What does a material handler do? Material Handlers move raw materials, supplies, and finished goods within manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers using various equipment.. Find material handler jobs near you with average pay $16-$24/hr, required skills, and career path.
A material handler is responsible for Material Handlers move raw materials, supplies, and finished goods within manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers using various equipment. Material Handlers move raw materials, supplies, and finished goods within manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers using various equipment.
As a material handler, you can expect to earn between $16 and $24 per hour depending on experience and location. According to BLS OEWS, May 2024, this role is entry-level friendly. It is generally a high job with medium scheduling.
Market rates for a material handler range from $16 to $24/hr. A typical material handler is responsible for Material Handlers move raw materials, supplies, and finished goods within manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers using various equipment. Calculate your exact take-home pay or find current material handler openings on Indeed Flex.
To succeed as a Material Handler, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
Here is a typical career progression for a Material Handler:
Want to see more paths? Check out our Career Path Explorer tool.
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Best For: People who want hands-on logistics with equipment operation, not just walking picks all day.
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Clock in, complete pre-operation forklift or pallet jack inspection
Attend safety briefing, get truck assignments and dock schedule
Begin unloading inbound trucks - stage pallets in receiving area
Break - 15 minutes
Move pallets to storage racks or production areas, update WMS scan
Lunch break - 30 minutes
Afternoon outbound - stage pallets at the dock, load delivery trucks
End of shift - park equipment, complete inspection log, clock out
Hi-vis vest required, steel-toe boots, comfortable durable work clothes, hard hat in some facilities. No loose clothing near equipment.
See how Material Handler pay compares across roles and locations
Different roles offer varying pay based on skill requirements and demand.
Pay rates vary by location based on cost of living and local demand.
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The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.
About this data
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.
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