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Loading dock hand vs loader/unloader

The differences between loading dock hands and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loader/unloader has an average salary of $31,827, which is higher than the $30,478 average annual salary of a loading dock hand.

The top three skills for a loading dock hand include pallet jack, load trailers and dishwashers. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Loading dock hand vs loader/unloader overview

Loading Dock HandLoader/Unloader
Yearly salary$30,478$31,827
Hourly rate$14.65$15.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs5,90167,063
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Loading dock hand vs loader/unloader salary

Loading dock hands and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loading Dock HandLoader/Unloader
Average salary$30,478$31,827
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $35,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City-Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-Bunge
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between loading dock hand and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between a loading dock hand and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

Loading Dock HandLoader/Unloader
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Loading dock hand vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between loading dock hands' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

Loading Dock HandLoader/Unloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.6% Female, 18.4%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.6% 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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between loading dock hand and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Loading dock hand example responsibilities.

  • Load orders into trailers for shipment; coordinate cross-dock operations and load consolidations.
  • Operate WMS shipping system efficiently and accurately.

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.
  • Show more

Loading dock hand vs loader/unloader skills

Common loading dock hand skills
  • Pallet Jack, 32%
  • Load Trailers, 20%
  • Dishwashers, 10%
  • RF, 6%
  • Assembly Line, 4%
  • Water Truck, 4%
Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%

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