Warehouse operative (Fachlagerist)
A quick way into German logistics, with the option to continue toward a higher qualification.
The profession
The warehouse operative receives, checks, stores and picks goods, packs orders and prepares shipments in the warehouse.
Salary
During the apprenticeship, about 900 to 975 €/month on average. On entry, about 2,100 to 2,500 €/month; the average across all experience levels is around 2,866 €/month (source: Entgeltatlas, Federal Employment Agency, 2025). This pay follows a sector agreement, above the statutory minimum wage (13.90 €/h in 2026).
Duration and path
The training lasts 2 years and can be extended by one year to obtain the Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik qualification.
Employers hiring
Retail distribution centres, e-commerce, third-party logistics providers (3PL) and industrial logistics.
Prospects
Prospects are strong, with high-volume demand across logistics.
Career progression
You can add a third year toward Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik, or move up to forklift operator and team leader.
Language level
The vocational school, the exam and the work all take place in German. B2 is the standard employers expect, and that is the level we aim for.
Recognition and access
For an Ausbildung, no diploma recognition is required: you train directly in Germany and the qualification is recognised throughout the country. You need an Ausbildung contract, the expected German level and, generally, a secondary school leaving certificate.
Visa
Entry is via the vocational training visa (Ausbildung). Once qualified, you switch to a skilled worker permit to work in Germany. We check your eligibility and prepare the application with you.
Your Karriere Fähre support
We train you in German up to the required level, find the company and the Ausbildung contract, prepare the visa application and support you until you are settled in.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference from the Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik?
- The Fachlagerist has a shorter (2-year) and more hands-on training, while the Fachkraft (3 years) adds process planning.
- Can you continue toward the higher qualification?
- Yes, with one additional year of training you obtain the Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik qualification.
Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, Gehalt.de, StepStone, IHK). In logistics and transport, pay follows the collective agreement and the sector minimum wage, and varies by region, employer and experience. Recognition, visa and driving-licence rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.