Chicago is one of the biggest logistics hubs in the country. Railroads, highways and airports all meet here, and warehouses and distribution centers fill the city and suburbs.
That means lots of warehouse jobs. This guide explains the most common roles, how shifts work, what employers look for and how to get hired faster.
Common Warehouse Jobs in Chicago
- Picker: Pick items for customer orders. Experience Needed: Often none.
- Packer: Pack orders for shipping. Experience Needed: Often none.
- Loader / unloader: Load and unload trucks and containers. Experience Needed: Often none.
- Shipping and receiving: Check, label and track shipments. Experience Needed: Some helpful.
- Forklift operator: Move pallets with forklifts or reach trucks. Experience Needed: Usually required.
- Inventory associate: Count and organize stock. Experience Needed: Some helpful.
- Lead / supervisor: Run a team or shift. Experience Needed: Required.
Many entry-level warehouse jobs train you on the job.
Shifts
Chicago-area warehouses often run several shifts, especially from October through January.
- First: Early morning to afternoon. Good For: Daytime routines.
- Second: Afternoon to late evening. Good For: Free mornings.
- Third: Overnight. Good For: Quieter floor, free days.
- Weekend: Longer shifts, fewer days. Good For: More weekdays off.
Hours and pay depend on the employer. Your recruiter will tell you the details for each job.
Getting There
Commute matters in Chicago. Before you accept a job, think about:
- Can you get there by car, bus or train for your shift time?
- How long will the trip take in winter weather?
- Is there parking at the site?
Tell your recruiter how you get around. We’ll look for jobs you can reach every day.
What Employers Look For
- Reliability: Showing up on time for every shift.
- Safety: Following the rules and speaking up.
- Accuracy: Picking and packing the right items.
- Stamina: Standing, walking and lifting for most of the shift.
- Teamwork: Helping the people around you.
If you have forklift experience, bring proof of past training. Under OSHA’s rules for powered industrial trucks, each employer also trains and evaluates operators on its own equipment.
Temp, Temp-to-Hire and Direct Hire
- Temporary: Work for a set time, like peak season.
- Temp-to-hire: Start as a temp, and get hired full time if it’s a fit.
- Direct hire: The company hires you from day one.
Temp-to-hire is one of the most common paths to a permanent warehouse job in Chicago.
SURESTAFF Branches in Chicago and Nearby
- Chicago: 2086 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647.
- Berwyn: 6501 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402.
- Blue Island: 12832 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 60445.
- Melrose Park: 10753 W. Grand Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60164.
- Mount Prospect: 1698 S. Elmhurst Road, Suite 120, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.
- Wheeling: 278 McHenry Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090.
See all locations on the SURESTAFF locations page.
What You Get with SURESTAFF
- Weekly electronic pay
- Medical, dental, vision and prescription plans for eligible associates
- Referral bonuses when you bring a friend
- Paid or unpaid sick leave and PTO where it applies
How to Get Hired Faster
- Apply online or stop by a branch.
- Bring a photo ID and your work history.
- Be clear about your shifts and how you’ll get to work.
- List any certifications, like forklift training.
- Keep your phone on. Jobs fill fast in peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Experience for Warehouse Jobs in Chicago?
Many picker, packer and loader jobs don’t require experience. Forklift and lead roles usually do.
Do Warehouse Jobs in Chicago Pay Weekly?
Many jobs through staffing agencies pay weekly. SURESTAFF pays associates weekly.
Are There Overnight Warehouse Jobs in Chicago?
Yes. Many warehouses run third shift. Ask your recruiter what’s open.
Can I Get a Warehouse Job Close to Home?
SURESTAFF has more than a dozen Chicago-area branches. Each one recruits for jobs nearby.
Can a Temp Warehouse Job Become Permanent?
Yes. Temp-to-hire jobs are built for that.
Find Warehouse Jobs in Chicago
See what’s open near you and apply today.