Warehouse operatives Salary
Median salary £26,574 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Warehouse operatives receive, store, pick, pack and dispatch goods in warehouse and distribution environments. They use manual handling techniques and equipment such as pallet trucks and fork-lift trucks to move stock efficiently and accurately.
Key responsibilities
- Receiving, checking and storing incoming goods
- Picking and packing orders accurately
- Loading and unloading vehicles
- Operating warehouse equipment (pallet trucks, FLTs)
- Maintaining stock records and warehouse tidiness
Qualifications and entry routes
No formal qualifications are always required, though fork-lift truck (FLT) certification is valuable and often required. Manual handling training is standard.
Career outlook
Entry-level roles with opportunities for progression through experience, additional training and skills development. Apprenticeships offer structured routes into skilled occupations.
Key skills
Common industries
- Logistics and distribution
- E-commerce
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Third-party logistics
Data coverage
Median Salary
£26,574
Mean Salary
£26,197
Jobs (000s)
449k
Data Years
5 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£12,645
0-2 years
Mid Level
£21,841
3-7 years
Senior
£31,876
8-15 years
Leadership
£38,321
15+ years
Potential career growth: +203% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 10.9%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£26,574
Full-time Only
£27,832
Full-time premium: +£1,258
Where do I stand?
Compare your salary to others in this role.
Salary forecast
Project your earnings over the next 5-20 years.
Lifetime earnings
Calculate your total career earnings potential.
Stay updated on UK salary trends
Weekly insights on pay, careers, and the labour market. Free.