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Cargo handler vs stacker

The differences between cargo handlers and stackers 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 $29,046 average annual salary of a stacker.

The top three skills for a cargo handler include pallets, safety policies and quality standards. The most important skills for a stacker are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety procedures.

Cargo handler vs stacker overview

Cargo HandlerStacker
Yearly salary$32,044$29,046
Hourly rate$15.41$13.96
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,14227,528
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 61%
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 stacker do?

A stacker operates machines to fit lumber stacks. These machines include conveyer chains, mechanical hands, and rollers. They may also be required to burn off feather edges with a gas torch.

Cargo handler vs stacker salary

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

Cargo HandlerStacker
Average salary$32,044$29,046
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $22,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWoodburn, OR
Highest paying stateNew YorkOregon
Best paying companyWorldwide Flight Services IncCognizant
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between cargo handler and stacker education

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

Cargo HandlerStacker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cargo handler vs stacker demographics

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

Cargo HandlerStacker
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 75.6% Female, 24.4%Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
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, 12.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 5.8% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between cargo handler and stacker 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

Stacker example responsibilities.

  • Prep shipping boxes and pallets according to customer specifications.
  • Stack trays on dollies for cleaning.
  • Monitor personal being around hazardous materials (lead) with PPE.
  • Stack loaves of bread onto racks on separate dollies for loading on delivery trucks.
  • Move materials as required or direct using hand equipment, power fork trucks or hoists.
  • Operate bundling machine to provide the bindery department neat stack mat er ials to be bound.
  • Show more

Cargo handler vs stacker skills

Common cargo handler skills
  • Pallets, 26%
  • Safety Policies, 16%
  • Quality Standards, 12%
  • Unload Trailers, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Hub, 7%
Common stacker skills
  • Pallets, 37%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 28%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Stack Boxes, 5%
  • Stackers, 4%
  • Assembly Line, 3%

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