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Material handler/warehouse vs driver/warehouse worker

The differences between material handler/warehouses and driver/warehouse workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a driver/warehouse worker has an average salary of $35,198, which is higher than the $32,384 average annual salary of a material handler/warehouse.

The top three skills for a material handler/warehouse include pallets, work ethic and warehouse environment. The most important skills for a driver/warehouse worker are customer service, CDL, and delivery truck.

Material handler/warehouse vs driver/warehouse worker overview

Material Handler/WarehouseDriver/Warehouse Worker
Yearly salary$32,384$35,198
Hourly rate$15.57$16.92
Growth rate6%7%
Number of jobs154,227310,383
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4043
Years of experience-4

What does a material handler/warehouse do?

A warehouse material handler is responsible for assisting warehouse operations, moving merchandise from one place to another, labeling products, performing quality check procedures, packaging goods, and loading and unloading items from distribution vehicles. Warehouse material handlers operate warehouse tools and equipment for production, as well as ensuring the adequacy of stock inventory needed for orders and deliveries. A warehouse material handler also updates product information on the database and do administrative tasks, such as writing reports and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns.

What does a driver/warehouse worker do?

A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.

Material handler/warehouse vs driver/warehouse worker salary

Material handler/warehouses and driver/warehouse workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Material Handler/WarehouseDriver/Warehouse Worker
Average salary$32,384$35,198
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $38,000Between $27,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityTacoma, WABlaine, MN
Highest paying stateHawaiiMaryland
Best paying companyPPGBaker Distributing
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between material handler/warehouse and driver/warehouse worker education

There are a few differences between a material handler/warehouse and a driver/warehouse worker in terms of educational background:

Material Handler/WarehouseDriver/Warehouse Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Material handler/warehouse vs driver/warehouse worker demographics

Here are the differences between material handler/warehouses' and driver/warehouse workers' demographics:

Material Handler/WarehouseDriver/Warehouse Worker
Average age4043
Gender ratioMale, 85.0% Female, 15.0%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 5.4% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 15.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%4%

Differences between material handler/warehouse and driver/warehouse worker duties and responsibilities

Material handler/warehouse example responsibilities.

  • Experience in WMS management system.
  • Handle stock tickets, and pack cross-dock shipments in accordance with establish WMS procedures.
  • Pull installation material for service partners and technicians using RF scanners and JDE warehouse management system.
  • Perform all warehouse distribution duties using sit-down and stand-up lift trucks, RF scanners and warehouse management system.
  • Utilize material moving equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts and dollies to bring products and materials to an appropriate location.
  • Move property from one place to another with and without the use of pull carts, dollies, and pallet jacks.
  • Show more

Driver/warehouse worker example responsibilities.

  • Deliver glass to various contract client locations, warehouse inventory which include stocking and stacking pallets with forklift operation
  • Deliver HVAC supplies and products to customers and maintain the upkeep of the warehouse, which include shipping and receiving.
  • Maintain warehouse standards through cleanliness and organization by performing housekeeping duties.
  • Inspect physical condition of warehouse equipment and prepare work orders for repairs and requisitions for replacement of equipment.
  • Used RF scanner units to asses contents of receive packages.
  • Receive incoming shipments and review contents against purchase order for accuracy using RF scanner.
  • Show more

Material handler/warehouse vs driver/warehouse worker skills

Common material handler/warehouse skills
  • Pallets, 16%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Warehouse Environment, 9%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
  • Supply Support, 5%
  • Ladders, 4%
Common driver/warehouse worker skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • CDL, 11%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Load Trucks, 8%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 7%

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