Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between cargo handlers and package handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package handler has an average salary of $32,785, 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 package handler are warehouse environment, load trailers, and delivery truck.
| Cargo Handler | Package Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $32,044 | $32,785 |
| Hourly rate | $15.41 | $15.76 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 59,142 | 93,831 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| 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.
A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.
Cargo handlers and package handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cargo Handler | Package Handler | |
| Average salary | $32,044 | $32,785 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Saint Paul, MN |
| Highest paying state | New York | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Worldwide Flight Services Inc | ALDI USA |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a cargo handler and a package handler in terms of educational background:
| Cargo Handler | Package Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cargo handlers' and package handlers' demographics:
| Cargo Handler | Package Handler | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.6% Female, 24.4% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |