Materials Handler

Career Guide

A Materials Handler moves, stores, and tracks goods in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. The role focuses on safe handling, accurate inventory movement, and supporting smooth shipping and receiving operations.

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Key Responsibilities

Load and unload trucks and containers
Move materials to storage or production areas
Pick items for orders using pick lists
Pack and label shipments
Receive incoming goods and compare against paperwork
Check items for damage and report issues
Use pallet jacks and forklifts when trained and authorized
Scan items to update inventory records
Organize storage locations to keep aisles clear and safe
Follow safety rules for lifting, stacking, and hazardous materials when applicable
Prepare goods for staging, shipping, or production runs
Keep work areas clean and report safety hazards

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Reliability

Time Management

Teamwork

Clear Communication

Safe Lifting Techniques

Forklift Operation

Pallet Jack Operation

Inventory Scanning

Basic Math Skills

Inventory Counting

Shipping Documentation Handling

Receiving Procedures

Warehouse Organization

Safety Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Warehouse Associate

Shipping Associate

Receiving Associate

Inventory Associate

Transition Opportunities

Forklift Operator

Inventory Control Specialist

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Warehouse Lead

Warehouse Supervisor

Logistics Coordinator

Quality Inspector

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Forklift CertificationInventory Systems KnowledgeOrder Picking AccuracyHazard AwarenessQuality CheckingBasic Shipping Knowledge

Development SuggestionsAsk to cross train in receiving, picking, and inventory counting. Complete forklift training through your employer or a local program. Practice scanning workflows and double check counts. Learn common shipping labels and basic paperwork. Build a simple habit of reporting damage, location errors, and safety risks early.

Market Intelligence Report

Materials Handler is part of the Warehousing category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$32,000 to $40,000 per year

Mid Level$40,000 to $50,000 per year

Senior Level$50,000 to $62,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring rises with e commerce activity, regional distribution growth, and manufacturing output. Automation changes tasks, but reliable workers with equipment skills remain in demand.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonWalmartUPS Supply Chain SolutionsFedEx Supply ChainDHL Supply ChainTargetHome DepotCostcoUlineXPO Logistics

Industry Sectors

Warehousing and DistributionRetail DistributionThird Party LogisticsManufacturingFood and BeveragePharmaceuticalsConstruction MaterialsAutomotive PartsHealthcare Supplies

Recommended Next Steps

Get forklift certification if your workplace uses powered equipment

Volunteer for cross training in receiving and inventory counting

Track your accuracy and on time performance to support promotions

Learn the inventory scanning system used at your site and practice error free scans

Review safety standards and follow them consistently, especially around lifting and stacking

Update your resume with measurable results such as picks per hour and error rate