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Package handler vs material handler lead

The differences between package handlers and material handler leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler lead has an average salary of $37,147, 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 material handler lead are logistics, safety procedures, and material handlers.

Package handler vs material handler lead overview

Package HandlerMaterial Handler Lead
Yearly salary$32,785$37,147
Hourly rate$15.76$17.86
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs93,83137,577
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a package handler do?

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.

What does a material handler lead do?

A material handler lead, also known as a package handler, warehouse associate, or hand laborer, manually moves products, merchandise, stock, and other materials. This role tends to be found within supply chains, manufacturing, production, shipping, storage, or customer receiving. This role entails maintaining inventory, taking note of the location of stock, verifying production orders, loading delivery trucks, and filling client orders. They also need to ensure safety in the working area and maintain accurate documentation of the materials that are being shipped.

Package handler vs material handler lead salary

Package handlers and material handler leads have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package HandlerMaterial Handler Lead
Average salary$32,785$37,147
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $41,000Between $29,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNWashington, DC
Highest paying stateMinnesotaAlaska
Best paying companyALDI USAHalliburton
Best paying industryRetailHealth Care

Differences between package handler and material handler lead education

There are a few differences between a package handler and a material handler lead in terms of educational background:

Package HandlerMaterial Handler Lead
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package handler vs material handler lead demographics

Here are the differences between package handlers' and material handler leads' demographics:

Package HandlerMaterial Handler Lead
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 74.4% Female, 25.6%Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 13.5% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 5.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between package handler and material handler lead duties and responsibilities

Package handler example 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 . )
  • Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
  • Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.
  • Show more

Material handler lead example responsibilities.

  • Experience in managing JIT material handling, shipping, rail dock, truck dock and metal assembly areas.
  • Lead and execute projects relate to different commodities such as copper and silver, expect savings of $435K.
  • Utilize RF inventory management system, maintain records in accordance with guidelines to ensure integrity of ISO standards.
  • Help the site meet OSHA VPP status.
  • Train as foamer for Hazmat.
  • Follow all OSHA and PPE standards.
  • Show more

Package handler vs material handler lead skills

Common package handler skills
  • Warehouse Environment, 25%
  • Load Trailers, 10%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Load Packages, 8%
  • Load Trucks, 7%
Common material handler lead skills
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Material Handlers, 9%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Pallets, 5%
  • RF, 4%

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