Material Handler Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Material Handler make?

The average salary for a Material Handler is $38,905 per year in the US.

A Material Handler plays a key role in many industries. They move and store materials safely and efficiently. This job is important for keeping things running smoothly. The salary for a Material Handler can vary. It depends on experience and location. On average, a Material Handler earns around $38,905 a year. This is a good starting point for many.

Material Handlers can earn more as they gain experience. Here are some average salaries for different levels of experience:

  • Entry-level: $28,350
  • Mid-level: $35,345
  • Senior-level: $49,336
  • Top-level: $54,000
These numbers show that with more experience, the salary can increase. This makes it a good career to grow in.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Material Handler?

Material Handlers can find some of the best pay in San Francisco, CA, where the average salary is $48,539. Washington, DC, and San Jose, CA, follow closely with salaries around $44,500. Seattle, WA, and Boston, MA, also offer competitive wages for this role. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking higher earnings. Job seekers should consider these locations for better financial prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $48,539 and Visalia, CA with the lowest at $42,001.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $48,539
    In San Francisco, a Material Handler plays a key role in the bustling tech industry. Companies like Amazon and Google are always in need of skilled handlers to manage their supply chains. The city's dynamic environment offers many opportunities for career growth.
    Find Material Handler jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $44,693
    Working as a Material Handler in Washington, DC offers a unique blend of logistics and government operations. With major employers like the U.S. Department of Defense, handlers here ensure smooth supply chain operations. The city's diverse job market provides a stable career path.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Washington, DC


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $44,585
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, sees Material Handlers working in high-tech companies. Firms like Apple and Intel rely on efficient material management. The city's tech-driven economy offers a vibrant and fast-paced work environment.
    Find Material Handler jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,295
    In Seattle, Material Handlers support the logistics needs of major companies like Amazon and Boeing. The city's strong maritime industry also creates demand for skilled handlers. Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural settings, making it a great place to work.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $43,797
    Boston's Material Handlers work in a city rich in history and innovation. Companies like General Electric and Biogen need efficient material management. The city's educational institutions also provide a steady stream of job opportunities.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $43,380
    Rochester, known for its healthcare industry, offers Material Handlers a chance to work with Mayo Clinic. The city's focus on health and wellness creates a stable job market. Handlers here play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Rochester, MN


  7. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $42,633
    In Milwaukee, Material Handlers support the manufacturing sector, with companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson needing skilled workers. The city's industrial roots provide a solid foundation for a career in logistics.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  8. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $42,174
    Fargo offers a more relaxed pace for Material Handlers, with companies like Great Plains Synergex and Red River Products relying on efficient material management. The city's strong community and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Fargo, ND


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $42,079
    Portland's Material Handlers work in a city known for its eco-friendliness and innovation. Companies like Nike and Intel need skilled handlers to manage their supply chains. The city's vibrant culture and outdoor activities provide a great work-life balance.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $42,001
    In Visalia, Material Handlers support the agricultural sector, with companies like Driscoll's and Sunsweet Growers needing efficient logistics. The city's agricultural focus provides a steady demand for skilled workers in the field.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Visalia, CA

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

Material handlers can find good pay at top companies like the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Uline. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for job seekers. Other notable employers include Arkema and Wausau Supply Company, which also provide solid compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting US Department of Veterans Affairs with the highest at $64,053 and Azure Summit Technology with the lowest at $52,351.
  1. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $64,053
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers rewarding Material Handler jobs. They operate across the United States, providing essential services to veterans. Employees enjoy a stable work environment and opportunities for career growth.


  2. Uline
    Average Salary: $61,973
    Uline is a leading company in the shipping and packaging industry. Material Handlers at Uline work in various locations, including Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and many other sites. The job involves handling materials and ensuring smooth operations.


  3. Arkema
    Average Salary: $57,640
    Arkema operates in the chemical industry and offers Material Handler positions. They have locations in multiple states, including Texas and Pennsylvania. Employees handle materials and support production processes.


  4. Wausau Supply Company
    Average Salary: $56,715
    Wausau Supply Company provides construction and industrial supplies. Material Handlers work in various locations, including Wausau, Wisconsin. The job involves managing inventory and ensuring timely deliveries.


  5. BD
    Average Salary: $56,650
    BD is a medical technology company with Material Handler jobs in locations like Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Employees handle medical supplies and support healthcare operations. The role is crucial for ensuring smooth supply chain management.


  6. EJ
    Average Salary: $55,833
    EJ offers Material Handler positions in various locations. Employees handle materials and support production processes. The job provides opportunities for career advancement and skill development.


  7. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $53,998
    Intuitive Surgical specializes in robotic-assisted surgery. Material Handlers work in locations like Sunnyvale, California. They manage medical supplies and support the company's innovative technology.


  8. US Bureau of Land Management
    Average Salary: $52,722
    The US Bureau of Land Management offers Material Handler jobs in various locations. Employees handle materials and support land management efforts. The job provides a chance to work in diverse environments.


  9. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $52,404
    Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company. Material Handlers work in locations like Falls Church, Virginia. They manage materials and support defense operations.


  10. Azure Summit Technology
    Average Salary: $52,351
    Azure Summit Technology offers Material Handler positions in various locations. Employees handle materials and support technology operations. The job provides opportunities for growth and skill development.

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 is often rewarded with bonuses or raises. Seeking out opportunities for advancement within the company can also lead to higher pay. Networking with colleagues and supervisors can open doors to better-paying positions or roles with more responsibility. Continuous learning and skill development can make a Material Handler more valuable to employers, leading to higher salaries.

Investing in certifications and training can significantly boost earning potential. Many employers offer higher wages for employees with specialized skills or certifications. Taking the initiative to learn new technologies or processes can set a Material Handler apart from their peers. Additionally, gaining experience in multiple areas of material handling can make a candidate more versatile and attractive to potential employers. This versatility often translates into higher pay.

Here are five factors that can help a Material Handler earn more:

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

Currently 7,176 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
Overview
Material Handler
7,176 Job Openings