What does a Material Handler do?
Material handlers move products in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, either manually or using equipment such as trucks or forklifts. Their responsibilities may include pulling inventory and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders, and unloading product deliveries by pulling them off of trucks and putting them on shelves.
There are no specific education requirements, but many employers prefer a high school degree or equivalent. In some positions, material handlers need a certificate to operate a forklift or other equipment. Material handlers need to have stamina and strength since they are typically on their feet for long periods of time and often need to lift heavy products.
What responsibilities are common for Material Handler jobs?
- Load and unload incoming and outgoing materials and products
- Move materials to and from loading docks, delivery trucks, storage areas, and manufacturing areas
- Identify and label materials, and record their locations in the warehouse/on the shelves to maintain inventory
- Prepare finished products for shipment by identifying their location, then pulling, packing, and loading them
- Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment to move freight
- Perform and report cycle counts
- Comply with all warehouse safety rules and guidelines
What are the typical qualifications for Material Handler jobs?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-5 years of experience working in a warehouse setting or in logistics; experience in operating material handling equipment preferred
- Certification to ride forklift truck preferred
- Must be able to work well in a team
- Ability to read.write and to follow instructions, and work independently with little guidance
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time; ability to bend and to lift heavy materials
- Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.1 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.1 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years
Material Handler Salaries
Average Base Pay
$38,760 /yr
Same as national average
Not including cash compensation
$32K
Median: $39K
$47K
Glassdoor Estimated Salary
Material Handler Insights
Read what Material Handler professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Ryder Intergrated Logistics
Material HandlerJun 19, 2020
“Not many areas for career development and sometimes cross training allows employees to perform any tasks”

Material HandlerSept 9, 2021
“It was fun and fairly easy; i would often finish quick with my work and my boss wouldn't be a pain about it.”
W.D. Dog Training and Rattlesnake Aversion
Rattlesnake HandlerMay 27, 2022
“The pay is good and I didn't have any issues interacting with the clientele.”

Material HandlerSept 24, 2020
“Paid weekly and monthly bonuses based on company preformance.”

Material HandlerNov 19, 2020
“Great flexible hours and pay.”

Asbestos HandlerSept 1, 2020
“It's one of the best compenies were one can learn and grow ethically and professional.”

Material HandlerNov 2, 2021
“Been here six months and have been promised a raise and to get hired on and got neither.”

Material HandlerMar 26, 2022