How To Become A Merchandise Handler: What It Is and Career Path

What is a merchandise handler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A merchandise handler is someone responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing goods within a warehouse or retail setting. They work with inventory management systems and may operate equipment such as forklifts to move heavy items. Merchandise handlers are responsible for inspecting incoming shipments, ensuring accuracy of orders, and preparing items for shipment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential for success as a merchandise handler.

ScoreMerchandise HandlerUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $31,855

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.17%

Asian 5.91%

Black or African American 11.95%

Hispanic or Latino 20.81%

Unknown 5.36%

White 54.79%

Gender

female 39.66%

male 60.34%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a merchandise handler?

Pros

Physical activity helps to stay fit.
Many opportunities are available in the retail industry.
You can learn new skills, including inventory management and customer service.
Work schedules are flexible.
Employee discounts are often available.

Cons

The job can be physically demanding.
The job may require working on weekends, holidays, and evenings.
High stress levels during peak periods, such as the holiday season.
Conflicts with co-workers can occur due to the fast-paced environment and tight deadlines.
Customer complaints can be stressful and frustrating.

Key steps to become a merchandise handler

Explore merchandise handler education requirements

Most common merchandise handler degrees

High School Diploma

43.3 %

Bachelor's

23.0 %

Associate

18.0 %

Start to develop specific merchandise handler skills

Skills	Percentages
Basic Math	20.78%
Math	16.52%
Pallets	11.49%
Hand Tools	9.76%
Purchase Orders	6.49%

Complete relevant merchandise handler training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New merchandise handlers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a merchandise handler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real merchandise handler resumes.

Research merchandise handler duties and responsibilities

Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA standards.
Make visual evaluations and floor moves while maintaining OSHA guidelines.
Process incoming merchandise shipments by unpacking products, moving items in WMS, steaming clothing, and stocking shelves.
Transport pallets to where they need to go in the store to insure products are stocked up properly for customer needs.

Prepare your merchandise handler resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your merchandise handler resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a merchandise handler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable merchandise handler resume templates

Build a professional merchandise handler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your merchandise handler resume.