Hazardous materials handler vs loader/unloader

The differences between hazardous materials handlers and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a hazardous materials handler has an average salary of $32,796, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for a hazardous materials handler include hazardous waste, non hazardous materials and DOT. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Hazardous materials handler vs loader/unloader overview

	Hazardous Materials Handler	Loader/Unloader
Yearly salary	$32,796	$31,827
Hourly rate	$15.77	$15.30
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	29,787	67,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Hazardous materials handler vs loader/unloader salary

Hazardous materials handlers and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Hazardous Materials Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average salary	$32,796	$31,827
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	-	Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Bunge
Best paying industry	-	Transportation

Differences between hazardous materials handler and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between a hazardous materials handler and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

	Hazardous Materials Handler	Loader/Unloader
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Hazardous materials handler vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between hazardous materials handlers' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

	Hazardous Materials Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 5.3% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between hazardous materials handler and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Hazardous materials handler example responsibilities.

Manage the logistics of incoming and outgoing shipments
Assess HAZMAT training needs and ensure training for all HAZMAT representatives.
Establish and maintain procedures for receiving, handling, and shipping of HAZMAT.
Distribute production materials to designate locations on assembly lines observing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory control practice.
Thrive in this fast-pace environment requiring memorization, accuracy, and stamina.

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
Provide QA and material damage reports.
Position also require the use of RF equipment.
Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.

Hazardous materials handler vs loader/unloader skills

Common hazardous materials handler skills

Hazardous Waste, 16%
Non Hazardous Materials, 16%
DOT, 16%
Safety Procedures, 13%
Hazmat, 7%
Bucket Loaders, 4%

Common loader/unloader skills

Inventory Control, 27%
Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
Pallets, 13%
Tractor Trailer, 10%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Delivery Truck, 3%

Hazardous Materials Handler vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Hazardous Materials Handler
Hazardous Materials Handler vs Loader/Unloader

Updated January 8, 2025

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