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Cargo handler vs mover

The differences between cargo handlers and movers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mover has an average salary of $33,187, 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 mover are office furniture, customer service, and household goods.

Cargo handler vs mover overview

Cargo HandlerMover
Yearly salary$32,044$33,187
Hourly rate$15.41$15.96
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,1424,222
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 56%
Average age4040
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 mover do?

Movers help people take or move things from one place to another through their physical strength. They work manually to help customers in their businesses or homes. Among the elements, they do include the preparation, loading, and unloading of items. They are also notable as material movers and hand laborers. Some movers drive a moving truck. However, they should not be burdened with any issue with a high value like jewelry and cash.

Cargo handler vs mover salary

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

Cargo HandlerMover
Average salary$32,044$33,187
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAKent, WA
Highest paying stateNew YorkAlaska
Best paying companyWorldwide Flight Services IncZag
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between cargo handler and mover education

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

Cargo HandlerMover
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cargo handler vs mover demographics

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

Cargo HandlerMover
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 75.6% Female, 24.4%Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 13.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between cargo handler and mover 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.
  • Show more

Mover example responsibilities.

  • Hand hoisting furniture both up and down.
  • Assist families with helping to build their new homes through USDA funding.
  • Move pianos, gym equipment, bookcases, computer equipment, televisions, mirrors and glass pieces.
  • Work with USDA to develop policies and procedures to enhance the volume and quality of housing services.
  • Used a variety of items such as, a fork lift and dollies to move receptacles to and from appropriate locations.
  • Develop inventory management -learn how to pack/unpack furniture by utilizing hand-trucks and dollies for public/private housing moves
  • Show more

Cargo handler vs mover skills

Common cargo handler skills
  • Pallets, 26%
  • Safety Policies, 16%
  • Quality Standards, 12%
  • Unload Trailers, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Hub, 7%
Common mover skills
  • Office Furniture, 40%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Household Goods, 7%
  • Load Trucks, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 4%
  • Delivery Vehicle, 4%

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