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The differences between package handlers and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package handler has an average salary of $32,785, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.
The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.
| Package Handler | Loader/Unloader | |
| Yearly salary | $32,785 | $31,827 |
| Hourly rate | $15.76 | $15.30 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 93,831 | 67,063 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 63% |
| 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.
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.
Package handlers and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler | Loader/Unloader | |
| Average salary | $32,785 | $31,827 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Tacoma, WA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | Bunge |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a package handler and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler | Loader/Unloader | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers' and loader/unloaders' demographics:
| Package Handler | Loader/Unloader | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| 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, 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% |