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The 10 Best States for Material Handlers in 2026
Material Handlers continue to be one of the most prevalent occupations in the United States. With job opportunities available in every state, material handlers are not confined to just a few regions like California or the South. Understanding where these jobs are concentrated and fairly compensated is vital for anyone looking to pursue this career.
At Zippia, we analyzed the latest data to identify which states offer the best opportunities for material handlers, focusing on job availability and competitive salaries across different career stages.
After thorough analysis using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of the top states for material handlers in 2026.
These states stand out as the best for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, offering competitive salaries and job availability.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Read on to discover our methodology and insights into the top ten states.
If you want to explore the job landscape further, consider these resources:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Indianapolis
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Indiana
- The 100 Largest Companies in Indiana
How We Determined the Best States for Material Handlers
At Zippia, we engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking employment. Our research indicates two key priorities for job seekers:
- Availability of jobs
- Competitive pay
To identify the best states for material handlers in 2026, we assessed where jobs are plentiful and where wages are high. Our criteria, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, included:
- Location quotient: indicating how common the job is in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures to account for the cost of living in each state, ensuring a fair comparison. For instance, while the average salary for material handlers in California is $32,380, the Illinois salary of $30,140 can stretch further due to lower living costs.
To create an overall ranking, we scored each state on the above criteria, with the lowest score indicating the best state for material handlers.
1. Indiana
Total Jobs: 95,010
Average Annual Salary: $30,590
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,820
Average Experienced Salary: $43,280
Location Quotient: 1.56
2. Iowa
Total Jobs: 27,480
Average Annual Salary: $32,530
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,810
Average Experienced Salary: $47,100
Location Quotient: 0.89
3. Michigan
Total Jobs: 74,030
Average Annual Salary: $31,060
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,950
Average Experienced Salary: $43,460
Location Quotient: 0.86
4. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 16,230
Average Annual Salary: $32,500
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,040
Average Experienced Salary: $44,470
Location Quotient: 0.83
5. Missouri
Total Jobs: 46,990
Average Annual Salary: $31,360
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,680
Average Experienced Salary: $46,590
Location Quotient: 0.84
6. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 54,750
Average Annual Salary: $33,360
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,950
Average Experienced Salary: $47,470
Location Quotient: 0.96
7. Kansas
Total Jobs: 21,090
Average Annual Salary: $31,800
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,300
Average Experienced Salary: $44,700
Location Quotient: 0.77
8. Washington
Total Jobs: 71,690
Average Annual Salary: $34,940
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,790
Average Experienced Salary: $49,270
Location Quotient: 1.1
9. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 2,750
Average Annual Salary: $35,990
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,590
Average Experienced Salary: $55,030
Location Quotient: 0.51
10. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 59,760
Average Annual Salary: $29,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,460
Average Experienced Salary: $42,140
Location Quotient: 1.58
The Best States to Be a Material Handler
If you’re starting your career as a material handler, consider focusing your job search on these states. They offer competitive salaries, numerous job openings, and opportunities for advancement.
Curious about the least favorable states for material handlers? Here they are:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Material Handlers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | $30,590 |
| 2 | Iowa | $32,530 |
| 3 | Michigan | $31,060 |
| 4 | Nebraska | $32,500 |
| 5 | Missouri | $31,360 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | $33,360 |
| 7 | Kansas | $31,800 |
| 8 | Washington | $34,940 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $35,990 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $29,720 |
| 11 | Tennessee | $29,300 |
| 12 | Minnesota | $35,080 |
| 13 | Texas | $30,530 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $34,470 |
| 15 | Illinois | $30,140 |
| 16 | Arizona | $31,460 |
| 17 | Idaho | $31,080 |
| 18 | Ohio | $30,100 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | $31,590 |
| 20 | Utah | $30,450 |
| 21 | Oklahoma | $29,320 |
| 22 | West Virginia | $29,470 |
| 23 | Georgia | $28,140 |
| 24 | Nevada | $31,550 |
| 25 | Arkansas | $26,770 |
| 26 | Mississippi | $25,500 |
| 27 | Alabama | $27,140 |
| 28 | South Carolina | $29,010 |
| 29 | North Carolina | $27,860 |
| 30 | Florida | $29,370 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $27,680 |
| 32 | Colorado | $32,010 |
| 33 | Alaska | $38,950 |
| 34 | Virginia | $29,370 |
| 35 | New Mexico | $29,260 |
| 36 | Montana | $30,430 |
| 37 | Rhode Island | $32,690 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $30,280 |
| 39 | Delaware | $28,560 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $28,080 |
| 41 | Oregon | $32,170 |
| 42 | California | $32,380 |
| 43 | Maryland | $32,630 |
| 44 | Connecticut | $32,600 |
| 45 | New York | $33,940 |
| 46 | Massachusetts | $34,020 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $30,110 |
| 48 | Maine | $28,330 |
| 49 | Vermont | $30,440 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $37,210 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
