Post job

Material handler/warehouse vs warehouse worker

The differences between material handler/warehouses and warehouse workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a warehouse worker has an average salary of $33,010, 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 warehouse worker are pallets, customer service, and basic math.

Material handler/warehouse vs warehouse worker overview

Material Handler/WarehouseWarehouse Worker
Yearly salary$32,384$33,010
Hourly rate$15.57$15.87
Growth rate6%1%
Number of jobs154,227255,502
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 59%
Average age4038
Years of experience--

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 warehouse worker do?

Warehouse workers are employees assigned to handle tasks inside the company's warehouse. They are in charge of managing the entry and exit of goods inside the warehouse, ensure that the inventory is up-to-date, and check the quality of the goods that are stored. Warehouse workers receive the items that are delivered to the warehouse, ensure that the items are complete using the delivery list, and keep the items safe in the designated area in the warehouse. They also clear any items that will exit the warehouse by ensuring that only the items that are on the list will be removed from the warehouse, and checking if these items are safely packed before leaving.

Material handler/warehouse vs warehouse worker salary

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

Material Handler/WarehouseWarehouse Worker
Average salary$32,384$33,010
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $38,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityTacoma, WAIndianapolis, IN
Highest paying stateHawaiiIndiana
Best paying companyPPGUnited Natural Foods
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between material handler/warehouse and warehouse worker education

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

Material Handler/WarehouseWarehouse Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Material handler/warehouse vs warehouse worker demographics

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

Material Handler/WarehouseWarehouse Worker
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 85.0% Female, 15.0%Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7%
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, 9.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between material handler/warehouse and 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

Warehouse worker example responsibilities.

  • Ensure cleanliness and functionality of warehouse equipment on a regular basis.
  • Drive CDL box trucks and vans.
  • Experience in WMS, AS400, and RF technologies.
  • Load and unload metal plumbing, heating and HVAC inventory from semi-trucks.
  • Set up equipment and instructs patients on the basis use of equipment.
  • Perform job duties such as full-case, repack, replenishment, and recycling.
  • Show more

Material handler/warehouse vs 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 warehouse worker skills
  • Pallets, 14%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
  • Customer Orders, 6%
  • Math, 5%

Browse transportation jobs