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The differences between cargo handlers and dock workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dock worker has an average salary of $36,027, which is higher than the $32,044 average annual salary of a cargo handler.
The top three skills for a cargo handler include pallets, safety policies and quality standards. The most important skills for a dock worker are safety rules, tractor trailer, and LTL.
| Cargo Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $32,044 | $36,027 |
| Hourly rate | $15.41 | $17.32 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 59,142 | 119,104 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A cargo handler usually works for airline companies and airports where they are primarily in charge of moving baggage and other cargo, ensuring that they reach their destination timely and accurately. Their job entails operating forklifts or conveyor belts to transport cargo, lifting moderate to heavy packages, labeling or scanning items, and maintaining extensive records. Moreover, a cargo handler must keep an open and transparent communication line with fellow cargo handlers to ensure an accurate and smooth workflow.
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.
Cargo handlers and dock workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cargo Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Average salary | $32,044 | $36,027 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $29,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Coon Rapids, MN |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Worldwide Flight Services Inc | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a cargo handler and a dock worker in terms of educational background:
| Cargo Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cargo handlers' and dock workers' demographics:
| Cargo Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.6% Female, 24.4% | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |