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The differences between unload associates 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 $32,951 average annual salary of an unload associate.
The top three skills for an unload associate include safety procedures, pallets and cleanliness. The most important skills for a material handler are pallets, basic math, and forklifts.
| Unload Associate | Material Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $32,951 | $33,215 |
| Hourly rate | $15.84 | $15.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 47,102 | 174,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An unload associate is responsible for ensuring the unloading process flows efficiently. They are responsible for unloading trucks, loading trucks, and stocking stores so consumers can find whatever they seek without much hassle. They may be expected to unload regional distribution center (RDC) freight from delivery vehicles or docks. If merchandise gets damaged, they will be expected to dispose of it following company policies and recommended proper procedures for disposal of hazardous materials.
Material handlers are responsible for moving products, storing items, and managing supplies to proper shelf categories. A material handler also documents deliveries and ensures that all items for shipment are correct and free of any damage. Material handlers must also be a fast-learner to operate various warehouse equipment that would make the task more efficient and less time-consuming. A material handler must also check all the incoming deliveries to validate all purchases made. Material handlers must be able to analyze sheet orders and prepare the correct merchandise the client needs.
Unload associates and material handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Unload Associate | Material Handler | |
| Average salary | $32,951 | $33,215 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | - | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | - | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an unload associate and a material handler in terms of educational background:
| Unload Associate | Material Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between unload associates' and material handlers' demographics:
| Unload Associate | Material Handler | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.9% 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 Percentage | 5% | 5% |