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The differences between material handlers and shipper receivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a shipper receiver has an average salary of $33,536, which is higher than the $33,215 average annual salary of a material handler.
The top three skills for a material handler include pallets, basic math and forklifts. The most important skills for a shipper receiver are shipping receiving, pallets, and customer orders.
| Material Handler | Shipper Receiver | |
| Yearly salary | $33,215 | $33,536 |
| Hourly rate | $15.97 | $16.12 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 174,068 | 190,995 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
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.
A shipper receiver is responsible for processing and packaging items for shipment and receiving incoming merchandise for warehouse storage. Shipper receivers assist in loading and unloading items from the distribution trucks, checking inventory receipts, inspecting the quality and quantity of the items, preparing shipping documents, and ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of storage areas. They also update inventory records on the warehouse's database, administering orders and payments, and responding to the customer's inquiries and concerns. A shipper receiver should have a working knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on operating warehouse tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
Material handlers and shipper receivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Material Handler | Shipper Receiver | |
| Average salary | $33,215 | $33,536 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $27,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Bunge |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a material handler and a shipper receiver in terms of educational background:
| Material Handler | Shipper Receiver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between material handlers' and shipper receivers' demographics:
| Material Handler | Shipper Receiver | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% | Male, 84.1% Female, 15.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 7.4% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |