Metal handler vs merchandise handler

The differences between metal handlers and merchandise handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a metal handler has an average salary of $36,177, which is higher than the $31,855 average annual salary of a merchandise handler.

The top three skills for a metal handler include CNC, load trucks and . The most important skills for a merchandise handler are basic math, math, and pallets.

Metal handler vs merchandise handler overview

	Metal Handler	Merchandise Handler
Yearly salary	$36,177	$31,855
Hourly rate	$17.39	$15.31
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	28,591	47,657
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Metal handler vs merchandise handler salary

Metal handlers and merchandise handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Metal Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average salary	$36,177	$31,855
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $43,000	Between $26,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	-	Taunton, MA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	The RealReal
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between metal handler and merchandise handler education

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

	Metal Handler	Merchandise Handler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Metal handler vs merchandise handler demographics

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

	Metal Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.4% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between metal handler and merchandise handler duties and responsibilities

Metal handler example responsibilities.

Sheet metal facility that fabricates ductwork for HVAC systems.
Ensure all assign freight packages are sorted and appropriately distribute throughout the hub distribution center within applicable deadlines.
Assist in de-icing procedures during cold weather.

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.

Metal handler vs merchandise handler skills

Common metal handler skills

CNC, 69%
Load Trucks, 31%

Common merchandise handler skills

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

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Metal Handler vs Merchandise Handler

Updated January 8, 2025

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