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Salary

How much does a Material Handler make?

The average salary for a Material Handler is $39,650 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Material Handler?

Material Handlers in San Francisco earn the highest average salary, around $50,279. Seattle, WA, offers a close second with an average salary of $46,521. Washington, DC, ranks third, with Material Handlers making about $46,217 on average. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking high pay in this field. San Jose, CA, and Rochester, MN, also offer strong average salaries for Material Handlers. Job seekers can look forward to competitive wages in these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $50,279 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $43,804.
  1. 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.
    Find Material Handler jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

Material handler positions offer rewarding opportunities, with several top companies leading in pay. Federal Bureau of Prisons stands out with an average salary of $65,881. Following closely behind is Raytheon at $59,746, and Bristol Myers Squibb at $59,475. These companies provide stable environments and competitive wages for professionals in this field. Other notable employers include Uline, Dogwood Industries, LLC, and American Electric Power, all offering salaries above $56,000. Companies like Arkema, Univar Solutions, Intuitive Surgical, and Wausau Supply Company also provide solid compensation packages, making them attractive options for job seekers in this role.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Material Handler jobs, highlighting Federal Bureau of Prisons with the highest at $65,881 and Wausau Supply Company with the lowest at $56,331.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Skill Expansion and Certifications
  2. Industry Experience
  3. Networking
  4. Further Education
  5. Career Advancement

Currently 7,222 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
7,222 Job Openings