If you’re considering a job as a warehouse operative in Hamilton, NJ, you’re in one of New Jersey’s busiest logistics hubs. Employers in Hamilton Township and nearby Cranbury, Robbinsville, Dayton, and South Brunswick are hiring across entry-level warehouse roles, order picking, and forklift/material handling — with higher pay for equipment operation and second/third shifts.
Based on current postings from Google Jobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Indeed Flex, typical pay in the Hamilton area ranges from $15–$25 per hour, with most full-time roles clustering around $18–$22/hr. Premiums of 5–20% are common for evening/overnight shifts, heavy equipment, and high-demand periods.
Warehouse operative salary breakdown
Salary ranges by experience level
| Experience Level / Role | Typical Hourly Pay | Example Employers/Links |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level/General Warehouse | $15–$20/hr | Indeed Flex, Panex Supply Chain, Best Buy, Floor & Decor |
| Picker/Packer, Order Selector, Stocker | $18–$22/hr | Nellis Auction, S.P. Richards, Rheem |
| Material Handler / Equipment Operator | $20–$25/hr | Cardinal Health, Lowe’s XDT, Petco E-Com, Kamps Pallets, Staples |
| Lead/Senior roles | $24–$38+/hr | BOP Supervisor, KLS Logistics |
Location-based comparisons
- Hamilton Township and Robbinsville: Strong demand at XDT and e-commerce facilities. Roles like Lowe’s Market Delivery advertise $20.35–$24.75/hr, with inventory and assembly duties and Indeed Flex Warehouse Operative: $18-20 + same day pay.
- Cranbury / South Brunswick / Dayton: Dense cluster of distribution centers with consistent $19–$24/hr material handler/operator roles: Cardinal Health ($20.70), Petco (~$19.75), Staples (3rd shift $24.25 incl. differential), Cooper Electric ($18–$20).
- Bordentown / Florence / Trenton corridor: Manufacturing and distribution mix with Rheem ($19–$21), Kani International ($17–$18), and S.P. Richards stocking roles ($20–$21.48).
- Retail/Showroom warehouse nearby: Floor & Decor ($15.50–$21.60) and Best Buy ($15.49–$19.22) trend slightly lower than large DCs but offer predictable schedules and store discounts.
- Flexible/Temp work (Indeed Flex): Hamilton & wider NJ posts around $18–$20/hr with same-day pay and referral bonuses. Example: Warehouse Operative – Hamilton ($18–$20).
Employee benefits
- Many employers offer health, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTO (e.g., Penske Logistics, Cardinal Health, Indeed Flex).
- Shift differentials and overtime are common for evenings/nights (e.g., Petco 2nd shift; Staples 3rd shift).
- Same-day pay and flexible shifts via platforms like Indeed Flex.
- Retail DCs often add store discounts and tuition programs (e.g., Petco Total Rewards, Best Buy, Lowe’s).
Market insights: what drives salary differences?
- Equipment skills: Forklift/order picker and RF/WMS experience typically adds $1–$3/hr over general labor.
- Shift and season: Evening/overnight and peak-season roles (Oct–Jan) often pay 5–20% more, plus bonuses in some facilities.
- Facility type: Large e-commerce/DC operations (Cranbury/South Brunswick) pay above retail store warehouses due to volume and pace.
- Compliance-sensitive operations (pharma, automotive) pay a premium for accuracy and SOP adherence (e.g., Cardinal Health, Nissan Somerset).
Industry trends and patterns
- Stable demand across Hamilton-area DCs; ongoing hiring for pick/pack, replenishment, and equipment operators.
- Tech-enabled workflows: RF scanners, voice-pick, WMS (Blue Yonder, HighJump, PKMS) are common — familiarity boosts hireability and pay.
- Safety & certifications: OSHA focus, PIT certifications, and 5S/lean practices increasingly emphasized in postings.
Recommendations for job seekers
- Target equipment roles: Get certified on forklifts/order pickers; highlight RF/WMS experience to access $20–$25/hr ranges.
- Be shift-flexible: 2nd/3rd shifts often add 5–20% in pay; weekends can command premiums.
- Leverage flexible platforms: Use Indeed Flex for fast starts, same-day pay, and to build experience.
- Apply broadly and compare benefits: Total comp (PTO, 401k match, healthcare, bonuses) can add significant value beyond hourly rate.
Conclusion
Warehouse operative jobs in and around Hamilton, NJ are paying competitively, with most roles at $18–$22/hr and strong upside for equipment skills and later shifts ($20–$25/hr). With many employers hiring now and offering solid benefits, it’s a great time to explore opportunities across DCs, retail warehouses, and flexible platforms.
Ready to start? Download the Indeed Flex app to access flexible warehouse jobs that match your skills — and help you grow your career on your terms.
Data sources: Live postings from Google Jobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Indeed Flex (accessed Nov 2025). Pay may vary by employer, shift, and experience.