Highest-Paying Material Handler Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of material handlers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of material handlers:

• Material Handler Lead is the highest-paid type of material handler with an average salary of $37,147 and an average hourly rate of $17.86.

• The second highest-paying type of material handler is material handler/forklift operator, with an average salary of $36,453.

• The average material handler salary is $33,215 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.97.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a material handler, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of material handlers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of material handlers:

1. Material Handler Lead

   Average Salary: $37,147

   A material handler lead, also known as a package handler, warehouse associate, or hand laborer, manually moves products, merchandise, stock, and other materials. This role tends to be found within supply chains, manufacturing, production, shipping, storage, or customer receiving. This role entails maintaining inventory, taking note of the location of stock, verifying production orders, loading delivery trucks, and filling client orders. They also need to ensure safety in the working area and maintain accurate documentation of the materials that are being shipped.

2. Material Handler/Forklift Operator

   Average Salary: $36,453

   A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.

3. Driver/Material Handler

   Average Salary: $36,219

   Primarily, driver/material handlers help maintain the production and distribution of products through inventory pullout, production materials, and supplies delivery, and finished product staging. Material handlers manage the transport of equipment or ammunition and conduct the planning and execution functions for effective grind force training. They pick and audit hazmat materials and deliver them to their customers. Also, they develop and expedite clear and effective communication with their customers.

4. Dock Worker

   Average Salary: $36,027

   People working in the docks are collectively called dock workers. Their primary job is to load and unload ships. They are also named material movers and hand laborers who manually move stocks, freight, or other materials. While formal educational attainment is not a prerequisite to becoming a dock worker, several skills are required. Dockworkers should have the best physical strength, endurance, and agility. Having good hearing and eyesight is also essential in their job.

5. Warehouseman

   Average Salary: $36,022

   A warehouseman or warehouse worker is the person who assists with the inventory, shipping, and receiving of items in warehouses. Warehousemen receive and process incoming materials and stocks, along with picking and filling orders from the store. They manage, organize, and retrieve supplies and others. These workers need to have skills in speed, accuracy, and prioritizing tasks on site. They should also be equipped with skills in forklift, loading, and general labor.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various material handler that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Material Handlers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for material handlers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Material Handler Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid material handler job?

   The highest-paid material handler job is a material handler lead. Material Handler Leads earn an average salary of $37,147, which is $ 17.86 hourly.

   A material handler lead, also known as a package handler, warehouse associate, or hand laborer, manually moves products, merchandise, stock, and other materials. This role tends to be found within supply chains, manufacturing, production, shipping, storage, or customer receiving. This role entails maintaining inventory, taking note of the location of stock, verifying production orders, loading delivery trucks, and filling client orders. They also need to ensure safety in the working area and maintain accurate documentation of the materials that are being shipped.

2. What is a good salary for a material handler?

   A good salary for a material handler is $33,215 or more. The average material handler salary is $33,215, so those making at least $33,215 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average material handler salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a material handler, the average entry level salary is $28,273, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $33,215 average, as this includes all material handlers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Material Handler jobs pay well?

   No, material handler jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some material handler jobs pay better than others, but the average material handler salary of $33,215 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many material handler jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of material handlers earning $53,140 a year on average.

   Material Handlers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a material handler. Do your research on the going rate for a material handler in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do material handlers get paid the most?

   Material Handlers get paid the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, material handlers earn an average annual salary of $37,294 and an average hourly wage of $17.93.

   Following WI, the states with the highest-paid material handlers are Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, with average annual salaries of $38,144, $36,004, and $35,428 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid material handler salaries are:

   1. Minneapolis, MN – $38,154

   2. Milwaukee, WI – $37,328

   3. Tacoma, WA – $36,798

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.