Merchandise handler vs loader/unloader

The differences between merchandise handlers and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a merchandise handler has an average salary of $31,855, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for a merchandise handler include basic math, math and pallets. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Merchandise handler vs loader/unloader overview

	Merchandise Handler	Loader/Unloader
Yearly salary	$31,855	$31,827
Hourly rate	$15.31	$15.30
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	47,657	67,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 63%
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 loader/unloader do?

A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity. A loader also needs to coordinate with staff at all times, and report to managers or supervisors should there be any issues or inconsistencies.

Merchandise handler vs loader/unloader salary

Merchandise handlers and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Merchandise Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average salary	$31,855	$31,827
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $37,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Taunton, MA	Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Minnesota
Best paying company	The RealReal	Bunge
Best paying industry	Retail	Transportation

Differences between merchandise handler and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between a merchandise handler and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

	Merchandise Handler	Loader/Unloader
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Merchandise handler vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between merchandise handlers' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

	Merchandise Handler	Loader/Unloader
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
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, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between merchandise handler and loader/unloader 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.

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
Provide QA and material damage reports.
Position also require the use of RF equipment.
Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.

Merchandise handler vs loader/unloader skills

Common merchandise handler skills

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

Common loader/unloader skills

Inventory Control, 27%
Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
Pallets, 13%
Tractor Trailer, 10%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Delivery Truck, 3%

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Transportation Industry
Merchandise Handler
Merchandise Handler vs Loader/Unloader

Updated January 8, 2025

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