Merchandise handler vs mover

The differences between merchandise handlers and movers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mover has an average salary of $33,187, 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 mover are office furniture, customer service, and household goods.

Merchandise handler vs mover overview

	Merchandise Handler	Mover
Yearly salary	$31,855	$33,187
Hourly rate	$15.31	$15.96
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	47,657	4,222
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 56%
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 mover do?

Movers help people take or move things from one place to another through their physical strength. They work manually to help customers in their businesses or homes. Among the elements, they do include the preparation, loading, and unloading of items. They are also notable as material movers and hand laborers. Some movers drive a moving truck. However, they should not be burdened with any issue with a high value like jewelry and cash.

Merchandise handler vs mover salary

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

	Merchandise Handler	Mover
Average salary	$31,855	$33,187
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $37,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Taunton, MA	Kent, WA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Alaska
Best paying company	The RealReal	Zag
Best paying industry	Retail	-

Differences between merchandise handler and mover education

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

	Merchandise Handler	Mover
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Merchandise handler vs mover demographics

Here are the differences between merchandise handlers' and movers' demographics:

	Merchandise Handler	Mover
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%	Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
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, 13.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between merchandise handler and mover 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.

Mover example responsibilities.

Hand hoisting furniture both up and down.
Assist families with helping to build their new homes through USDA funding.
Move pianos, gym equipment, bookcases, computer equipment, televisions, mirrors and glass pieces.
Work with USDA to develop policies and procedures to enhance the volume and quality of housing services.
Used a variety of items such as, a fork lift and dollies to move receptacles to and from appropriate locations.
Develop inventory management -learn how to pack/unpack furniture by utilizing hand-trucks and dollies for public/private housing moves

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Merchandise handler vs mover skills

Common merchandise handler skills

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

Common mover skills

Office Furniture, 40%
Customer Service, 15%
Household Goods, 7%
Load Trucks, 6%
Pallet Jack, 4%
Delivery Vehicle, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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