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

Q: How long does it take to become a Package Handler?

It takes 2 years of professional experience to become a package handler. That is the time it takes to learn specific package handler skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education.

Q: How much do package handlers make a year?

Package handlers make around $33,000 a year. This is equivalent to about $15 an hour and $2,600 a month. This depends largely on experience level; however, more experienced package handlers make closer to $50,000 in a year.

Q: How much does a package handler at FedEx make?

A package handler at FedEx makes around $17 an hour. This comes to about $36,000 average annual salary. This depends largely on experience level; however, more experienced package handlers at FedEx make up to $50,000 in a year.

Q: How much does a package handler make per hour?

A package handler makes around $15 an hour. But this hourly rate can range from $13 to $20 an hour, with the opportunity for overtime pay. A package handler can make an additional $5,000 in overtime pay in a year, bringing the average salary for a package handler to about $35,000 to $40,000 annually.

Q: Is being a package handler at FedEx hard?

Yes, being a package handler at FedEx can be hard. A package handler is a physically demanding job that also requires a significant amount of attention to detail and time management. While being a package handler at FedEx is an extremely physically demanding job, it is not hard for people who are a good fit to adjust to the physical demands.

Q: Is being a package handler easy?

No, being a package handler is not an easy role as it requires high levels of physical exertion and mental prowess. A package handler is a physically demanding job that also requires a significant amount of attention to detail and time management.

Q: What do package handlers make at UPS?

A package handler makes around $16 an hour at UPS. But this hourly rate can range from $13 to $18 an hour, with the opportunity for overtime pay. A package handler can make an additional $5,000 in overtime pay in a year, bringing the average salary for a package handler to about $35,000 to $40,000 annually.

What is a package handler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A package handler is a worker responsible for sorting, loading, and unloading packages in a warehouse or distribution center using equipment or hands to move packages onto trucks and conveyor belts. Handlers need to have physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently. This profession typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is provided.

ScorePackage HandlerUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $32,785

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.12%

Asian 5.56%

Black or African American 13.73%

Hispanic or Latino 18.41%

Unknown 5.26%

White 55.91%

Gender

female 25.57%

male 74.43%

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 package handler?

Pros

Opportunities for overtime and extra income
Possibility for advancement within the company
Competitive pay and benefits
Learning new skills (i.e. using machinery, organization)
Consistent schedule (usually early mornings or evenings)

Cons

Risk of injury (i.e. back strain, cuts, bruises)
Long hours on feet without breaks
High turnover rate, leading to constantly changing coworkers
Limited opportunities for creativity or individuality in work tasks
Limited work-life balance due to irregular schedule

Key steps to become a package handler

Explore package handler education requirements

Most common package handler degrees

High School Diploma

49.2 %

Bachelor's

19.2 %

Associate

16.2 %

Start to develop specific package handler skills

Skills	Percentages
Warehouse Environment	24.89%
Load Trailers	10.03%
Delivery Truck	8.63%
Safety Procedures	8.59%
Load Packages	7.52%

Complete relevant package handler training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New package 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 package handler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real package handler resumes.

Research package handler duties and responsibilities

Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )

Prepare your package handler resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your package 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 package 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 package handler resume templates

Build a professional package 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 package handler resume.