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The differences between package handlers and sorters 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 $31,465 average annual salary of a sorter.
The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a sorter are warehouse environment, industrial trucks, and customer orders.
| Package Handler | Sorter | |
| Yearly salary | $32,785 | $31,465 |
| Hourly rate | $15.76 | $15.13 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 93,831 | 25,315 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| 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 sorter is responsible for categorizing items after the production process. Sorters duties include utilizing factory equipment to sort products efficiently, monitor and exclude defective items, maintain a clean and organized production area, assist in loading and unloading items, perform repairs on malfunctioning equipment, and examine inventories requesting necessary supplies, and adhering to the safety protocols and regulatory procedures. Sorters must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills, as well as in-depth product knowledge to classify items accordingly.
Package handlers and sorters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler | Sorter | |
| Average salary | $32,785 | $31,465 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Portland, ME |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Vermont |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | Steel Dynamics |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a package handler and a sorter in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler | Sorter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers' and sorters' demographics:
| Package Handler | Sorter | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 60.5% Female, 39.5% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 42.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 41.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 3% |