How To Become A Loader/Unloader: What It Is and Career Path

What is a loader/unloader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Loader and Unloader are primarily responsible for transporting and lifting objects into vans and trucks. They operate types of machinery such as pallet jacks and forklifts as well as assisting to ensure accurate documentation. They also work in a team, maintaining an efficient work process.

Daily, they are tasked with performing inventory control activities, recording loaded materials, ensuring warehouse cleanliness, and proper storage of items. Besides that, they must also work at adhering to safety protocols.

There are no education requirements to become a loader and unloader. However, an individual is expected to be able to lift heavy objects, operate machines, and have enough physical endurance to be on their feet constantly. They earn an average of $12 per hour and have potential career opportunities that include being a logistic coordinator.

ScoreLoader/UnloaderUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $31,827

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 5.48%

Black or African American 14.89%

Hispanic or Latino 19.81%

Unknown 5.21%

White 53.52%

Gender

female 10.27%

male 89.73%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a loader/unloader

Explore loader/unloader education requirements

Most common loader/unloader degrees

High School Diploma

63.4 %

Diploma

14.9 %

Associate

10.3 %

Start to develop specific loader/unloader skills

Skills	Percentages
Inventory Control	26.99%
Electric Pallet Jack	16.50%
Pallets	13.06%
Tractor Trailer	10.27%
Safety Procedures	6.30%

Complete relevant loader/unloader training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New loader/unloaders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a loader/unloader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real loader/unloader resumes.

Research loader/unloader duties and 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.

Prepare your loader/unloader resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your loader/unloader resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a loader/unloader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable loader/unloader resume templates

Build a professional loader/unloader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your loader/unloader resume.

Apply for loader/unloader jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a loader/unloader job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do loader/unloaders rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

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1 star

Loader/unloader reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022

Pros

It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020

Pros

Stay busy stay in shape early hours no one ever died from a little hard work good lumpers can throw 1000 pcs an hour off the floor of a trailer on to a pallet or skid.all you hear is slaming off the wall of the trailer your unloading.

Cons

I like it all whats not to like I like it so much that I owned and operated qualified material handlers inc denver colorado for 10 yrs

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019

Pros

Honest day's work honest day's pay.

Cons

Lack of training with hands on. Safety......

What is a loader/unloader and how to become one

Loader/unloader career paths

Key steps to become a loader/unloader

Explore loader/unloader education requirements

Most common loader/unloader degrees

Start to develop specific loader/unloader skills

Complete relevant loader/unloader training and internships

Research loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Prepare your loader/unloader resume

Choose from 10+ customizable loader/unloader resume templates

Apply for loader/unloader jobs

How did you land your first loader/unloader job

Average loader/unloader salary

How do loader/unloaders rate their job?

Loader/unloader reviews

Loader/unloader jobs by state