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
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Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
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Avg. Experience8+ years

Material Handler Salaries near Canada

Average Base Pay

$40,741 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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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.
The RoomplaceThe Roomplace
Jack of All Trades
Jun 24, 2023

“I was told by corporate that my career goal was unrealistic and that I would be eaten alive.”

FedEx GroundFedEx Ground
FedexPackage Handler
Jun 10, 2023

“Good for if it’s your first job and not really looking for fast food work.”

Lee HealthLee Health
Material Handler
Sept 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 Handler
May 27, 2022

“The pay is good and I didn't have any issues interacting with the clientele.”

ANPCANPC
Material Handler
Aug 21, 2023

“There is a flexed schedule (make your own hours) which is great for work/life balance”

Home Hardware StoresHome Hardware Stores
Material Handler
May 3, 2023

“I enjoy working at Perficient because it provides good learning environment on the day to day activities”

TescoTesco
Comparision Shopper/Jack Of All Trades Did All Jobs
Sept 19, 2022

“It was fun and nice to work”

LSC CommunicationsLSC Communications
Material Handler
Oct 13, 2022

“People are great and respectful.”

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