Which industries will hire the most warehouse workers in 2025?

As many around the world hunkered down in an effort to escape the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021, a notable group did the opposite day after day: warehouse workers. Hiring of these workers rose massively during this time and was led by e-commerce companies such as Amazon and package handlers such as UPS and FedEx.

As we emerged from the pandemic, hiring for these workers weakened somewhat from these two peak years, but remained strong as compared to pre-pandemic levels. As we enter 2025, those who are interested in these jobs might wonder which industries are the most likely to hire the most warehouse workers. We reached out to 10 industry experts and asked them for their predictions.

• Online Retail Sector Will Lead Hiring
• Parcel Delivery Industry To Remain Significant
• Food and Beverage Industry To Lead Hiring
• Retail Industry To Be a Significant Employer
• Automotive Industry To See Increased Hiring
• Fashion Retailers To Ramp Up Logistics Hiring
• Construction Industry To Be a Leading Employer
• Healthcare Industry To See Surge In Hiring
• E-commerce To Be a Major Hiring Force
• Renewable Energy Sector To Experience Growth

Online Retail Sector Will Lead Hiring

I’m convinced that the online retail sector will remain the largest employer of warehouse and logistics workers through 2025. 

There are a few reasons for this forecast. E-commerce has been increasing exponentially after the pandemic and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Online shopping is gaining popularity because consumers want faster delivery, greater product options, and convenience. And that means more fulfillment centers, distribution centers and last-mile delivery systems, all of which require skilled labor. Top online shopping stores such as Amazon, Walmart, and thousands of others are constantly building more infrastructure to support the ever-growing order volume. 

Demand for last-mile delivery services is also rising as customers look for flexible, fast delivery services. This will continue to create jobs in local distribution hubs and distribution channels.

James Wilkinson, CEO, Balance One Supplements

Parcel Delivery Industry To Remain Significant

The parcel delivery industry is poised to remain a significant employer in the warehouse and logistics sector by 2025. With technology continuously advancing, the demand for online shopping shows no signs of slowing down. As more products become available online, the need for workers in delivery services and warehouse operations will continue to grow.

Additionally, the rise of bulk orders and the increasing popularity of home-based online businesses have further amplified the need for efficient logistics solutions. This trend underscores the importance of skilled professionals in managing the movement and storage of goods to meet the evolving demands of e-commerce.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

Food and Beverage Industry To Lead Hiring

I think the food and beverage industry will take the lead in hiring warehouse and logistics employees in 2025. With the growing demand for online grocery shopping, meal kit deliveries, and fresh produce shipped nationwide, this sector is experiencing explosive growth.

Consumers are prioritizing convenience and freshness, which means food distributors, grocery chains, and even farm-to-table services will need more robust warehousing and logistics systems to keep up.

This shift is more than a trend—it’s a transformation in how industries approach storage, transportation, and customer satisfaction. It’s an exciting time for logistics professionals looking to make an impact in this vital sector.

Tammy Sons, CEO, TN Nursery

Retail Industry To Be a Significant Employer

By 2025, I believe the retail industry will be a significant employer of warehouse and logistics workers, driven by the continued rise of omnichannel shopping and direct-to-consumer models. In my opinion, the traditional divide between online and in-store retail is disappearing, with customers expecting seamless service regardless of how they shop. 

Personally, I’ve noticed how retailers are integrating warehouses into their supply chains to support same-day delivery, curbside pickup, and efficient inventory replenishment. These shifts are creating a surge in demand for roles like fulfillment specialists, inventory coordinators, and last-mile delivery planners. I think urban micro-fulfillment centers, which bring products closer to the customer, will account for a large share of new warehouse jobs, offering opportunities in both logistics management and customer-facing operations.

Matthew Goulart, Founder, Ignite Digital

Automotive Industry To See Increased Hiring

The automotive industry, especially electric vehicle logistics. According to BloombergNEF statistics this year, global EV sales are expected to reach 30 million units by 2027. Their data showed 13.9 million EVs were sold last year. This boom requires sophisticated logistics infrastructure, from raw material procurement to battery recycling warehouses. Logistics for transporting EV batteries demand skilled warehouse management and operations. It’s an evolution that will see more warehouse and logistics employees in the industry come 2025.

Filip Sevostianov, Managing Director & Founder, eCarsTrade

Fashion Retailers To Ramp Up Logistics Hiring

I think we’ll see fashion retailers look to ramp up their logistics hiring processes in 2025.

Particularly with the rise of AI-optimized processes at the warehouse level and the increased demand from retailers via AI itself and customer acquisition methods like TikTok shop, it’s only going to get busier for retailers who are covering the latest in shopping trends (and ultimately seeing an increased logistics requirement).

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

Construction Industry To Be a Leading Employer

I believe the construction industry will be one of the leading employers of warehouse and logistics workers by 2025. In my opinion, the industry’s increasing reliance on prefabricated materials and modular construction techniques is creating a growing need for efficient supply chain management and logistics operations. For example, many construction companies are now centralizing material storage and distribution in dedicated warehouses to reduce waste and speed up delivery to job sites. 

Personally, I’ve seen this shift firsthand, as more projects depend on just-in-time delivery to keep construction timelines on track. This means warehouse roles focused on inventory control, material handling, and specialized transportation are becoming more critical than ever.

Tyler Hull, Owner and General Manager, Modern Exterior

Healthcare Industry To See Surge In Hiring

I believe the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry will see a significant surge in hiring warehouse and logistics employees by 2025. The growing demand for medical supplies, vaccines, and specialized pharmaceutical products requires highly efficient and compliant supply chains. As we’ve seen during the pandemic, the healthcare sector needs robust logistics to ensure the timely delivery of critical items, and this trend is only accelerating. I think this hiring boom will be driven by advancements in cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive goods and an increase in global healthcare access. My advice for anyone looking to enter this field is to focus on certifications in handling regulated products and understanding compliance requirements, as these skills are becoming essential. 

Timothy Lamb, Executive Director, TISOH

E-commerce To Be a Major Hiring Force

It’s tough to give a definitive “single” industry, as several sectors are driving huge demand for warehouse and logistics workers, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, food and beverage, etc. However, if I had to pick one that’s likely to be a major force in 2025, I’d say it’s e-commerce. 

Here’s why: Even though we’re going back to stores a bit more, online shopping is still booming. And it’s not just books and DVDs anymore—people are buying everything online, from groceries to furniture. This means companies like Amazon, and all the businesses that sell through them, need massive warehouses and super-efficient delivery systems. Think about it: 

• More online orders = more stuff to store in warehouses. 
• People want their stuff fast = more need for workers to pick, pack, and ship those orders. 
• More types of products online = more specialized warehouses and handling. 

So, while those other industries will still need warehouse workers, the sheer growth and changing nature of e-commerce makes it the most likely candidate for hiring the most in 2025.

Maheen Kanwal, HR Executive, B2B Tech SaaS Copywriter, Founder, Call to Authority

Renewable Energy Sector To Experience Growth

While e-commerce will undoubtedly remain a major player, I believe the renewable energy sector will experience explosive growth in 2025, leading to a surge in demand for warehouse and logistics professionals. Imagine the scale of transporting wind turbine blades, solar panels, and battery components across continents! This emerging industry will require robust supply chains, intricate warehousing solutions, and a highly skilled workforce to meet the escalating demand for clean energy technologies.

Myroslava Bovhyra, Generative AI Expert, Elai