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Sorter/loader vs material handler

The differences between sorter/loaders and material handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler has an average salary of $33,215, which is higher than the $31,896 average annual salary of a sorter/loader.

The top three skills for a sorter/loader include tractor trailer, safety procedures and pallet jack. The most important skills for a material handler are pallets, basic math, and forklifts.

Sorter/loader vs material handler overview

Sorter/LoaderMaterial Handler
Yearly salary$31,896$33,215
Hourly rate$15.33$15.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs27,603174,068
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Sorter/loader vs material handler salary

Sorter/loaders and material handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sorter/LoaderMaterial Handler
Average salary$31,896$33,215
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City-Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-Battelle
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between sorter/loader and material handler education

There are a few differences between a sorter/loader and a material handler in terms of educational background:

Sorter/LoaderMaterial Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sorter/loader vs material handler demographics

Here are the differences between sorter/loaders' and material handlers' demographics:

Sorter/LoaderMaterial Handler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 5.2% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between sorter/loader and material handler duties and responsibilities

Sorter/loader example responsibilities.

  • Process mail using automate mail processing equipment or manual methods of sortation and distribution.
  • Thrive in this fast-pace environment requiring memorization, accuracy, and stamina.

Material handler example responsibilities.

  • Utilize a manufacturing cloud ERP system to accomplish tasks.
  • Operate forklift according to OSHA safety regulations.
  • Pull parts from stockroom using detail BOM's.
  • Perform daily transactions of materials and inventory movements in ERP system.
  • Help train in coming personnel on FedEx and LTL carriers shipping systems.
  • Move parts from CNC operators to stock area or to assemblers directly.
  • Show more

Sorter/loader vs material handler skills

Common sorter/loader skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 28%
  • Safety Procedures, 21%
  • Pallet Jack, 12%
  • Conveyor Belts, 5%
  • Delivery Truck, 4%
  • Load Trailers, 4%
Common material handler skills
  • Pallets, 12%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Forklifts, 6%
  • Math, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%

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