How much does a Material Handler make?
Material handlers play an important role in many industries. Their job is to manage and organize materials in warehouses and factories. The average yearly salary for material handlers is $39,769. This is a solid income that reflects the value of their work.
The salary range for material handlers can vary. The lowest 10% earn around $28,304, while the highest 10% earn about $56,190. Here’s a breakdown of the salary range:
- 10% earn $28,304 or less
- 25% earn $33,374 or less
- 50% earn $35,909 or less
- 75% earn $43,515 or less
- 90% earn $51,120 or less
What are the highest paying cities for a Material Handler?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $51,156
In San Francisco, one can find rewarding opportunities in logistics. Major tech companies like Amazon and UPS offer dynamic roles. These positions require strong attention to detail and teamwork.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $46,850
Seattle presents vibrant prospects in material handling. Companies like Boeing and Starbucks offer stable jobs. Workers here benefit from a strong team culture and modern facilities.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $46,697
Working as a material handler in Washington, DC, means joining key government and private sectors. Agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service offer secure jobs. Employees value the fast-paced and purposeful environment.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $46,172
San Jose offers exciting material handling roles in tech giants like Apple and Cisco. The roles demand quick learning and adaptability. Workers enjoy a vibrant community and innovative projects.
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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $45,328
In Rochester, material handlers join Mayo Clinic and IBM. These jobs require precision and reliability. The city provides a supportive work environment and a focus on health and education.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $45,216
Boston provides diverse opportunities for material handlers in historic firms like General Electric and Fidelity Investments. The roles require keen organizational skills. Workers appreciate the city’s rich history and culture.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $44,952
Modesto offers dependable material handling positions in companies like Grace and Walmart. These roles demand dependability and teamwork. The city’s welcoming community enhances the work experience.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $44,661
Milwaukee presents solid material handling roles in companies such as Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson. Workers benefit from a strong sense of community and skilled teams. The city offers a balanced lifestyle.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $44,056
In Fargo, material handlers find rewarding roles in agriculture and retail with companies like Walmart and Mosaic. The roles demand hard work and resilience. Employees value the city’s friendly and safe environment.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $43,909
Minneapolis offers dynamic material handling roles in companies such as 3M and Target. The roles require adaptability and teamwork. Workers enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene and outdoor activities.
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What are the best companies a Material Handler can work for?

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Federal Bureau of Prisons
Average Salary: $64,851
The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers rewarding Material Handler jobs across the United States. As a Material Handler, you will manage inventory and supplies within the federal correctional facilities. This role is available in many states, including California, Texas, and Florida.
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Siemens Healthineers
Average Salary: $62,168
Siemens Healthineers provides Material Handler jobs with competitive pay. These roles involve handling materials and supplies in medical equipment manufacturing. Opportunities are available in locations such as Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Berlin, Germany.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $60,196
Bristol Myers Squibb offers Material Handler positions with a focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnology. This role involves managing inventory in facilities located in Princeton, New Jersey, and other key sites.
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Raytheon
Average Salary: $59,444
Raytheon provides Material Handler jobs with a focus on defense and technology. These roles involve managing materials in research and development facilities. Opportunities are available in locations like Tucson, Arizona, and El Segundo, California.
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Uline
Average Salary: $59,426
Uline offers Material Handler jobs with a strong focus on logistics and supply chain. As a Material Handler, you will manage inventory and supplies in distribution centers across the United States, including locations in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
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American Electric Power
Average Salary: $58,615
American Electric Power provides Material Handler jobs with a focus on utility and energy. These roles involve managing materials and supplies in power plants. Opportunities are available in locations such as Columbus, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Arkema
Average Salary: $58,204
Arkema offers Material Handler jobs in the chemical industry. This role involves managing inventory and supplies in manufacturing facilities. Opportunities are available in locations such as King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Colombes, France.
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Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
Average Salary: $58,111
Intuitive provides Material Handler jobs with a focus on medical technology. These roles involve managing inventory and supplies in research and development facilities. Opportunities are available in Sunnyvale, California.
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Univar Solutions
Average Salary: $56,731
Univar Solutions offers Material Handler jobs in the chemicals and ingredients industry. This role involves managing inventory and supplies in distribution centers. Opportunities are available in locations such as Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Redmond, Washington.
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CACI International
Average Salary: $56,133
CACI International provides Material Handler jobs with a focus on defense and technology. These roles involve managing materials in research and development facilities. Opportunities are available in Arlington, Virginia.
How to earn more as a Material Handler?
Elevating earnings as a Material Handler involves a mix of skills, experience, and proactive career moves. Seeking opportunities to improve one's role can lead to higher pay. This article will explore five essential factors to consider for achieving this goal.
Firstly, gaining relevant certifications can significantly boost a Material Handler's earning potential. Certifications such as forklift operation and safety training make a candidate more valuable. Employers often offer higher wages to certified workers due to the reduced need for training and the assurance of safe practices.
- Certifications: Obtain certifications like forklift operation and safety training.
- Experience: Accumulate years of experience in the field.
- Specialization: Focus on specific areas like hazardous materials handling.
- Education: Pursue higher education in logistics or supply chain management.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals to discover job opportunities.
Secondly, accumulating years of experience enhances a Material Handler's market value. Experienced workers are more efficient and knowledgeable, which often leads to higher pay. Continuous learning and skill improvement keep a candidate competitive. Specialization in areas like hazardous materials handling can further increase earning potential. Third, higher education in logistics or supply chain management can open doors to better-paying positions. These programs provide a deeper understanding of the industry, which is highly valued by employers.
Networking with industry professionals can uncover job opportunities that offer higher wages. Attending trade shows, joining professional associations, and connecting on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to lucrative positions. Lastly, seeking promotions within a company can provide a steady increase in salary. Demonstrating reliability, taking on additional responsibilities, and showing a willingness to learn can make a strong case for a raise.



