what is an order picker?
As an order picker, you play an important role in warehouse logistics. You take care of the ordered goods. Your assignments are usually transmitted electronically, less frequently via pick lists. On the so-called MDE device (mobile data collection), you see the barcodes of the items. You pick the ordered products from their storage locations, whether in shelves or on pallets. Depending on the size of the warehouse, you walk or use a forklift. You confirm each pick on your portable data collection device. As an order picker, you avoid unnecessary walking. The faster you complete an order, the sooner it’s on its way to the customer. Despite working quickly, you don’t compromise on quality. You check whether you’ve picked the correct items in perfect condition. In large logistics companies, colleagues load the vehicles. In smaller businesses, you bring the goods to the transporter. Sometimes, as a logistics worker, you also receive and store the goods. Together with your colleagues, you ensure smooth operations in the logistics process. This way, you support sales and make a significant contribution to customer satisfaction. Is this exactly your job? Then keep reading to find out what awaits you as an order picker, where you work, and how much you earn.
order picker jobsworking as an order picker.
Order pickers mainly prepare all goods for transport. Your specific tasks depend on the industry and the size of the company. As an essential part of logistics, you ensure that the outgoing goods process runs smoothly. Various tools such as handheld scanners and forklifts assist you in this. Find out more about your responsibilities as an order picker here.
-
your area of responsibility
The main task of logistics is to deliver ordered goods quickly to the customer. Your responsibilities as an order picker are:
- Receiving goods: In smaller companies, you also work as an order picker in the incoming goods department. You accept the delivered items and check whether they match the delivery documents and are undamaged. Before storing them, you scan the barcode or stick one on. You ensure proper storage, such as keeping items dry, cool, or protected from light.
- Assembling goods: Your main task as an order picker is to put together the ordered assortment. You receive the order on your handheld scanner. Then you get started and collect the items along the shortest possible route. Forklifts assist you in the high-bay warehouse. The more experienced you are, the faster you'll complete your order.
- Check the goods: Before you prepare the items for transport or shipping, you review everything. Have you correctly picked the complete order? If you notice any damages, report them to your supervisor.
- Preparing the shipment: In large companies, colleagues handle the shipping. In smaller businesses, you prepare everything yourself. You pack the items into boxes, containers, or wrap them onto pallets. Then, you load the company trucks or get them ready for freight shipping. Your job also includes filling out the shipping documents.
- Check inventory levels: In some companies, it's your responsibility to regularly review stock levels. If there are too few units of certain items, you inform the purchasing department.
- Adhere to regulations: As an order picker, you comply with all health and safety regulations. When you discard products, you dispose of them according to environmental guidelines. In the food industry, you ensure product safety in accordance with HACCP standards (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
-
who are your colleagues?
In the first place, you work as an order picker together with colleagues in logistics. Depending on the division of tasks, this includes other order pickers, shipping staff, professional drivers, or dispatchers. You also interact with colleagues from other departments. If your handheld scanner isn't working, you contact IT. Quality managers check your work quality. Field staff will approach you if incorrect goods have been delivered or if the best-before date is too short.
types of order pickers.
In logistics, especially within large companies, there are various opportunities to specialise. Essentially, you focus on the following areas:
- Delivery and goods receipt: As a warehouse clerk in goods receipt, you receive the goods, check them, and record them in the inventory management system. Some suppliers already have a barcode on the items, so you simply scan it. If not, you attach a barcode and store the goods using a handheld scanner in the inventory system. You assign a storage location to each item, ensuring proper placement in the warehouse.
- Warehouse storage and goods transportation: In this area, you feel right at home as an order picker. You move the goods to their storage location and, if needed, re-organise them. When you receive an order on your handheld scanner, you pick the items and prepare them for dispatch. Then, you transport them to their destination, which could be the shipping department or a driver’s box for further transport. Usually, you’ll be using a forklift for this.
- Transport and goods dispatch: As a logistics professional in goods dispatch, you prepare the merchandise for shipping or transport. You coordinate with service providers or handle the loading of trucks. Packages are labelled accordingly. Items for internal shipping are accompanied by delivery notes. Here, you ensure that the ordered goods arrive on time and via the most efficient route to their destination. Customer returns also come to you.
salary as an order picker.
Various factors influence your salary as an order picker. In addition to your training and work experience, the region and the company also play a significant role. Another difference is made by your specific tasks and responsibilities. As a warehouse worker, you will earn a different salary compared to, for example, an order picker with a forklift license. Besides your base salary, you also receive various additional benefits. If you work in shifts or on weekends, you'll notice this on your paycheck. This is especially true when the allowances exceed the statutory regulations. Find out more here about the average salary reported by common job platforms.
-
how much do I earn as an order picker in a permanent position?
Your gross salary as an order picker is on average around 50,000 CHF per year, which amounts to roughly 4,200 CHF per month. The range typically falls between 33,000 and 65,000 CHF annually. That’s about 2,700 to 5,400 CHF per month. Usually, you work 42 hours a week. Some companies attract employees with flexible working hours and five weeks of holiday. The more skills and performance you bring, the higher your salary. By taking on responsible tasks and further training, you can increase it to around 80,000 CHF per year. As a logistics manager, you can even earn up to 180,000 CHF annually. Companies in Zurich or Basel tend to pay higher wages than those in eastern Switzerland. Additionally, extra benefits offered by many companies can boost your annual income.
-
in which industry do I earn the most as an order picker?
The industry and the size of the company have a significant impact on your salary. This is because the requirements in larger warehouses are higher. You don’t just work with lists and check them off, but with modern information technology. Therefore, you generally earn more in the metal industry than in the food sector. However, your gross salary isn’t determined by the base pay alone. Be sure to also look at the additional benefits. Large production companies often pay shift allowances and per diems for international assignments. Food manufacturers frequently offer discounts on their products and free meals in the staff restaurant. This way, you save extra money.
training and further education as an order picker.
A specialised apprenticeship as an order picker is not offered by anyone. Your advantage is that you can find a job in Switzerland without formal training. However, completing a basic qualification as a logistics specialist EFZ increases your chances and your salary. Large companies also require work experience with electronic devices. A forklift licence is usually a prerequisite. If you, as an order picker, have a completed basic qualification and further training, interesting career opportunities become available. Technical colleges, professional associations, and companies prepare you for your future tasks.
positions as an order picker.
As an order picker, you'll find a job almost anywhere. Wherever goods are transported and prepared for shipping, that's where you'll be working. Whether in retail, industry, or logistics companies, there are interesting positions waiting for you. Your daily routine in the food industry looks completely different from that in a manufacturing plant. That's why the requirements vary from sector to sector. Are you looking for an attractive role where you can make a real difference? You’ll find such opportunities for order pickers right here on this page.
positions for career changers as order pickers.
As an order picker, you don't need any special training. This offers great opportunities for career changers. If you're interested, you'll always find a position in the warehouse, providing a perfect entry into the working world. Having experience in logistics already gives you a solid foundation. Career advancement is possible through further training. Not only will your tasks change, but you'll also increase your salary.
career opportunities and development potential as an order picker.
With routine as an order picker, the desire for more challenging tasks often grows. Good news for you: logistics offers many interesting jobs and is always looking for staff. Whether you're after an exciting role or a management position, further training can help you achieve a lot. Exciting tasks await you as a Specialist in International Freight Forwarding and Logistics. You ensure that goods reach their destination on time. For this, you need to know the import and export regulations of your neighbouring countries. If you find it exciting to deliver goods directly, you can further your education as a Road Transport Specialist. If you enjoy leading colleagues, you can develop into a Logistics Manager or Operations Manager for Transport and Logistics. In large companies, you can benefit from in-house training programs.
skills as an order picker.
As an order picker, the following qualities and skills make your work easier:
- Diligence: You're already tapping your foot and can't wait for the next order. Immediately, you roll up your sleeves and start gathering the goods. You work quickly and independently.
- Carefulness: As an order picker, you are responsible for outgoing orders. You work diligently to avoid mistakes. It's better to double-check and prevent complaints.
- Teamwork: In logistics, you always work as part of a team. You are an integral part of the whole. Warehouse staff ensure that you find the goods at the correct storage location. You then quickly bring them to the shipping area, so they are well prepared for the journey to the customer.
- Endurance: You're on the move all day, sometimes on the forklift and then on foot. You stretch and bend frequently. Occasionally, you lift heavy objects. So, a good level of physical fitness is important to ensure you enjoy the work.
- Calmness: During peak seasons or successful sales campaigns, things get busy in the warehouse. Your handheld scanner constantly gives you new orders. You’re working under pressure, after all, the goal is to get the goods out the door quickly. But you don’t let yourself get flustered. Systematic, diligent, and quick, you process each order one after the other.
- Flexibility: As an order picker, you're dependent on incoming orders and the available stock. Sometimes, deliveries are delayed or customers place their orders just before closing time. In such cases, you need to be flexible and help ensure the timely delivery.
benefits of working as an order picker at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as an order picker at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your training budget as an order picker at randstad.
If you work as an order picker for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an order picker.
application tips for order pickers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an order picker? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
-
1. find a position as an order picker
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s a perfect fit, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
-
2. applying as an order picker
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
-
3. preparing for a job interview as an order picker
A good preparation helps you stay calm during the interview for an order picker position. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the job of an order picker.
-
what does an order picker do?
As an order picker, you are an essential part of warehouse logistics. You ensure that the ordered goods arrive in perfect condition to the customer. Usually, you pick the items or components from the storage locations. Even during busy times, you keep track of everything. Together with your colleagues, you make a significant contribution to customer satisfaction. Find out more about your tasks as an order picker here.
-
how much do I earn as an order picker?
Your annual gross salary as an order picker ranges between 33,000 and 65,000 CHF per year. That’s roughly 2,700 to 5,400 CHF per month. With completed basic training and work experience, you earn above average. Further training can increase your salary and open up career opportunities. Allowances and your place of work also have a positive impact on your monthly pay. Find out more about your gross salary as an order picker on this page.
-
is an order picker a good profession?
The Swiss logistics industry is growing and growing. As a result, there are more and more job opportunities. Since the staff doesn’t grow on trees, you’re in demand as an order picker. Many companies invest in your training, pay you a good salary, and offer attractive working conditions. If you’re ready to develop further, a career with many possibilities awaits you. Varied tasks and opportunities for advancement will convince you. Does that sound appealing to you? Curious about what exactly awaits you as an order picker? Then read on here.
-
is it difficult to be an order picker?
As an order picker, you work diligently and swiftly. You transport the ordered goods to their destination so they reach the customer quickly. Constant movement and shift work can be tiring, but they’re not difficult. With effort and determination, you’ll learn the necessary skills. After some time, you’ll handle your tasks confidently and smoothly. Companies reward your commitment with attractive working conditions and good career prospects. Find out more about the profession of an order picker here.
-
do you need experience to become an order picker?
If you don't have a basic education as an order picker, your experience will help you. It increases your chances of landing an attractive position. Additionally, several years of professional experience have a positive impact on your salary. Even as a career changer, having several years of logistics experience is an advantage. If you lack this, you can make up for it through willingness to learn and motivation to work. In your role as a warehouse worker, there are many opportunities to prove yourself and develop further. Through Randstad, you can find jobs for experienced professionals and career changers. Find out more here about the required qualities and skills for an order picker.
-
what requirements do I need to meet to become an order picker?
No formal training is required for your role as an order picker. If you bring diligence, endurance, and flexibility, companies are happy to hire you. Of course, having a completed basic education as a logistics specialist EFZ gives you better prospects. With work experience and commitment, you can further impress your future employers. Are you looking for an interesting position? Discover our offers for order pickers here.
-
how do I apply for a position as an order picker?
Your application as an order picker is very straightforward with Randstad. First, create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer that suits you? Then send us your cover letter along with your CV and certificates. Need a bit of help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to put together a compelling application.