Cargo handler vs merchandise handler

The differences between cargo handlers and merchandise handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cargo handler has an average salary of $32,044, which is higher than the $31,855 average annual salary of a merchandise handler.

The top three skills for a cargo handler include pallets, safety policies and quality standards. The most important skills for a merchandise handler are basic math, math, and pallets.

Cargo handler vs merchandise handler overview

	Cargo Handler	Merchandise Handler
Yearly salary	$32,044	$31,855
Hourly rate	$15.41	$15.31
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	59,142	47,657
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

What does a cargo handler do?

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.

What does a merchandise handler do?

A merchandise handler deals with inventory and merchandise for shipment to ecommerce customers. This position requires familiarity with all computer technology used in processing the merchandise. The duties of this position are accurately recording the movement of merchandise, operating merchandise handling equipment, confirming the quantity of inventory, and handling the merchandise with care to avoid damage. They also need to ensure the customer has quality experience with every order.

Cargo handler vs merchandise handler salary

Cargo handlers and merchandise handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cargo Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average salary	$32,044	$31,855
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Taunton, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Hawaii
Best paying company	Worldwide Flight Services Inc	The RealReal
Best paying industry	Technology	Retail

Differences between cargo handler and merchandise handler education

There are a few differences between a cargo handler and a merchandise handler in terms of educational background:

	Cargo Handler	Merchandise Handler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cargo handler vs merchandise handler demographics

Here are the differences between cargo handlers' and merchandise handlers' demographics:

	Cargo Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 75.6% Female, 24.4%	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.9% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between cargo handler and merchandise handler duties and responsibilities

Cargo handler example responsibilities.

Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
Scan and sort packages in hazmat.
Scan the cargo in using rf scanners
Utilize RF scanner system to transfer packages onto conveyor system or trailers.
Pick up packages and letters from FedEx delivery locations for processing and shipping.
Assist units in preparing documents, certifying vehicles, HAZMAT, and other cargo for air movement.

Merchandise handler example responsibilities.

Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA standards.
Make visual evaluations and floor moves while maintaining OSHA guidelines.
Process incoming merchandise shipments by unpacking products, moving items in WMS, steaming clothing, and stocking shelves.
Transport pallets to where they need to go in the store to insure products are stocked up properly for customer needs.
Distribute production materials to designate locations on assembly lines observing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory control practice.
Greet customers while bagging their groceries, collect carts in parking lot, put away return items, general sanitation.

Cargo handler vs merchandise handler skills

Common cargo handler skills

Pallets, 26%
Safety Policies, 16%
Quality Standards, 12%
Unload Trailers, 10%
FAA, 9%
Hub, 7%

Common merchandise handler skills

Basic Math, 21%
Math, 17%
Pallets, 11%
Hand Tools, 10%
Purchase Orders, 6%
Hand Trucks, 6%

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Cargo Handler
Cargo Handler vs Merchandise Handler

Updated January 8, 2025

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