Warehouse jobs mean picking orders, packing boxes, loading trucks and moving stock. It's physical work, usually on your feet all shift. You learn the scanners and systems on the job.

What you need in Texas

No state license is needed. For forklifts, federal safety rules put training on the employer: OSHA requires the employer to train and evaluate each operator before they drive. "Forklift experience preferred" isn't a wall.

What warehouse work pays in Texas

Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and many warehouse jobs post pay well above it. Some pay extra for night or weekend shifts. Check the pay and shift on each listing.

BLS figures are area averages for the whole occupation group, including experienced workers. They are not employer-confirmed. A pay rate stated in a job posting always wins.

City highlights

Dallas–Fort Worth: Transportation and material moving is DFW's second-largest job group, at 10.5% of all jobs, averaging $24.17 an hour (BLS, May 2025). That's the highest share of the three metros.
Houston: Transportation and material moving makes up 9.5% of Houston jobs, averaging $24.26 an hour (BLS, May 2025).
San Antonio: Transportation and material moving makes up 8.6% of San Antonio jobs, averaging $21.23 an hour (BLS, May 2025).

Tips

Night and weekend availability gets you hired faster.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to any on-site interview.
Seasonal warehouse jobs often turn permanent. Ask about it.

Sources

Texas Labor Code §62.051 (Texas Minimum Wage Act) and §62.0515 (state minimum wage supersedes local ordinances). Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Minimum Wage Law.
U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees ($2.13 cash wage). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_houston_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_dallasfortworth_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in San Antonio-New Braunfels, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_sanantonio_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Retail Sales Workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
Texas Food Establishment Rules, 25 TAC §228.33(d) (food handler course within 60 days of employment), via City of San Antonio Food Protection Manager and Food Handler Requirements. https://cosatx.us/home/showpublisheddocument/32446/637357656486870000
Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handlers Licensing. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-safety/food-handlers/food-handlers-licensing
Texas Commission on Jail Standards memo citing DSHS food handler FAQ (certificate valid two years, 25 TAC §229.178). https://www.tcjs.state.tx.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/TAMemo-FoodHandlersandFHP-FAQ-1.pdf
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, TABC Certification FAQs (safe harbor, Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.14(a), certificate valid two years). https://tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tabc-certification-faqs/
Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security: Training and Continuing Education (Level II required for non-commissioned officers; Level III minimum 45 hours). https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education
TEEX, Private Security Level II course (6 hours; license number required before working). https://teex.org/class/sap201
OSHA, Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: Training. https://www.osha.gov/etools/powered-industrial-trucks/training