How to Become a Stacker Operator

Your payment will vary depending on job type, experience, and location as a stacker. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information, the average annual salary for a stacker operator is $40,950. An entry-level stacker makes about $19 an hour as a starting salary. If managerial or training responsibilities are part of the job description, your pay will increase.

Becoming a stacker operator is an excellent option if you seek stability in your work life. There are many opportunities for operators with technical backgrounds to become stackers. Remember that the nation's supply chain will always depend on humans to operate machinery— whether behind a truck or computer. Stacker operators are needed everywhere, so this occupation is very versatile.

What are the responsibilities of a stacker operator?

As a stacker operator, your responsibilities are primarily related to the job you are working in and the specific operating tasks that need to be completed. Here are examples of responsibilities representing typical tasks stacker operators are likely to perform in their roles:

• Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices
• Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
• Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.
• Weigh materials or products and record weight or other production data on tags or labels.
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles or auxiliary equipment
• Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes
• Secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
• Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors 
• Signal workers to discharge, dump, or level materials.
• Operate or tend automatic stacking, loading, packaging, or cutting machines.
• Hook tow trucks to trailer hitches and fasten attachments
• Turn valves and open chutes to dump, spray, or release materials from dump cars or storage bins into hoppers.

What type of equipment do stacker operators use?

A stacker is a large machine used in bulk material handling. Its function is to pile bulk material onto a stockpile. According to Springwell, all stackers fall into one of the following classifications:

• Manual pallet stacker — These stacker vehicles are manually driven and can lift a weight of 1000 kg. They vary in price, depending on the features they have.
• Mono Mast Stacker — The electric stacker with mono mast is the most popular type of electric truck. Depending on the application, it has a load capacity of 1000 to 1200 kg.
• Electric pallet stacker — The electric stacker is the most commonly used completely electric stacker. It typically has a duplex mast and is used for routine stacking in small to medium-sized warehouses, retail outlets, and small workshops.
• Ride-on pallet stacker — The machines designed for single or multiple shifts can be folded down and utilized at low speed as a regular walkie stacker.

What is the work environment of a stacker operator?

As a stacker operator, you'll work in different environments depending on the job. In some situations, you'll coordinate with other team members; in others, you may be working alone. Depending on your employer and required tasks, stacking will require indoor or outdoor activity.

Who are your colleagues as a stacker operator?

Stackers are the backbone of the warehousing industry. They are the ones who make sure that all materials are ready to be moved. Your colleagues will include operations specialties managers, supervisors, forklift operators and warehouse associates.

What is the work schedule of a stacker operator?

The majority of stacker operator jobs are paid hourly. However, some shifts may be shorter than eight or nine hours. The shift schedule for stacker operators is usually available round-the-clock. Most shifts will be either eight or nine hours.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), stacker jobs are expected to grow at 8% through the 2020s. This means that by 2030, there will be more than twice as many job opportunities for stacker operators as there are currently in those positions. Considering that the construction and e-commerce sectors have been on an upswing lately, the future looks bright for stacker operators. 

What are the advantages of working with Spherion as a stacker operator?

With Spherion, you have the opportunity to find the perfect office for your work style. Whether you prefer to work with a small family business or a major company, Spherion offers options that cater to your preference. Other advantages include:

• Being paid every week
• Flexibility
• A contact person you always can fall back on and ask for help
• A lot of training opportunities
• A range of jobs in your area   

There are two main advantages to stacker operation: Being a stacker doesn't require a specific educational level and doesn't require prior experience. If you're good at reading and following instructions, you'll excel in this role. Many employers prefer to hire stackers who've graduated high school or have GEDs (General Education Diploma). Previous experience is also a plus, but people starting out rarely have a difficult time finding work.

It's important to have an OSHA certification in order to work as a stacker driver. This is because you may be operating in potentially dangerous environments and need to know the rules so that you don't get hurt. To become certified, take an approved training program and learn about: 

• OSHA rules
• Safety tips
• Driving techniques 
• Stacker maintenance

You'll need to pass a written exam and an operation evaluation supervised by a stacker trainer to receive your certification. These exams will help you become certified as a stacker operator. You'll also need to pass a safety test to work with this type of machine. The training can include lectures, training videos, and written materials- all provided by the school or instructor. Some schools offer online courses as well as in-class classes.

Skills & competencies

To be a successful heavy machinery driver, you need impeccable spatial recognition, peripheral vision, and hand-eye coordination. You'll also need manual solid labor skills and upper-body strength to adjust loads or conduct light repair work. A valid driver's license is required when you enter this field.

You should be detail-oriented

This is an important aspect of stacker driving. For example, moving pallets of products efficiently to the right locations is key for an employer's bottom line. The same holds for construction site work. A mistake could set the project back days, which costs money.

Stackers typically load and unload items onto or from pallets, trays, racks, and shelves by hand or using tools. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about becoming a warehouse stacker.