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Package handler vs unloader

The differences between package handlers and unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an unloader has an average salary of $32,885, 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 an unloader are pallets, work ethic, and customer service.

Package handler vs unloader overview

Package HandlerUnloader
Yearly salary$32,785$32,885
Hourly rate$15.76$15.81
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs93,83163,202
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 59%
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 an unloader do?

An unloader is responsible for monitoring truck deliveries and managing all goods and merchandise to the store. Unloaders verify the deliveries' correct quantity by checking the receipts and ensuring its quality for customers' purchase. They respond to the customers' inquiries and concerns, facilitate the shelf arrangement of the products, sort items, and help with the store's organization and cleanliness. An unloader must have excellent time-management skills and the ability to multitask to perform various tasks in the fast-paced industry.

Package handler vs unloader salary

Package handlers and unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package HandlerUnloader
Average salary$32,785$32,885
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $41,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNMeridian, ID
Highest paying stateMinnesotaAlaska
Best paying companyALDI USALand O'Lakes
Best paying industryRetailTransportation

Differences between package handler and unloader education

There are a few differences between a package handler and an unloader in terms of educational background:

Package HandlerUnloader
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package handler vs unloader demographics

Here are the differences between package handlers' and unloaders' demographics:

Package HandlerUnloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 74.4% Female, 25.6%Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
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, 14.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 5.3% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between package handler and unloader 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

Unloader example responsibilities.

  • Prepare pallets by following prescribe stacking arrangement and properly tagging pallets.
  • Volunteer work for kohl's cares events.

Package handler vs unloader skills

Common package handler skills
  • Warehouse Environment, 25%
  • Load Trailers, 10%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Load Packages, 8%
  • Load Trucks, 7%
Common unloader skills
  • Pallets, 24%
  • Work Ethic, 18%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 9%
  • Tractor Trailer, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%

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