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Cargo handler vs stock unloader

The differences between cargo handlers and stock unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a stock unloader has an average salary of $43,736, 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 stock unloader are pallets, sales floor, and store shelves.

Cargo handler vs stock unloader overview

Cargo HandlerStock Unloader
Yearly salary$32,044$43,736
Hourly rate$15.41$21.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,14275,994
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 62%
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 stock unloader do?

Stock unloaders are workers in charge of unloading goods and items from the truck into the store. The unloaders move the products in a warehouse, distribution center, or any industrial facility. They stock the shelves in stores, work with the general merchandise team, and clean the processing center. It is also their responsibility to enforce procedures and policies for departmental operations. The skills necessary to carry out this job include strong communication skills, leadership, and attention to detail.

Cargo handler vs stock unloader salary

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

Cargo HandlerStock Unloader
Average salary$32,044$43,736
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $34,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyWorldwide Flight Services Inc-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between cargo handler and stock unloader education

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

Cargo HandlerStock Unloader
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cargo handler vs stock unloader demographics

Here are the differences between cargo handlers' and stock unloaders' demographics:

Cargo HandlerStock Unloader
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, 14.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between cargo handler and stock unloader 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.
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Stock unloader example responsibilities.

  • Manage equipment (e.g., conveyor) and materials (e.g., pallets, shrink wrapping), unloading receive merchandise.
  • Use RF scanner for items location.
  • Interpret price tag and UPC information.
  • Maintain back stock areas for groceries and replenish shelf supplies.
  • Interpret price tag and UPC information to ensure proper inventory management.
  • Used a variety of ways (hand, dollies, forklifts) to move receptacles to and from appropriate locations.
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Cargo handler vs stock unloader skills

Common cargo handler skills
  • Pallets, 26%
  • Safety Policies, 16%
  • Quality Standards, 12%
  • Unload Trailers, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Hub, 7%
Common stock unloader skills
  • Pallets, 24%
  • Sales Floor, 22%
  • Store Shelves, 12%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Unload Trucks, 6%
  • Stock Shelves, 5%

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