Package handler-loader vs dock worker

The differences between package handler-loaders 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 $32,388 average annual salary of a package handler-loader.

The top three skills for a package handler-loader include safety procedures, delivery truck and load trucks. The most important skills for a dock worker are safety rules, tractor trailer, and LTL.

Package handler-loader vs dock worker overview

	Package Handler-Loader	Dock Worker
Yearly salary	$32,388	$36,027
Hourly rate	$15.57	$17.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	45,296	119,104
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 54%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Package handler-loader vs dock worker salary

Package handler-loaders and dock workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Package Handler-Loader	Dock Worker
Average salary	$32,388	$36,027
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	-	Coon Rapids, MN
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between package handler-loader and dock worker education

There are a few differences between a package handler-loader and a dock worker in terms of educational background:

	Package Handler-Loader	Dock Worker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 54%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Package handler-loader vs dock worker demographics

Here are the differences between package handler-loaders' and dock workers' demographics:

	Package Handler-Loader	Dock Worker
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 84.1% Female, 15.9%	Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.2% 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%

Differences between package handler-loader and dock worker duties and responsibilities

Package handler-loader example responsibilities.

Distribute production materials to designate locations on assembly lines observing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory control practice.
Store pig bellies in the freezer.
Stack and load pig bellies on top of forklift in bags.
Maintain warehouse records in accordance with inventory accuracy and ISO certification.

Dock worker example responsibilities.

Operate yard truck to manage dock needs, maintain safety and cleanliness of dock as well as yard.
Work with AS400 WMS to coordinate the movement of freight in and out of the terminal.
Use of the AS400 to process outbound shipments, including but not limit to data entry, and BOL imaging.
Print BOL for daily deliveries.
Use RF scanning system to select orders.
Process and palletize all damage, penny, and RTV merchandise.

Package handler-loader vs dock worker skills

Common package handler-loader skills

Safety Procedures, 21%
Delivery Truck, 16%
Load Trucks, 12%
Pallet Jack, 7%
Truck Trailers, 6%
Conveyor Belts, 6%

Common dock worker skills

Safety Rules, 12%
Tractor Trailer, 8%
LTL, 8%
Unload Trailers, 6%
Basic Math, 5%
Dock Equipment, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Package Handler-Loader
Package Handler-Loader vs Dock Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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