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The differences between loaders and material handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler has an average salary of $33,215, which is higher than the $32,820 average annual salary of a loader.
The top three skills for a loader include customer service, pallets and loaders. The most important skills for a material handler are pallets, basic math, and forklifts.
| Loader | Material Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $32,820 | $33,215 |
| Hourly rate | $15.78 | $15.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 40,008 | 174,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The responsibilities of a loader will vary in an industry or organization. In a warehouse or retail setting, a loader is responsible for loading and unloading packages, ensuring the accuracy of all goods and invoices. Most of the tasks will involve physical work, and there are also instances when one needs to operate machines such as a forklift. Moreover, a loader must also keep records and monitor the inventory at all times and coordinate with supervisors, all in adherence to the company's policies and safety regulations.
Material handlers are responsible for moving products, storing items, and managing supplies to proper shelf categories. A material handler also documents deliveries and ensures that all items for shipment are correct and free of any damage. Material handlers must also be a fast-learner to operate various warehouse equipment that would make the task more efficient and less time-consuming. A material handler must also check all the incoming deliveries to validate all purchases made. Material handlers must be able to analyze sheet orders and prepare the correct merchandise the client needs.
Loaders and material handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader | Material Handler | |
| Average salary | $32,820 | $33,215 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Kemps | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader and a material handler in terms of educational background:
| Loader | Material Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between loaders' and material handlers' demographics:
| Loader | Material Handler | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 4.4% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% | Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |