How much does a Dock Worker make?
Dock workers play a vital role in the shipping and logistics industry. They handle the loading and unloading of cargo from ships. This job requires a lot of physical effort and can be demanding. The average yearly salary for a dock worker is around $44,423. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific company.
The salary range for dock workers can differ. The lowest-paid 10% earn about $26,000 per year. The highest-paid 10% earn around $57,400 annually. Most dock workers fall somewhere in the middle of this range. Many factors can influence earnings, such as the size of the port and the type of cargo being handled. Some dock workers may also earn extra money through overtime or bonuses.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dock Worker?

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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $51,325
In Fargo, ND, working in logistics offers a stable environment with good pay. Companies like Americold and XPO Logistics provide many job opportunities. The city's growing economy makes it a great place for career growth.
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Topeka, KS
Average Salary: $51,023
Topeka, KS, is a hub for transportation and logistics. Workers here enjoy a mix of warehouse and dock jobs. Companies such as B&B Logistics and Penske Truck Leasing offer reliable employment. The city's central location helps with easy access to major routes.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $50,924
San Jose, CA, is a bustling port city with many dock jobs. Companies like UPS and DHL Express provide many opportunities. The tech-driven economy offers a dynamic work environment. Workers benefit from a mix of modern facilities and good pay.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $50,762
Riverside, CA, offers a vibrant dock job market. Companies such as Schneider and Swift Transportation are prominent. The city's strategic location along major highways makes it ideal for logistics. Workers enjoy a mix of outdoor and warehouse tasks.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $50,060
In Columbus, OH, dock jobs are plentiful. Companies like C.H. Robinson and FedEx Express offer many opportunities. The city's central location makes it a key logistics hub. Workers benefit from a mix of modern equipment and good pay.
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Greensboro, NC
Average Salary: $49,826
Greensboro, NC, is a key logistics center with many dock jobs. Companies like J.B. Hunt and Werner Enterprises offer many opportunities. The city's growing economy provides a stable work environment. Workers enjoy a mix of warehouse and outdoor tasks.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $49,495
Charleston, SC, offers a dynamic dock job market. Companies like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd provide many opportunities. The city's port is one of the busiest in the Southeast. Workers enjoy a mix of modern facilities and good pay.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $49,094
Raleigh, NC, is a growing hub for logistics. Companies like Knight-Swift and Old Dominion Freight Line offer many opportunities. The city's central location makes it ideal for transportation. Workers benefit from a mix of modern equipment and good pay.
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Knoxville, TN
Average Salary: $48,976
In Knoxville, TN, dock jobs are plentiful. Companies like Covenant Transportation Group and Landstar System offer many opportunities. The city's central location makes it a key logistics hub. Workers enjoy a mix of warehouse and outdoor tasks.
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Birmingham, AL
Average Salary: $48,630
Birmingham, AL, offers a vibrant dock job market. Companies like Yellow Corp. and Estes Express Lines provide many opportunities. The city's central location makes it ideal for transportation. Workers benefit from a mix of modern facilities and good pay.
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What are the best companies a Dock Worker can work for?

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Estes Express Lines
Average Salary: $53,324
Estes Express Lines offers rewarding Dock Worker jobs. They operate in many locations across the U.S. Their docks are busy, and they value hard work. Employees get good benefits and chances to grow.
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Saia LTL Freight
Average Salary: $52,042
Saia LTL Freight provides Dock Worker positions with a competitive salary. They have docks in many states. This company focuses on teamwork and safety. Workers here enjoy a supportive environment.
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Ward Trucking
Average Salary: $51,037
Ward Trucking offers Dock Worker jobs with a good salary. They work in many areas, including the Midwest. They value their employees and offer good training. This company is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
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Carlile Transportation
Average Salary: $50,435
Carlile Transportation provides Dock Worker jobs with a solid salary. They operate in several states. This company is known for its reliability and strong work ethic. Employees here benefit from a supportive team.
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HP Hood
Average Salary: $49,851
HP Hood offers Dock Worker positions with a good salary. They have locations in the Northeast. This company values its employees and offers a safe work environment. Workers here enjoy good benefits and opportunities for advancement.
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Old Dominion Freight Line
Average Salary: $48,205
Old Dominion Freight Line provides Dock Worker jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in many parts of the U.S. This company focuses on teamwork and safety. Employees here benefit from a supportive work environment.
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NORTH PARK TRANSPORTATION
Average Salary: $46,260
NORTH PARK TRANSPORTATION offers Dock Worker jobs with a decent salary. They have docks in several states. This company values its employees and offers good training. Workers here enjoy a supportive team.
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Dayton Freight Lines, Inc.
Average Salary: $46,152
Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. provides Dock Worker jobs with a good salary. They operate in many areas. This company focuses on safety and teamwork. Employees here benefit from a supportive environment.
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Dohrn Transfer Company
Average Salary: $44,040
Dohrn Transfer Company offers Dock Worker jobs with a decent salary. They have locations in several states. This company values its employees and offers a safe work environment. Workers here enjoy good benefits.
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BSP Trans., Inc.
Average Salary: $43,498
BSP Trans., Inc. provides Dock Worker jobs with a good salary. They operate in many parts of the U.S. This company focuses on teamwork and safety. Employees here benefit from a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Dock Worker?
Dock workers play a crucial role in the logistics and shipping industries. They handle the loading, unloading, and moving of cargo. This job can be physically demanding but also offers opportunities for earning more. By focusing on certain factors, dock workers can increase their earnings. These include gaining experience, obtaining certifications, working overtime, seeking promotions, and exploring specialized roles.
Experience is a key factor in earning more as a dock worker. The more time spent on the job, the more skilled and efficient a worker becomes. This experience can lead to higher pay rates. Certifications in areas like forklift operation or hazardous materials handling can also boost earnings. These skills make a worker more valuable to employers. Working overtime can provide additional income. Employers often pay higher rates for extra hours. Seeking promotions to supervisory or specialized roles can also increase earnings. These positions typically come with higher pay. Exploring specialized roles, such as crane operation or stevedoring, can lead to higher wages due to the specialized skills required.
Dock workers can increase their earnings by focusing on these factors. Experience, certifications, overtime, promotions, and specialized roles all play a part. By taking these steps, dock workers can improve their financial situation.
- Gain experience
- Obtain certifications
- Work overtime
- Seek promotions
- Explore specialized roles