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Material handler education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, material handlers don't need a college education. The most common degree for material handlers is high school diploma with 51% graduates, with only 17% material handler graduates earning associate degree. Material handlers who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or University of Memphis. Some good skills to have in this position include pallets, basic math and forklifts.

Popular material handler certifications include OSHA Safety Certificate , EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA), or Operator Certification. To improve material handler qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in material handler education paths.

What education do you need to become a material handler?

What degree do you need to be a material handler?

The most common degree for material handlers is high school diploma, with 51% of material handlers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 17% and associate degree degree at 14%.
  • High School Diploma, 51%
  • Associate, 17%
  • Bachelor's, 14%
  • Diploma, 13%
  • Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a material handler?

You should major in business to become a material handler. 26% of material handlers major in business. Other common majors for a material handler include general studies and criminal justice.

Best majors for material handlers

RankMajorPercentages
1Business26.0%
2General Studies13.6%
3Criminal Justice8.5%
4Computer Science5.0%
5Accounting4.4%

20 best online courses for material handlers

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1. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience

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20. SAP Materials Management (MM) Super User Training

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Average material handler salary by education level

According to our data, material handlers with a Associate degree earn the highest average salary, at $34,100 annually. Material handlers with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $33,894.
Material handler education levelMaterial handler salary
High School Diploma or Less$33,514
Bachelor's Degree$33,894
Some College/ Associate Degree$34,100

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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