Everything You Need to Know About Being an Order Filler at Walmart
If you‘re considering a job as an order picker at Walmart, this detailed guide will walk you through exactly what the role involves, key duties, schedules, pay range, training, pros and cons, and how to apply.
As an experienced ecommerce seller and Amazon FBA account manager, I‘ve seen order fulfillment become the heartbeat of retail. Walmart order fillers help power fast, accurate delivery of online orders – a must in an omnichannel world.
Whether you‘re seeking a first job or a new career direction, let‘s explore if an order filler role at the world‘s largest retailer is right for you or not.
What Does an Order Filler at Walmart Actually Do?
Order fillers, also known as order pickers or warehouse associates, are responsible for quickly and accurately gathering products from Walmart‘s massive inventory to fulfill online customer orders.
At Walmart, order fillers work behind-the-scenes in ecommerce fulfillment centers (FCs), not in the front-end retail stores.
Your core duties as a Walmart order picker will include:
Picking – Selecting and retrieving items from inventory that match product IDs and quantities on customer orders
Packing – Carefully packing picked items to avoid damage using optimal box sizes and protective materials
Checking – Ensuring all items and quantities are correct as per order specifications
Loading – Moving packed orders onto pallets, carts or conveyors for shipping and delivery
Supporting – Assisting other departments as needed, including returns, merchandising, inventory, and more
It‘s a fast-paced and physical job with a high volume of orders to fulfill accurately every day. Successful order fillers work efficiently as part of the fulfillment team.
Walmart has rapidly expanded its U.S. fulfillment network to keep pace with surging ecommerce demand. In 2021, Walmart‘s online sales grew by ~87% over the past two years.
With 161 dedicated FCs and 4,700 stores facilitating fulfillment, Walmart needs thousands of reliable order fillers to satisfy its ever-increasing digital order volume.
Average Daily Orders Processed at Walmart FCs
| Year | Online Orders |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 660,000 |
| 2020 | 1 million |
| 2021 | 1.5 million |
What Qualifications and Requirements Are Needed?
Here are Walmart‘s key requirements and qualifications to secure an order picker job:
Minimum Age: 18 years old. Some locations may hire at 16 with restrictions.
Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
Physical Ability: Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly, bend, stretch, stand for hours. Pass a physical test.
Skills: Basic math, reading, following instructions. Detail and customer-oriented.
Background: Reliable work history, passing drug screen and background checks.
Equipment: May require being trained on operating forklifts, scanners, pallet jacks, wrapping machines.
Schedule: Available to work flexible shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. Reliable transportation.
Previous experience in shipping/receiving, manufacturing, or warehousing helps, but isn‘t required. Walmart provides on-the-job training on processes and equipment.
Above all, they seek candidates with stamina for physical labor, focus for accuracy, and a team mentality.
What‘s the Work Schedule Like for Walmart Order Fillers?
With online orders flooding in 24/7, there are several shifts available for order fillers at Walmart. Here‘s an overview:
Full-Time – 34 to 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime as needed
Part-Time – 10 to 30 hours per week with flexible scheduling
Shift Times – All days and hours. Overnights, weekends and holidays required.
Shift Rotation – Often alternating between day, evening, and overnight shifts
Peak Times – Extra hours and overtime during holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Expect an ever-changing schedule week-to-week based on order volumes. Availability for nights, weekends and peak seasons gives the most scheduling flexibility. Having reliable transportation is essential as well.
Compared to Amazon, Walmart offers more predictability with shift bids and Post schedules three weeks in advance. But you still need to accommodate fluctuations.
What Training Do Walmart Order Fillers Receive?
Walmart provides training to help order selectors excel at their high-volume order processing roles:
Orientation (1 week) – Intro to Walmart systems, protocols, equipment. Safety procedures.
On-the-Job Training (3+ weeks) – Shadowing order pickers. Hands-on practice with support.
Ongoing Training – Brush-up skills. Learn new best practices. Cross-training in other areas.
The structured onboarding program sets up new order fillers for success. You‘ll learn using specially designed simulators before filling live orders.
Experienced order pickers serve as trainers and mentors to guide new hires. On-site support continues during the crucial first months on the job.
Advanced Training includes upskilling on:
- Powered Equipment – Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Conveyors
- Computer Software – Inventory Systems, Scanners, Pick to Light
- Specialized Roles – Problem Solve, Inspection, Hazmat
With training, even inexperienced hires can adapt quickly to the fast-paced fulfillment environment.
How Much Does a Walmart Order Filler Get Paid?
The hourly pay rate for Walmart order selectors depends on factors like location, experience level, shift times, and service years with the company.
Here is a breakdown of the typical wage ranges:
| Order Picker Type | Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $15 – $18 per hour |
| Experienced | $18 – $22 per hour |
| Specialized (Hazmat, PMT) | $20 – $25 per hour |
| Manager | $25+ per hour |
Annual pay for a full-time order picker at Walmart generally falls between $30,000 to $45,000. Experienced specialists and leads can earn $50,000+.
Overtime pay for extra hours provides increased earnings during busy seasons. Night shift differential and incentive pay may also boost wages.
The compensation is very competitive compared to similar warehouse or production jobs. Benefits like healthcare, 401(k), and paid time off add significant value for full-timers.
The Good and Bad of Being a Walmart Order Filler
Before applying, weigh the pros and cons based on your career interests and lifestyle:
Order Filler Job Pros
Above-average retail pay with earning upside from OT and bonuses
Benefits like medical, vision, dental, 401(k), stock purchase plan
Advancement opportunities to specialist and management roles
Training to grow your skills over time
Active job with lots of movement, not stuck at a desk
Team environment and camaraderie in fulfillment centers
Employee merchandise discount for working at Walmart
Potential Downsides
Very physically demanding with lifting, bending, walking all day
Can be monotonous and repetitive doing same tasks
Mandatory overtime during peak periods
Fast-paced warehouse setting with pressure to meet goals
Changing shift schedules with nights, weekends required
Often temporary/seasonal roles depending on store needs
Weigh your priorities. Order filling suits those seeking solid pay for hands-on warehouse work with room for growth into leadership roles.
But the nature of the job isn‘t ideal for everyone. Make sure the pros outweigh the cons for you before applying.
How to Get Hired as a Walmart Order Filler
If you want to be considered for order picker openings, here is the process:
Visit Walmart‘s Careers site and search for "Order Filler" or related roles near you.
Review the job details and requirements. Click "Apply Now" if it seems like a good match.
Create an account if you don‘t already have one. Complete the online application.
If your application is selected, complete an online assessment sent via email.
Passing the assessment may lead to one or more interviews by phone, video or in-person.
If hired, you‘ll need to pass background checks, a drug test, and physical.
Once cleared for work, you‘ll start paid training for the order picker role.
The hiring process can move quickly, so check your email and respond promptly at each step.
Being adaptable for a changing schedule gives you an advantage. Mention any related experience you have in applications and interviews.
With Walmart expanding fulfillment capabilities across the country, many stores are hiring order selectors. It could be a promising opportunity if you don‘t mind hard work.
Just make sure to learn about the pros and cons so you know what to expect before starting the job.
The Bottom Line on Walmart‘s Order Filler Position
Walmart order fillers are the engine powering accurate fulfillment of online orders from the company‘s massive retail network.
It‘s a physically tiring role, but provides above-minimum pay, benefits, and advancement potential for full-time employees.
The flexible hours accommodate those looking for extra income from part-time work. It can also be a foot in the door for a long-term career in retail distribution and logistics.
To succeed, you‘ll need stamina for extended time on your feet, focus on order details, and teamwork skills. With training, it‘s possible to pick up even without direct experience.
If you‘re interested, visit the Walmart Careers site and search order picker openings. With the rise of ecommerce, they need a small army of reliable fulfillment associates nationwide.
Just carefully weigh the pros and cons against your skills and interests first. Make sure the schedule and work align with your lifestyle before applying.
