Sorter/loader vs package handler

The differences between sorter/loaders and package handlers 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 $31,896 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 package handler are warehouse environment, load trailers, and delivery truck.

Sorter/loader vs package handler overview

	Sorter/Loader	Package Handler
Yearly salary	$31,896	$32,785
Hourly rate	$15.33	$15.76
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	27,603	93,831
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Sorter/loader vs package handler salary

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

	Sorter/Loader	Package Handler
Average salary	$31,896	$32,785
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	-	Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	ALDI USA
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between sorter/loader and package handler education

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

	Sorter/Loader	Package Handler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Sorter/loader vs package handler demographics

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

	Sorter/Loader	Package Handler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%	Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between sorter/loader and package 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.

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.

Sorter/loader vs package 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 package handler skills

Warehouse Environment, 25%
Load Trailers, 10%
Delivery Truck, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Load Packages, 8%
Load Trucks, 7%

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Sorter/Loader
Sorter/Loader vs Package Handler

Updated January 8, 2025

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