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Cargo handler vs warehouseman

The differences between cargo handlers and warehousemen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a warehouseman has an average salary of $36,022, 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 warehouseman are pallets, safety regulations, and electric pallet jack.

Cargo handler vs warehouseman overview

Cargo HandlerWarehouseman
Yearly salary$32,044$36,022
Hourly rate$15.41$17.32
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,142158,488
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 46%
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 warehouseman do?

A warehouseman or warehouse worker is the person who assists with the inventory, shipping, and receiving of items in warehouses. Warehousemen receive and process incoming materials and stocks, along with picking and filling orders from the store. They manage, organize, and retrieve supplies and others. These workers need to have skills in speed, accuracy, and prioritizing tasks on site. They should also be equipped with skills in forklift, loading, and general labor.

Cargo handler vs warehouseman salary

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

Cargo HandlerWarehouseman
Average salary$32,044$36,022
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $39,000Between $30,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyWorldwide Flight Services Inc-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between cargo handler and warehouseman education

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

Cargo HandlerWarehouseman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cargo handler vs warehouseman demographics

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

Cargo HandlerWarehouseman
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 75.6% Female, 24.4%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
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, 13.4% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.5% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between cargo handler and warehouseman 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

Warehouseman example responsibilities.

  • Load and unload hazardous materials for shipment to/from various states and countries verifying proper HAZMAT documents.
  • Follow all safety precautions during driving and work with GPS system for mapping.
  • Conduct all operations to diminish unfavorable environmental impacts for HAZMAT as outlined by OSHA.
  • Certify to operate different types of forklifts, RF scanner skills, cycle counting, shipping receiving ,
  • Scan outboard shipments using an RF scanner to calculate product count; assure proper shipment quantity and destination.
  • Warehouse position/delivery driver with CDL.
  • Show more

Cargo handler vs warehouseman skills

Common cargo handler skills
  • Pallets, 26%
  • Safety Policies, 16%
  • Quality Standards, 12%
  • Unload Trailers, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Hub, 7%
Common warehouseman skills
  • Pallets, 11%
  • Safety Regulations, 9%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 9%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Forklift Operation, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 5%

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