks or forklifts. You follow safety rules to prevent injury and keep the warehouse organized and efficient.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Stockers and Order Fillers earn a median of $37,330 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 472,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer basic math skills and the ability to read labels and follow written instructions. You can apply directly to warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores. Many employers provide on-the-job training for their specific systems and equipment. Some positions may require a background check or drug screening. Starting as a stocker can lead to supervisory or specialized warehouse roles over time.
Most stockers start by applying directly to warehouses or retailers in their area. If you are deciding between different entry points or want to map out growth opportunities, Pathly can map the stocker and order filler path that fits you with your counselor to turn it into a concrete plan.
You do not need a license to work as a stocker and order filler, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like order and systems. You work well with clear procedures, pay attention to detail, and follow rules. You are reliable and prefer structured environments where expectations are straightforward.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).