Across industries—be it manufacturing, logistics, or retail—how goods and materials are moved defines the pulse of daily operations. This is the core area of the material handler.
These professionals ensure that products, raw materials, and supplies are transported, stored, and forwarded inside a facility with maximum efficiency and minimum waste.
When material handlers are absent, warehouses turn chaotic, assembly lines stall, and unexpected delays ripple through the entire organization. For candidates interested in a physically active, structured career path, the material handler role often proves satisfying and impactful.
This article details the material handler’s duties, average pay, skills, and the pathways to entering the field.
Table of contents
What is a Material Handler?
A material handler is an employee who is in charge of transporting, storing, and delivering goods within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers.
They are responsible for transporting materials and products to the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition. Material handlers may use devices such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor belts to effectively get their work done.
This job is a key link in the manufacturing and supply chain. By keeping stock updated and on hand, material handlers allow businesses to function smoothly and serve customers.
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Material Handler Job Description
The material handler job description varies by company and industry, but the basic tasks remain the same. Here is an overview of what the job typically involves:
What are the Roles of Material Handler?
Here is a break down of the roles and duties of a material handler in a company or work environment:
Loading and offloading truck, containers, and delivery vehicles:
Material handlers are responsible for safely moving goods from delivery vehicles to warehouses or distribution centers. This requires physical strength and observation of safety precautions to prevent accidents or product damage.
Transporting raw materials
Transporting raw materials to the production units and finished goods to warehouses or shipping terminals: They ensure the production units are well supplied to operate efficiently and get the finished goods transported to the next level in the supply chain on time.
Warehousing and inventory keeping:
The orderly storage of materials and products is one of the key job responsibilities. Material handlers ensure that the neat and orderly storage systems are kept intact to enable the easy identification and picking of materials as needed.
Operating equipment:
Operating equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or automated material handling systems. In certain companies, material handlers drive different machines to transport heavy or bulky products safely and efficiently.
Checking incoming and outgoing shipments for accuracy and quality:
They verify the incoming and outgoing shipments to be accurate to order documents, and correctly dispatched and received goods without flaws or damages.
Labeling, packaging, and shipping preparation of products:
Material handlers may label boxes, wrap pallets, and prepare bundles of goods before shipping according to company or customer requirements.
Compliance with safety procedures and workplace regulations:
Safety is priority in this occupation. Material handlers must comply with corporate safety policies, use protective equipment, and follow regulations to prevent workplace injury.
Assisting with stock counts and cycle counts:
They participate in organized inventory audits, helping companies to track product availability and prevent shortage or overstocking positions.
Required Skills and Qualities
To succeed as a material handler, one needs an assimilation of physical, technical, and soft skills like:
- Physical strength and endurance to lift heavy materials.
- General knowledge of inventory management systems.
- Efficient organizational capabilities and detail orientation.
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a team.
- Time and multitasking management abilities.
- Good communication to coordinate with the team members and supervisors.
- Safety awareness and ability to embrace protocols.
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Material Handler Jobs Across Industries
Material handlers can be found in a variety of industries, and their specific task can differ depending on the industry:
1. Manufacturing
Inside manufacturing companies, material handlers move raw materials onto the plant floor and move finished products to warehouses or shipping.
2. Warehousing and Distribution
Inside warehouses, they receive and ship out freight, keep inventory in a way that provides easy access to it, and package orders for shipping accurately.
3. Retail
Consumers hire material handlers to receive shipments, organize storerooms, and stock sales floors with merchandise.
4. Building
Material handlers on a building site transfer tools, equipment, and building materials from place to place.
5. Transportation and Logistics
Logistics material handlers help ensure timely delivery through packing goods for shipment, managing freight, and maintaining stock records.
Material Handlers Salary
Material handler compensation varies with location, industry, experience, and company size.
The average annual material handler salary in the US is around $30,000 to $40,000.
New employees can earn around $28,000 per year, while experienced handlers or special industry workers can earn over $45,000 annually. For wages, Material handlers earn around $14 to $18 per hour.
Note, the salary is dependent on different factors salaries are higher in states where the cost of living is high.
How to Become a Material Handler
If you’re considering a career as a material handler, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Education Requirements
Most employers require a high school diploma or GED. Advanced training is not typically necessary, although some technical training is beneficial.
2. Obtain Proper Skills
Next step is to get the right skills like computer skills to handle inventory management systems. You also need to develop teamwork and communication skills. Obtain physical fitness and stamina.
3. Obtain Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)
Some of the certifications you can get include OSHA Safety Training, CPR/First Aid or Forklift Certification. Most times, employers value employees who are certified to work with forklifts significantly.
4. Find Entry-Level Jobs
Most businesses offer on-the-job training to new hires. Start with stock clerk or warehouse associate jobs to build experience.
Why Become a Material Handler?
Choosing a career as a material handler has several benefits, especially for people who like active and hands-on work and want to be an integral part of ensuring businesses operate efficiently.
While the work may be physically demanding at times, it offers space for growth, stability, and hands-on work in supply chain management and logistics. Some of the reasons why it can be a rewarding career path to pursue as a material handler are given below:
1. High Demand Across Industries
Material handlers are needed in almost every industry—manufacturing, logistics, retail, construction, healthcare, etc. With such high demand, there are plenty of opportunities, which makes it easy to find employment.
2. Entry-Level Accessibility
One of the greatest advantages of doing this job is that it doesn’t require higher learning. With a high school diploma or GED, you can start working as a material handler. Employers also provide on-the-job training in most cases, so even career starters or new entrants in another profession can find it simpler to start working.
3. Constant Income and Benefits
Although pay varies by industry and level of experience, material handlers are paid decent salaries and in some cases benefit from other incentives such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and overtime compensation. The job is therefore economically stable and predictable.
4. Career Advancement Opportunities
Material handling can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced career paths. With seniority, certification, or further education, material handlers may advance to jobs like warehouse supervisor, logistics coordinator, inventory manager, or supply chain manager.
5. Active and Engaging Work Environment
For people who do not like sitting at a desk all day, material handling provides a physically demanding job. It involves moving, lifting, setting up, and operating machinery, so each day is new and exciting.
6. Job Security
As businesses continue to expand and e-commerce grows, there is a greater need for workers who can handle, move, and work with products. Material handling has good job security in this economy.
Conclusion
A material handler career is a great choice for those who love physical, hands-on labor and are looking to be a vital part of the supply chain. Strength, organization, and detail-oriented skills are needed for the job, but stability, consistent pay, and room to move up are offered. With businesses expanding globally and e-commerce on the rise, the need for material handlers will not dwindle.
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Material Handler FAQs
Most employers request only a high school diploma or GED, although forklift certification and safety training can boost employment opportunities.
Yes, it is secure, an opportunity for growth, and in high demand in every industry.
Material handlers make approximately $14 to $18 hourly in the United States.
Manufacturing, retail, logistics, construction, and distribution centers are among the industries that usually hire material handlers.
Manufacturing, retail, logistics, construction, and distribution centers are among the industries that usually hire material handlers.
References
- Indeed.com- Material Handler
- Betterteam.com – Material Handler Job Description
- Hiring.monster.com- Material Handler
