How To Become A Material Handler/Warehouse: What It Is and Career Path

What is a material handler/warehouse and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A material handler/warehouse works in a warehouse or distribution center to manage inventory. They are responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing goods and materials, as well as keeping track of inventory levels and ensuring that products are properly organized. Material handlers operate forklifts and pallet jacks to move heavy items, and they may also pack and ship products to customers. This requires attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

ScoreMaterial Handler/WarehouseUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,384

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.4

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.10%

Asian 5.43%

Black or African American 13.44%

Hispanic or Latino 20.57%

Unknown 5.22%

White 54.23%

Gender

female 15.01%

male 84.99%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.7

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Material Handler/Warehouse?

Pros

Access to employee discounts and benefits
Overtime pay is often available
No need for an expensive degree or certification
The work can be satisfying and fulfilling
There is a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day

Cons

The work environment can be noisy and hectic
Safety hazards are present, such as heavy lifting and machinery operation
The work can be stressful during peak seasons or deadlines
Shift work or overnight schedules may be required
Long periods of standing or walking on concrete floors can cause physical discomfort

Key steps to become a material handler/warehouse

Explore material handler/warehouse education requirements

Most common material handler/warehouse degrees

High School Diploma

48.2 %

Associate

17.9 %

Bachelor's

15.5 %

Start to develop specific material handler/warehouse skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	16.13%
Work Ethic	11.84%
Warehouse Environment	9.41%
Customer Orders	6.95%
Supply Support	5.12%

Complete relevant material handler/warehouse training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New material handler/warehouses learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a material handler/warehouse based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real material handler/warehouse resumes.

Research material handler/warehouse duties and responsibilities

Experience in WMS management system.
Handle stock tickets, and pack cross-dock shipments in accordance with establish WMS procedures.
Pull installation material for service partners and technicians using RF scanners and JDE warehouse management system.
Perform all warehouse distribution duties using sit-down and stand-up lift trucks, RF scanners and warehouse management system.

Prepare your material handler/warehouse resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your material handler/warehouse resume.

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