Material Handler: Duties, Pay & Jobs Near You
What does a material handler do? Move materials in manufacturing and warehouse settings. Find material handler jobs near you with average pay $16-$24/hr, required skills, and career path.
What does a Material Handler do?
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 toBLS OEWS, May 2024, this role is entry-level friendly. It is generally a alto job with medio scheduling.
Key duties of a Material Handler include:
- Move materials between work areas using equipment
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks
- Load and unload trucks and containers
- Maintain accurate inventory records
- Keep work areas clean and organized
Key Facts: Material Handler
- Average Hourly Rate$16-$24 / hour
- Industryindustrial
- Experience NeededEntry-level available
- Key SkillsEquipment operation, Physical fitness, Safety awareness
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 orfind current material handler openings on Indeed Flex.
What are the job duties?
- Move materials between work areas using equipment
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks
- Load and unload trucks and containers
- Maintain accurate inventory records
- Keep work areas clean and organized
What skills do you need?
To succeed as a Material Handler, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
What are the requirements?
- Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs
- Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Basic math and reading skills
- Safety-conscious mindset
Career Growth & Path
Here is a typical career progression for a Material Handler:
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What is it really like being a Material Handler?
The Good
- Higher pay than entry pick/pack at many sites ($16-22/hr, BLS OEWS May 2024)
- Operate pallet jacks or forklifts after certification
- Central role in receiving, staging, and shipping
- Overtime during inbound peaks and month-end pushes
The Challenging
- Safety-critical: collisions and load shifts are real risks
- Physical loading and unloading in all weather at some docks
- Targets for truck turn times can feel relentless
Best For: People who want hands-on logistics with equipment operation, not just walking picks all day.
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A Day in the Life of a Material Handler
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
- •Pre-trip inspection takes 5 minutes and prevents costly equipment downtime
- •Honk at every blind corner - it's the single best safety habit
- •Stage pallets in trailer-loading order - it speeds up the loader's job
- •Communicate dock door status with drivers and dispatchers via radio
- Steel-toe boots
- Hi-vis safety vest
- Work gloves
- Forklift certification card (if certified)
Hi-vis vest required, steel-toe boots, comfortable durable work clothes, hard hat in some facilities. No loose clothing near equipment.
FAQs: Material Handler
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The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
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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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