Order Selector Career Guide

What is an order selector?

An order selector are like the superheroes of the supply chain, grabbing specific items from the shelves to make sure customers get exactly what they ordered, right on time. They make sure every item matches the order list perfectly—no mistakes allowed!

Duties and responsibilities

Here’s what order selectors do:

• Picking products: They grab items from warehouse shelves using a pick ticket that tells them what to find and in what quantity.
• Packing for shipment: After collecting items, they pack them up carefully to make sure nothing gets broken on the way to its destination.
• Loading orders: Sometimes, they also load the packed items onto delivery trucks.
• Inventory management: They help keep the shelves stocked and do inventory checks to make sure everything adds up.

Work environment

Order selectors work in a bustling warehouse environment where there’s always something going on. They need to be quick on their feet and ready to lift heavy items or operate equipment like forklifts. Because they deal with different products, from food to tools, no two days are ever the same.

Typical work hours

Order selectors might work different hours based on the warehouse schedule. They could work day shifts, night shifts, or even weekends, especially when it’s really busy. Whether part-time or full-time, they need to be flexible with their hours to keep up with the demand.

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How to become an order selector

Becoming an order selector is a great way to dive into the world of logistics and warehousing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

Step 1: Finish high school

First up, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or something similar, like a GED. While not all places require it, having this can really boost your chances of landing a job.

Step 2: Get forklift certified

Since you’ll likely be using forklifts to move stuff around, getting certified can make you a standout candidate. You can find forklift training at community colleges or through online courses. Some employers might even train you themselves.

Step 3: Rack up some experience

Having experience in a warehouse or distribution center is a big plus. It shows you know your way around and can handle the ins and outs of inventory and shipping. Any related work experience can help your resume shine.

Step 4: Build your stamina

Order selecting can be tough work. You’ll be on your feet a lot, lifting heavy items and moving quickly. Staying fit will help you handle the job’s physical demands. Some jobs might also require a health check to make sure you’re up for the task.

Step 5: Start applying

Now that you’re ready, start applying for jobs! Look for openings in warehouses or distribution centers, and make sure your resume highlights your skills, experience, and any certifications you have.

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How much do order selectors make?

Order selector salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The speed and efficiency of order picking, as well as the complexity of the supply chain management systems they work with, can significantly impact their compensation.

Highest paying industries

• Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers: $38,000
• Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers: $36,000
• Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers: $35,000
• General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers: $34,000
• Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers: $33,000

Browse order selector salary data by market

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Types of order selectors

Order selectors can specialize in different areas depending on the products and technology used. Here’s a look at some common types:

Dry goods selector

These selectors handle items like canned foods and packaged goods that don’t spoil quickly. Their main job is to make sure orders are picked accurately and efficiently, keeping track of stock and making sure the right items go out to customers.

Fresh produce selector

Working with fruits and vegetables means paying extra attention to the freshness and quality of each item. Fresh produce selectors need to know what good produce looks like and make sure only the best goes out to stores and customers.

Refrigerated goods selector

These specialists work in the chill of refrigerated areas, selecting items like dairy products and meats that need to stay cold. It’s important for them to understand how to keep everything at the right temperature to make sure food stays fresh.

Electronic order selector

This modern role involves using electronic systems to pick orders, which can include using scanners and other tech tools to find and track items in the warehouse. These selectors need to be tech-savvy and good at handling high-volume orders quickly and accurately.

Supervisor of order selectors

Taking a step up, supervisors manage teams of order selectors, making sure everyone is working efficiently and safely. They train new staff, monitor everyone’s performance, and coordinate with other departments to keep the warehouse running smoothly.

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Top skills for order selectors

To excel as an order selector, you’ll need a specific set of skills. Here are the top ones to focus on:

Attention to detail

Accuracy is everything. Picking the wrong item can cause a lot of problems, from unhappy customers to lost business. Being able to spot and correct mistakes before orders go out is crucial.

Physical stamina and dexterity

You’ll be on the move constantly, lifting heavy items, and using equipment like forklifts. Being physically fit helps a lot, as does having good hand-eye coordination to keep things moving smoothly and safely.

Inventory management knowledge

Knowing your way around the stock system is a big plus. Being able to use digital tools to track inventory helps you find items faster and keeps the error rate low.

Multitasking ability

In a busy warehouse, you’ll often need to do several things at once—like managing stock levels while picking orders and maybe even hopping on a forklift. Being able to switch between tasks without losing focus is key.

Excellent communication skills

You need to be able to talk clearly with your team, whether it’s updating your manager on stock levels or coordinating with truck drivers. Good communication helps keep everything running smoothly.

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Order selector career path options

Order selectors have several exciting paths to choose from for career advancement. Here’s how you can climb the ladder in warehousing and logistics:

Warehouse supervisor

If you’re great at what you do and have been on the job for a while, stepping up to a warehouse supervisor could be your next move. In this role, you’d oversee other selectors, make sure everything runs on time, and keep operations smooth.

Inventory specialist or control analyst

With your deep knowledge of inventory systems, you could become an inventory specialist or control analyst. As an inventory specialist, you’d keep track of stock levels and ensure records are accurate. As a control analyst, you’d focus on making the whole operation more efficient by fine-tuning how things get done.

Logistics planner or coordinator

If you’re good at seeing the big picture, consider becoming a logistics planner or coordinator. This job involves managing how goods move through the supply chain, from ordering supplies to getting products to customers. It’s all about keeping things moving efficiently.

Cross-functional opportunities

Your skills could also open doors in other parts of the company. You might move into roles that focus on improving how the warehouse works, training new staff, or even checking that everything meets high standards. Or, you could switch to a completely different area like sales or customer service, using what you know to help solve new challenges.

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Similar job titles

• Picker Packer
• Warehouse Associate
• Material Handler
• Mail Handler
• Package Handler
• Stocker
• Shipping and Receiving Clerk
• Forklift Operator
• Logistics Coordinator

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Position trends and outlook for order selectors

The job of an order selector is evolving rapidly, driven by several key trends:

• Tech advancements: With new tools and systems being introduced, being tech-savvy is becoming increasingly important. Innovations like robotic assistance are making it easier to handle heavy lifting and streamline the workflow, but there’s still a significant need for human input,.
• Impact of e-commerce: The boom in online shopping has massively increased demand for skilled selectors. As more people buy everything from groceries to gadgets online, companies need efficient and reliable teams to pick and pack these orders.
• Need for adaptability: Despite automation, the role isn’t becoming any less crucial. Understanding how to operate new tech and systems is vital, as the tools used to manage inventory and fulfill orders are constantly improving.

Employment projections

The outlook for order selectors looks stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow at an average pace through 2031. The ongoing surge in e-commerce is a big reason for this steady demand, as companies strive to keep up with the increase in online orders.

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Order selector career tips

Understand your equipment

Knowing how to operate warehouse equipment safely and efficiently is key. Learn all you can about the machines you use—like forklifts and pallet jacks. Understanding their features and limits can help you avoid accidents and increase your productivity.

Prioritize safety

Safety first, always. Wear all required protective gear, follow safety protocols, and take your time to do things right. Stay updated with the latest safety standards by attending regular training sessions. Keeping safe not only protects you but also maintains a secure environment for everyone around you.

Stay physically fit

The job can be physically demanding, so maintaining your strength and flexibility is crucial. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help you keep up with the physical aspects of the job.

Be detail-oriented

Accuracy is crucial in order selecting. Focus on the details to ensure you’re picking the right items and quantities, which minimizes costly errors and saves time in correcting mistakes.

Advance your skills with certifications

Boost your resume with relevant certifications like Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). These certifications not only increase your knowledge but also enhance your marketability.

Build your network

Connect with others in the supply chain and logistics field. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide access to valuable resources. Join organizations like:

• Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
• Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC)
• International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)

Engage in continuous learning

The logistics field is always evolving, so keep your skills sharp and your knowledge current. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, and stay informed about industry news and technology advancements. This ongoing learning will help you stay competitive and grow in your career.

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FAQs