Position
Salary

How much does a Material Handler make?

The average salary for a Material Handler is $39,478 per year in the US.

Material handlers play a key role in many industries. They move and organize materials to keep things running smoothly. This job can be found in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. Material handlers earn a solid income. The average yearly salary for this role is around $39,478. This means that, on average, they make a good living.

Salary for material handlers can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting out may earn closer to the lower end of the scale. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. Here are some average salaries at different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $29,000
  • Mid-level: $38,455
  • Senior-level: $52,636

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What are the highest paying cities for a Material Handler?

Material Handlers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With an average salary of $50,168, this city offers competitive pay. Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC, also provide strong earning potential for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $50,168 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $43,461.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $50,168
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for material handlers. With major tech companies like Apple and Salesforce, the demand for efficient material handling is high. Workers often enjoy a fast-paced setting with opportunities for career growth.
    Find Material Handler jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $45,712
    In Seattle, material handlers play a key role in the bustling logistics sector. Companies like Amazon and Boeing rely on skilled handlers. The city's port activity also creates steady job opportunities in this field.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $45,674
    Washington, DC, provides a unique setting for material handlers. With government and defense contractors, the job involves handling sensitive materials. Handlers here often find stable employment with good benefits.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Washington, DC


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,462
    San Jose is a hub for tech companies, making it a prime location for material handlers. With giants like Intel and Cisco, the job involves managing high-tech components. Handlers here benefit from a competitive salary and growth opportunities.
    Find Material Handler jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $45,318
    Rochester offers a balanced lifestyle for material handlers. The presence of Mayo Clinic and other healthcare facilities means steady work. The city's smaller size provides a close-knit community feel.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Rochester, MN


  6. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $45,289
    Milwaukee's industrial sector offers many opportunities for material handlers. Companies like MillerCoors and Harley-Davidson need skilled handlers. The city's manufacturing focus provides a stable job market.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $45,162
    Boston's diverse economy offers varied roles for material handlers. With educational institutions and healthcare providers, the job involves handling a wide range of materials. Handlers here often find themselves in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $44,012
    Modesto provides a more relaxed setting for material handlers. The agricultural sector is a major employer, offering steady work. The city's smaller size means less traffic and a more laid-back work atmosphere.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Modesto, CA


  9. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $43,653
    Visalia offers a growing job market for material handlers. The city's agricultural and manufacturing sectors provide many opportunities. Handlers here enjoy a friendly community and a manageable workload.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Visalia, CA


  10. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,461
    Minneapolis offers a mix of urban and suburban opportunities for material handlers. The city's logistics sector is strong, with companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group needing skilled handlers. Handlers here benefit from a supportive work environment.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Minneapolis, MN

What are the best companies a Material Handler can work for?

Material handlers can find good pay at several top companies. The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers the highest average salary at $65,825. Other companies like Raytheon and Dogwood Industries, LLC also provide competitive salaries. These companies value their material handlers and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting Federal Bureau of Prisons with the highest at $65,825 and MilliporeSigma with the lowest at $53,845.
  1. Federal Bureau of Prisons
    Average Salary: $65,825
    The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers rewarding Material Handler jobs across various federal prisons. These roles involve managing and moving materials within secure facilities. Locations include federal prisons nationwide.


  2. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $59,129
    Raytheon provides Material Handler positions in its defense and aerospace facilities. Employees handle materials and ensure smooth operations. Raytheon operates in several states across the U.S.


  3. Dogwood Industries, LLC
    Average Salary: $58,231
    Dogwood Industries, LLC, offers Material Handler jobs in its manufacturing plants. These positions focus on material management and logistics. The company operates in multiple states.


  4. Uline
    Average Salary: $58,093
    Uline provides Material Handler roles in its distribution centers. Employees handle and move materials efficiently. Uline has locations across the U.S., with a major hub in Wisconsin.


  5. Univar Solutions
    Average Salary: $56,999
    Univar Solutions offers Material Handler jobs in its chemical distribution facilities. These roles involve handling and moving chemicals safely. The company operates in several states.


  6. Arkema
    Average Salary: $56,925
    Arkema provides Material Handler positions in its chemical manufacturing plants. Employees manage materials and ensure smooth operations. Arkema operates in multiple states.


  7. Wausau Supply Company
    Average Salary: $55,807
    Wausau Supply Company offers Material Handler jobs in its distribution centers. These roles focus on handling and moving materials efficiently. The company operates in several states.


  8. Ledcor
    Average Salary: $54,529
    Ledcor provides Material Handler positions in its construction sites. Employees handle materials and ensure smooth operations. Ledcor operates in multiple states.


  9. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $53,933
    Intuitive offers Material Handler jobs in its medical device manufacturing facilities. These roles involve managing and moving materials. The company operates in several states.


  10. MilliporeSigma
    Average Salary: $53,845
    MilliporeSigma provides Material Handler positions in its chemical manufacturing plants. Employees handle and move materials safely. The company operates in multiple states.

How to earn more as a Material Handler?

A Material Handler can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Attention to detail and efficiency can lead to higher productivity, which often results in better pay. Seeking out opportunities for advancement within the company can also open up higher-paying positions. Networking with colleagues and supervisors can provide insights into higher-paying roles or departments. Continuous learning and skill development can make a Material Handler more valuable to the company, leading to higher earnings.

Additionally, gaining certifications in areas such as forklift operation or hazardous materials handling can make a Material Handler more marketable and capable of higher wages. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and can lead to better job opportunities. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Attention to detail and efficiency
  2. Seeking advancement opportunities
  3. Networking with colleagues and supervisors
  4. Continuous learning and skill development
  5. Obtaining relevant certifications

Currently 5,456 Material Handler job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Material Handler in the US?

Learn what a Material Handler does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Material Handler today.
Position
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Material Handler
5,456 Job Openings