Highest-Paying Package Handler Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. Utilizing a mix of public government data and company-specific information, along with insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has developed average salary estimates for various jobs across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paying package handler roles based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying package handlers:
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Dock Worker/Forklift Operator ranks as the highest-paid package handler with an average salary of $45,000 and an average hourly rate of $21.63.
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The second highest-paying role is Material Handler Lead, earning an average salary of $39,000.
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The average salary for package handlers is $34,000 per year, translating to an average hourly wage of $16.35.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary is an important consideration, it should not be the sole factor in your decision. If you’re considering a career as a package handler, understanding the highest-paying positions can guide your career growth and planning.
Here are the top salaries for different types of package handlers:
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Dock Worker/Forklift Operator
Average Salary: $45,000
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Material Handler Lead
Average Salary: $39,000
A Material Handler Lead, also referred to as a package handler, warehouse associate, or hand laborer, is responsible for manually moving products, merchandise, and other materials within supply chains, manufacturing, production, shipping, and receiving areas. This role involves maintaining inventory, verifying orders, loading delivery trucks, and ensuring workplace safety.
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Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Average Salary: $37,000
A Material Handler and Forklift Operator handle the transportation and storage of various goods, including fragile or hazardous materials. The responsibilities require proficiency in machinery operation, effective communication, and attention to detail.
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Driver/Material Handler
Average Salary: $36,800
As a Driver/Material Handler, you are responsible for transporting products, managing inventory, and ensuring efficient delivery of goods while communicating effectively with customers and team members.
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Dock Worker
Average Salary: $36,500
Dock workers load and unload ships and manage materials at docks. Although formal education is not required, candidates should possess physical strength, endurance, and agility.
Below is a complete table of the highest-paying package handler roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Package Handlers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | |
| 2 | Material Handler Lead | |
| 3 | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| 4 | Driver/Material Handler | |
| 5 | Dock Worker | |
| 6 | Warehouseman | |
| 7 | Freight Handler | |
| 8 | Stage Hand | |
| 9 | Assembler/Material Handler | |
| 10 | Material Handler | |
| 11 | Mover | |
| 12 | Unloader | |
| 13 | Can Handler | |
| 14 | Material Handler/Warehouse | |
| 15 | Merchandise Handler | |
| 16 | Loader/Unloader | |
| 17 | Warehouse Labour | |
| 18 | Packer/Shipper | |
| 19 | Sorter | |
| 20 | Picker And Packer |
Methodology
Zippia leverages publicly available data from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
The data science team also analyzes recent job postings and company resources to obtain current salary information for package handlers.
After compiling the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For further details about our salary estimates, you can review the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Package Handler Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid package handler job?
The highest-paid package handler job is a dock worker/forklift operator. Dock Worker/Forklift Operators earn an average salary of $45,000, which breaks down to approximately $21.63 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a package handler?
A good salary for a package handler is $34,000 or more. The average package handler salary is $34,000, meaning those earning at least that amount are receiving above-average paychecks.
However, note that salaries can vary based on location, as companies adjust their pay scales according to the local cost of living. Research the average salary for your expertise and experience level in your area for a clearer perspective on your compensation.
If you’re starting your career as a package handler, the average entry-level salary is about $29,000. Therefore, don’t base your salary expectations solely on the $34,000 average, as it encompasses all package handlers across varying experience levels.
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Do package handler jobs pay well?
Package handler jobs can be competitive but may not always offer high salaries. While some positions in the industry pay better than others, the average package handler salary of $34,000 is below the average national salary of around $52,000 per year.
Nevertheless, many package handler roles offer significant earning potential, with the top 10% of package handlers earning an average of $57,000 annually.
Salaries for package handlers can vary based on experience, industry, and location, so be sure to consider these factors when seeking employment in this field. Research the going rate for package handlers in your area and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do package handlers get paid the most?
Package handlers earn the highest salaries in Minnesota. In Minnesota, package handlers receive an average annual salary of approximately $39,000, equating to an average hourly wage of $18.75.
Following Minnesota, the states with the highest-paid package handlers include Wisconsin, Indiana, and Vermont, with average annual salaries around $36,000, $35,000, and $36,500, respectively.
The cities with the highest package handler salaries are:
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Saint Paul, MN – $39,000
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Tacoma, WA – $37,000
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Syracuse, NY – $36,000
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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.
