Lumber handler vs loader/unloader

The differences between lumber handlers 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 $28,973 average annual salary of a lumber handler.

The top three skills for a lumber handler include hand tools, pile and . The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Lumber handler vs loader/unloader overview

	Lumber Handler	Loader/Unloader
Yearly salary	$28,973	$31,827
Hourly rate	$13.93	$15.30
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	26,579	67,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Lumber handler vs loader/unloader salary

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

	Lumber Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average salary	$28,973	$31,827
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $35,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Missoula, MT	Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Minnesota
Best paying company	TPI	Bunge
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Transportation

Differences between lumber handler and loader/unloader education

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

	Lumber Handler	Loader/Unloader
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Lumber handler vs loader/unloader demographics

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

	Lumber Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 4.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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 lumber handler and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Lumber handler example responsibilities.

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.

Lumber handler vs loader/unloader skills

Common lumber handler skills

Hand Tools, 85%
Pile, 15%

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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Transportation Industry
Lumber Handler
Lumber Handler vs Loader/Unloader

Updated January 8, 2025

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