Merchandise handler vs dock worker

The differences between merchandise handlers and dock workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dock worker has an average salary of $36,027, which is higher than the $31,855 average annual salary of a merchandise handler.

The top three skills for a merchandise handler include basic math, math and pallets. The most important skills for a dock worker are safety rules, tractor trailer, and LTL.

Merchandise handler vs dock worker overview

	Merchandise Handler	Dock Worker
Yearly salary	$31,855	$36,027
Hourly rate	$15.31	$17.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	47,657	119,104
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 54%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

What does a merchandise handler do?

A merchandise handler deals with inventory and merchandise for shipment to ecommerce customers. This position requires familiarity with all computer technology used in processing the merchandise. The duties of this position are accurately recording the movement of merchandise, operating merchandise handling equipment, confirming the quantity of inventory, and handling the merchandise with care to avoid damage. They also need to ensure the customer has quality experience with every order.

What does a dock worker do?

People working in the docks are collectively called dock workers. Their primary job is to load and unload ships. They are also named material movers and hand laborers who manually move stocks, freight, or other materials. While formal educational attainment is not a prerequisite to becoming a dock worker, several skills are required. Dockworkers should have the best physical strength, endurance, and agility. Having good hearing and eyesight is also essential in their job.

Merchandise handler vs dock worker salary

Merchandise handlers and dock workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Merchandise Handler	Dock Worker
Average salary	$31,855	$36,027
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $37,000	Between $29,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Taunton, MA	Coon Rapids, MN
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Alaska
Best paying company	The RealReal	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Retail	Manufacturing

Differences between merchandise handler and dock worker education

There are a few differences between a merchandise handler and a dock worker in terms of educational background:

	Merchandise Handler	Dock Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 54%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Merchandise handler vs dock worker demographics

Here are the differences between merchandise handlers' and dock workers' demographics:

	Merchandise Handler	Dock Worker
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%	Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.9% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between merchandise handler and dock worker duties and responsibilities

Merchandise handler example 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.
Distribute production materials to designate locations on assembly lines observing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory control practice.
Greet customers while bagging their groceries, collect carts in parking lot, put away return items, general sanitation.

Dock worker example responsibilities.

Operate yard truck to manage dock needs, maintain safety and cleanliness of dock as well as yard.
Work with AS400 WMS to coordinate the movement of freight in and out of the terminal.
Use of the AS400 to process outbound shipments, including but not limit to data entry, and BOL imaging.
Print BOL for daily deliveries.
Use RF scanning system to select orders.
Process and palletize all damage, penny, and RTV merchandise.

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Merchandise handler vs dock worker skills

Common merchandise handler skills

Basic Math, 21%
Math, 17%
Pallets, 11%
Hand Tools, 10%
Purchase Orders, 6%
Hand Trucks, 6%

Common dock worker skills

Safety Rules, 12%
Tractor Trailer, 8%
LTL, 8%
Unload Trailers, 6%
Basic Math, 5%
Dock Equipment, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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