what is a material handler?
As a material handler, your responsibilities span numerous warehouse areas. You primarily are responsible for shipping and receiving goods, stocking shelves, retrieving stock as orders are placed, packaging goods, and loading vehicles. You are also responsible for processing returns and restocking the correct shelving when the warehouse receives products.
Typically, forklift, pallet vehicle, and stacker operators hold valid licenses. You are responsible for adhering to all safety procedures, using the equipment effectively, and performing routine maintenance checks to keep it in working order.
If a parcel is damaged during shipment, you and the office collaborate to resolve the problem and issue a refund or replacement shipment. In addition, you document issues such as unanticipated deliveries and missing inventory. You also keep the workplace free of clutter and other potential safety hazards. After your duties, you clean the area by sweeping, dusting, arranging the shelves, and storing the equipment.
Would working as a material handler suit your skill or interest? Then read on to discover what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a material handler role.
view jobs near youaverage material handler salary
Material handler salaries in the United States vary depending on criteria, including location, years of experience, and the industry in which one works. Material handlers earn a median yearly salary of $30,320 with the lowest 10% earning less than $23,560 and the highest 10% earning more than $46,930, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Your expertise and experience determine your pay as a material handler. Although companies do not typically require postsecondary education, it does give you an edge in the job market. For instance, if you have a forklift license, you can negotiate a higher wage — your potential salary rises as you gain work experience. Most material handling jobs are beyond the knowledge and expertise of newly hired workers. However, with over five years under your belt, you deserve a raise.
The size of the company and the industry in which it operates are other factors. For instance, the complexity of a job in a busy industry hub can result in a better salary than a job in a small warehouse.
Would you like to know what a material handler earns? Where the highest salaries are paid to material handlers? Then check out this salary page and find out all about the salary of a material handler in the USA.
types of material handlers
As a material handler, you are classified according to the materials you handle. There are various types of material handlers, including:
- manual material handlers: Your responsibility involves manually loading, unloading, and transporting materials in a warehouse or industrial environment.
- forklift operators: Your role as a forklift operator revolves around moving materials within a warehouse using specialized equipment designed for lifting and transporting heavy objects.
working as a material handler
As a material handler, you must multitask and work well with others to complete your work on time. Below are the required skills, typical projects, and potential advancement opportunities for you as a material handler.
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material handler job description
As a material handler, you have a range of tasks to accomplish. First and foremost, you are responsible for receiving and processing materials and goods. This involves tracking and verifying the quantities and quality of incoming goods and ensuring the completeness of the new shipment by double-checking delivery orders. You must maintain accurate records and documentation of all the materials shipped.
Additionally, you are involved in the movement and storage of materials. Your role as a material handler entails unloading trucks using forklifts and organizing the materials or finished products in designated storage areas. You are also responsible for the material inventory, which involves counting incoming shipments and storing them appropriately.
As a material handler, you operate various material handling tools. Familiarity with clamp fastenings, manual jacks, lift trucks, and forklifts is essential. You should be proficient in using these tools to move, load, and offload materials within the warehouse. Additionally, you must perform regular maintenance to keep the equipment in optimal condition.
As a material handler, you are responsible for reconciling incorrect deliveries. This entails keeping track of returned items and evaluating their conditions. To maintain a complete inventory, you must follow the appropriate replacement procedures when receiving incorrect materials.
Supplier communication is a crucial part of your role. You need to make sure the manufacturing teams have access to sufficient raw materials. To accomplish this, it is necessary to contact suppliers to determine material availability and to place orders promptly. It's also your responsibility to communicate buying needs to guarantee that all incoming supplies are of enough quality and quantity.
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material handler work environment
A warm or air-conditioned structure with overhead lighting is likely your working environment if your job takes place indoors. While indoor facilities shield you from the elements, outdoor ones expose you to them head-on. As a material handler, you are not confined to a tiny cubicle or a cramped office. In some jobs, like grocery packing, you are required to stay in one place while working. There may be some downtime, but otherwise, you should expect to spend your days working at a breakneck rate and juggling several tasks simultaneously.
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who are your colleagues?
As a material handler, you interact with people from various backgrounds in logistics, production, and purchasing. Workmates, including machine operators, general operatives, warehouse workers, and forklift drivers, are likely to engage with you. You deal with drivers, inventory experts, buyers, and other specialists like assemblers and manufacturing workers.
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work schedule
As a material handler, your work schedule typically involves eight-hour shifts, and there may be opportunities for overtime. Your employer may require you to work at least five days a week and possibly more if additional assistance is needed. Some warehouses offer longer shifts but fewer workdays, which could provide you with an extra day off. It is important to note that the typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule is rare in this role. Your employer assigns you morning, afternoon, and night shifts based on the company's requirements. If your company operates around the clock, you also work overnight shifts at certain times upon being requested.
As a material handler, you should expect to work on bank holidays and weekends and to put in extra hours during seasonal holidays. This is if you are employed at a large warehouse or shipping facility. During busy periods, it's unlikely that you leave on time, and your employer may request you to come in early during peak hours. However, if you secure a high-paying position within your facility, you have the opportunity to establish a more consistent schedule for yourself. Unfortunately, remote working options are unavailable for material handlers since your physical presence is required to fulfil your duties.
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job outlook for material handlers
Material handler jobs are expected to increase over time. By becoming a material handler, you are positioning yourself for a prosperous logistics and supply chain management future. This career path leads to opportunities such as an inventory specialist or a trained procurement professional, both of which offer lucrative opportunities.
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benefits of working for randstad as a material handler
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a material handler is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too!
material handler skills and education
A formal bachelor's degree is not required to pursue a career as a material handler. Instead, acquiring specific qualifications and training is emphasized. Typically, you are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge through on-the-job instruction. Nevertheless, there are prerequisites and requirements to consider.
You must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. Depending on the specific job requirements, a commercial driver's license may be required. In addition, you must pass a physical examination to ensure you fulfill the position's needs.
A license is required to handle potentially dangerous substances, which is the case when handling hazardous materials. Additionally, voluntary certifications such as the OSHA Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate program or the Certified Supply Chain Professional certificate are accessible in the field, allowing you to enhance your professional standing and to demonstrate your expertise.
Material handlers can benefit from continuing education programs and courses because they provide skills development opportunities and remain abreast of the latest industry standards. These programs include warehouse management, logistics, and supply chain operations.
By focusing on acquiring the required licenses, certifications, and on-the-job experience, you can enter the material handling profession and investigate avenues for advancement. This includes specialized certifications that can expand your career opportunities within the industry.
skills and competencies
To excel as a material handler, there are vital skills and competencies you should possess:
- effective communication: As a material handler, your ability to communicate with your team, suppliers, and supervisors is crucial.
- problem-solving aptitude: Challenges may arise from miscommunication or improper storage, requiring your problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues efficiently.
- physical prowess: Manual material handling and machine operation require physical stamina and capabilities.
FAQs about working as a material handler
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about material handlers.
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what do material handlers do?
As a material handler, your duties include loading, unloading, and transporting materials within or near a facility, yard, or job site. You peruse work orders or receive verbal instructions to determine the materials and containers to be moved. Additionally, you will open containers; load and discharge materials onto pallets, trays, or racks; and secure them for transport.
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what knowledge do you need to be a material handler?
There are no formal education requirements to become a material handler. Some relevant work experience in product storage and warehousing would be beneficial.
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what is the hourly wage of a material handler?
The salary range for a material handler is $18-$22 per hour.
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what is material handling experience?
Material handling expertise refers to a background working with or around materials, such as in a warehouse, factory, or similar setting. This entails many tasks, such as unloading trucks, moving supplies, reading barcodes, and operating powered machinery.
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how can a material handler maintain an edge in the market?
Although material handling is physically demanding, some competencies can help you stand out. You can learn the accounting and computing fundamentals to enhance your data entry, gathering, and record-keeping capacity.
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how do I find a job as a material handler?
Applying for a material handler job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our material handler jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
