How much does a Material Handler make?
Material Handlers play a key role in many industries, ensuring that products move smoothly from one place to another. The average yearly salary for a Material Handler stands at $39,650. This offers a solid starting point for those considering this career.
Salary for Material Handlers can vary based on experience, location, and industry. The bottom 10% of earners make around $28,520 per year. Those in the middle, about 25% of workers, earn between $33,498 and $38,476 annually. The top 10% can expect to earn $53,411 or more each year. This shows good growth potential for those who advance in their roles and gain more experience.
What are the highest paying cities for a Material Handler?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $50,279
Working as a Material Handler in San Francisco offers a vibrant job market. Companies like Amazon and UPS require skilled hands to manage goods efficiently. The city’s dynamic environment makes every day an opportunity to learn.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $46,521
In Seattle, handling materials can be an engaging role with companies like Boeing and Amazon. The city's tech-forward nature means you’ll often work with cutting-edge logistics systems. The scenic backdrop adds to the positive work experience.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $46,217
Material Handlers in Washington, DC, often work with government contractors. Firms like DHL and FedEx offer stable positions. The city's historic charm and professional opportunities make it a unique place to work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $45,887
San Jose is home to tech giants like Apple and Google, providing Material Handlers with a high-energy job. Handling tech products adds an exciting twist to daily tasks. The Silicon Valley buzz makes it an exhilarating place to work.
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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $45,177
In Rochester, MN, Material Handlers find a stable job market with companies like Mayo Clinic. Working here means you’ll be part of a renowned healthcare system. The city’s friendly atmosphere complements the professional environment.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $44,856
Boston offers Material Handlers a mix of history and modern industry. Companies like UPS and Liberty Mutual need skilled professionals. The city’s rich heritage provides a unique backdrop to the job.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $44,810
Milwaukee provides a robust job market for Material Handlers. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson offer diverse roles. The city’s industrial roots make it a great place for this profession.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $44,275
Modesto offers a close-knit job market for Material Handlers. Companies like C&S Wholesale Grocers and Tyson Foods require reliable workers. The town’s welcoming nature makes it a pleasant place to work.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $43,816
In Fargo, ND, Material Handlers find a supportive job market. Companies like CHS and Ameriprise Financial offer stable positions. The city’s strong community spirit enhances the work experience.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $43,804
Minneapolis provides a dynamic job scene for Material Handlers. Companies like Target and 3M need skilled professionals. The city’s vibrant culture adds to the positive work atmosphere.
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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: $65,881
The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers rewarding Material Handler roles across multiple locations in the United States. They provide stable employment and a comprehensive benefits package, with opportunities in places like California, Texas, and Washington D.C.
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Raytheon
Average Salary: $59,746
Raytheon is a leading tech and defense company that hires Material Handlers for various facilities nationwide. Their roles involve handling and moving materials efficiently to support operations in cities like Massachusetts, Colorado, and Virginia.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $59,475
Bristol Myers Squibb provides excellent opportunities for Material Handlers in its pharmaceutical facilities. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. Their locations include New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
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Uline
Average Salary: $59,036
Uline, a leading shipping and packaging company, offers Material Handler positions in their vast distribution centers. They provide a dynamic work environment with career growth opportunities in locations like Washington and Illinois.
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Dogwood Industries, LLC
Average Salary: $58,154
Dogwood Industries, LLC, a government contractor, hires Material Handlers to assist in defense and intelligence operations. They offer stable employment with an average salary. Their locations include Alabama and Texas.
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American Electric Power
Average Salary: $57,347
American Electric Power offers Material Handler jobs with a good salary in their power plants and offices across the country. They provide career advancement and training, with locations in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
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Arkema
Average Salary: $56,731
Arkema, a global chemical company, employs Material Handlers to manage chemicals and materials. They offer competitive pay and opportunities in locations like Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
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Univar Solutions
Average Salary: $56,576
Univar Solutions, a chemical distributor, provides Material Handler roles in their distribution centers. They offer stable employment with a good salary, in cities like Michigan, Texas, and California.
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Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
Average Salary: $56,530
Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical) offers Material Handler positions in their manufacturing and distribution facilities. They provide a dynamic work environment and career growth opportunities, located in California.
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Wausau Supply Company
Average Salary: $56,331
Wausau Supply Company, a construction and industrial supply company, offers Material Handler roles in their distribution centers. They provide competitive pay and career growth opportunities in locations like Wisconsin and Ohio.
How to earn more as a Material Handler?
A Material Handler can increase earning potential through several effective strategies. Expanding skills and gaining certifications can lead to higher wages. Training in areas like forklift operation or pallet jack use often brings more job opportunities and better pay. Certifications in safety protocols can also set a professional apart.
Gaining experience in various industries can open doors to better-paying positions. Working in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, or construction can provide diverse skills. This variety can make a candidate more versatile and valuable to employers. Networking with industry professionals can lead to discovering higher-paying roles. Attending job fairs and industry conferences can be beneficial. Engaging with peers and mentors in the field can lead to job leads and advice.
Pursuing further education can significantly boost earning potential. Many companies value candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in logistics or a related field. Some even offer tuition assistance programs for employees. Moving into a supervisory or management role can lead to higher salaries. Demonstrating leadership skills and a strong work ethic can help advance in this direction.
- Skill Expansion and Certifications
- Industry Experience
- Networking
- Further Education
- Career Advancement



