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The differences between package 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 $32,785 average annual salary of a package handler.
The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a dock worker are safety rules, tractor trailer, and LTL.
| Package Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $32,785 | $36,027 |
| Hourly rate | $15.76 | $17.32 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 93,831 | 119,104 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.
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.
Package handlers and dock workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Average salary | $32,785 | $36,027 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $29,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Coon Rapids, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a package handler and a dock worker in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers' and dock workers' demographics:
| Package Handler | Dock Worker | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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% |