What does a Material Handler do?
Material handlers move products in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, either manually or using equipment such as trucks or forklifts. Their responsibilities may include pulling inventory and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders, and unloading product deliveries by pulling them off of trucks and putting them on shelves.
There are no specific education requirements, but many employers prefer a high school degree or equivalent. In some positions, material handlers need a certificate to operate a forklift or other equipment. Material handlers need to have stamina and strength since they are typically on their feet for long periods of time and often need to lift heavy products.
- Load and unload incoming and outgoing materials and products
- Move materials to and from loading docks, delivery trucks, storage areas, and manufacturing areas
- Identify and label materials, and record their locations in the warehouse/on the shelves to maintain inventory
- Prepare finished products for shipment by identifying their location, then pulling, packing, and loading them
- Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment to move freight
- Perform and report cycle counts
- Comply with all warehouse safety rules and guidelines
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-5 years of experience working in a warehouse setting or in logistics; experience in operating material handling equipment preferred
- Certification to ride forklift truck preferred
- Must be able to work well in a team
- Ability to read.write and to follow instructions, and work independently with little guidance
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time; ability to bend and to lift heavy materials
- Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends
How much does a Material Handler make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$39,091
/ yrMaterial Handler Career Path
Learn how to become a Material Handler, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Material Handler Insights
Lee Health“It was fun and fairly easy; i would often finish quick with my work and my boss wouldn't be a pain about it.”
“The pay is good and I didn't have any issues interacting with the clientele.”
Home Hardware Stores“I enjoy working at Perficient because it provides good learning environment on the day to day activities”
Tesco“It was fun and nice to work”
LSC Communications“People are great and respectful.”
Kysor Warren“Been here six months and have been promised a raise and to get hired on and got neither.”
McKesson“I am helping save lives every day and that's why I love my job.”
CTDI“I was praised for my hard work and ability to learn and cross train easily.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Material Handler
When working as a Material Handler, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Load Unload, English Language, Computer Literacy, Attention To Detail, and Written Communication.
- Laborer
- Packer
- Forklift Operator
- Warehouse Worker
The most common qualifications to become a Material Handler include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.