Hand Laborers and Material Movers

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Hand laborers and material movers manually transport materials and freight in various environments, including warehouses, construction sites, and transportation hubs. They perform physical tasks such as loading, unloading, and organizing goods, contributing to the smooth operation of industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $37,680/year ($18.12/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): 4% (as fast as average)

  • Typical Education: None required; on-the-job training

  • Work Environment: Full-time, with overtime and overnight shifts depending on the industry

  • Job Outlook: 283,200 openings projected annually

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level

  • Job Titles: Material Mover, Freight Mover, Stock Clerk, Hand Laborer

  • Education: No formal education required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is typically preferred.

  • Experience: None required; on-the-job training usually provided.

  • Core Duties:

    • Manually move freight, stock, and materials

    • Pack, wrap, and label products

    • Clean vehicles and equipment

    • Assist with loading/unloading goods

    • Signal to machine operators for material movement

  • Salary Range: $30,000 - $40,000

  • Resources for Learning:

    • On-the-job training (usually less than a month)

    • OSHA safety training

    • Safety workshops (available at local community colleges and through employers)

Mid-Level

  • Job Titles: Stocker, Order Filler, Machine Feeder, Crane Operator Assistant

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent; some may require basic certification in equipment operation.

  • Experience: 2-4 years in manual labor or material handling.

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • Forklift Operator Certification

    • Crane Operation Training

    • OSHA Safety Certification

  • Core Duties:

    • Operate forklifts, conveyors, and basic cranes

    • Handle material loading and unloading with increased autonomy

    • Oversee and track inventory

    • Coordinate with supervisors to ensure correct placement of goods

    • Perform basic equipment maintenance

  • Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000

  • Resources for Learning:

    • Forklift safety and operation courses (LinkedIn Learning, OSHA)

    • Warehouse management software training

    • On-the-job training programs

Senior-Level

  • Job Titles: Lead Material Mover, Crane Operator, Equipment Supervisor, Warehouse Manager

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent; some positions require advanced certifications in equipment operation or warehouse management.

  • Experience: 5+ years with expertise in material moving and team leadership.

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

    • Advanced warehouse management training

    • OSHA Advanced Safety Certification

  • Core Duties:

    • Supervise a team of material movers and hand laborers

    • Manage scheduling and logistics for large-scale material movement projects

    • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies

    • Train and mentor junior staff

    • Maintain and troubleshoot material handling equipment

  • Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000+

  • Resources for Learning:

    • Advanced crane operation certifications (NCCCO)

    • OSHA Advanced Safety Courses

    • Leadership and management workshops for warehouse supervisors

3. How to Become One

  • Education:

    • No formal educational requirements, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred.

    • Some employers may require a vocational program or certification for certain machinery or equipment (e.g., forklifts, cranes).

  • Training:

    • Most workers are trained on the job, with training periods lasting from a few days to a month, depending on the complexity of the equipment.

    • OSHA safety training is required by many employers.

  • Licensing & Certification:

    • Some workers, particularly crane operators and machine feeders, may need specific licenses and certifications.

    • Example: Forklift operators must complete an OSHA-approved forklift training program.

  • Advancement Path:

    • Entry-Level: Start as a laborer or material mover.

    • Mid-Level: Gain experience with machinery, become a certified forklift operator, or move into warehouse management.

    • Senior-Level: Progress to supervisory roles or become an expert in specialized machinery operation (e.g., crane operator, warehouse supervisor).

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

  • Physical Stamina: Endurance to handle repetitive tasks and heavy lifting throughout the workday.

  • Attention to Detail: Ensure that materials are properly stored and moved without damage.

  • Coordination: Ability to use machinery and hand-eye coordination to move materials efficiently.

  • Safety Awareness: Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety protocols in the workplace.

  • Customer Service: For those in public-facing roles, like grocery baggers or carwash attendants, maintaining a positive customer experience.

Tools & Equipment:

  • Material Handling Equipment: Forklifts, cranes, conveyors, and pallet jacks.

  • Safety Gear: Helmets, gloves, protective clothing, and boots.

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Tools like SAP and Oracle to track inventory and movement of materials.

5. Work Environment

  • Industries: Warehousing, transportation, retail, construction, manufacturing

  • Settings: Indoor and outdoor environments, including warehouses, construction sites, factories, and shipping yards.

  • Schedules: Full-time, with many workers working overtime or overnight shifts depending on the industry.

  • Challenges: Physical labor, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and exposure to various weather conditions.

6. Job Outlook

  • Projected Employment Change (2023–2033): 4% (as fast as average)

  • Annual Openings: 283,200 (due to replacement and turnover)

  • Growth Factors: Increased demand for material movers in retail, warehousing, and transportation sectors due to continued economic growth, e-commerce, and infrastructure development.

7. Related Occupations

  • Construction Laborers: Median Pay: $46,050

  • Delivery Truck Drivers: Median Pay: $42,770

  • Material Moving Machine Operators: Median Pay: $46,620

  • Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors: Median Pay: $48,350

8. Resources for Learning & Advancement

Courses & Certifications:

  • OSHA Forklift Safety and Operation Training

  • Crane Operator Certification (NCCCO)

  • Warehouse Management Courses on Coursera

Books:

  • "Construction and Material Moving" by Thomas J. Brown

  • "Warehouse Safety and Management" by Chris Walker

Videos & Communities:

  • YouTube: Forklift Training and Safety Courses

  • Podcasts: "Heavy Equipment Operator Podcast"

  • Reddit: r/MaterialMovers

9. Regional Data & Employment Trends

  • Top-Paying Industries:

    • Transportation and Warehousing: $42,880

    • Manufacturing: $39,930

    • Wholesale Trade: $39,780

  • Hot Markets:

    • Texas, California, New York, Florida, Illinois

Keandra Wilson
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