MATERIAL MOVING MACHINE OPERATOR

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Material Moving Machine Operators use specialized equipment to move materials through various industrial, warehouse, and construction environments. They operate forklifts, cranes, conveyors, and hoists to transport goods efficiently and safely.

2024 Median Pay: $46,620/year ($22.41/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): 3% (as fast as average)
Typical Education: High school diploma or less; training is typically on the job.

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

Job Titles:
Forklift Operator, Warehouse Machine Operator, Conveyor Tender, Hoist Operator

Education:
No formal credential required, but a high school diploma or GED is preferred.

Training:
On-the-job training (less than 1 month for forklifts; longer for cranes/hoists); OSHA safety training.

Certifications (Recommended):

  • Forklift certification (OSHA-compliant programs)

  • NCCCO basic crane operator certification

  • Safety training via OSHA Outreach courses

Core Duties:

  • Operate forklifts or conveyor systems to move items

  • Load/unload goods in warehouses or docks

  • Perform equipment inspections and minor maintenance

  • Follow safety procedures and warehouse protocols

  • Assist with inventory tracking and labeling

Salary Range: $35,000–$48,000/year

MID LEVEL

Job Titles:
Crane Operator, Dredge Operator, Industrial Truck Supervisor, Shift Lead Operator

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required

Experience:
2–5 years in a related role; experience on large machines or specialty equipment

Certifications (Required/Preferred):

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

  • HAZMAT certification (for operators moving hazardous materials)

  • CDL (Commercial Driver's License) for some tractor operations

Core Duties:

  • Operate complex machinery like cranes, hoists, or dredges

  • Supervise junior machine operators or loaders

  • Track material movements and complete logs

  • Communicate with ground crews using hand signals or radio

  • Train new employees on safety and equipment use

Salary Range: $48,000–$60,000/year

SENIOR LEVEL

Job Titles:
Lead Crane Operator, Equipment Supervisor, Yard or Warehouse Foreman, Operations Coordinator

Education:
High school diploma; additional technical coursework preferred

Experience:
5–10+ years with advanced certifications and supervisory experience

Certifications (Preferred):

  • NCCCO Advanced certifications

  • Leadership or operations management training

  • OSHA Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Core Duties:

  • Manage multiple machine operators across shifts

  • Oversee fleet maintenance and safety inspections

  • Coordinate operations with logistics and production managers

  • Develop safety training and emergency response procedures

  • Implement technology solutions (e.g., RFID tracking, automation systems)

Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED preferred; some roles require none.

Training:
Hands-on training under supervision; formal apprenticeship programs for certain machines (e.g., cranes)

Licensing & Certifications:

  • OSHA-compliant Forklift Training

  • NCCCO for crane-related roles

  • HAZMAT training for specialized cargo

Experience:
Start in warehouse or laborer roles; gain hours under supervision

Soft Skills:

  • Communication & teamwork

  • Spatial awareness

  • Physical stamina

  • Attention to safety

  • Problem-solving

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Mechanical aptitude

  • Equipment inspection & minor maintenance

  • Load balancing & rigging

  • Spatial awareness

  • Compliance with safety protocols

Tools:

  • Forklifts, cranes, hoists

  • Conveyor systems

  • Load-tracking software

  • Radios & hand signal systems

  • Safety gear (gloves, helmet, boots, harnesses)

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Locations:
Factories, warehouses, docks, construction sites, dredging waterways

Schedules:
Full-time; rotating or overnight shifts common

Environment:
Physically demanding, noisy, indoor/outdoor, sometimes hazardous; requires PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

6. JOB OUTLOOK

Growth Rate (2023–2033):
+3% (About as fast as average)

Annual Openings:
~85,500 (due to retirement and role transitions)

Trends:

  • Continued growth in logistics and e-commerce

  • Automation increasing in some environments

  • Demand steady for crane/dredge operators in construction and ports

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Construction Equipment Operators | Salary: $58,320 | Education Level: High school diploma

  • Role: Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Salary: $57,440 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Role: Hand Laborers and Material Movers | Salary: $37,680 | Education Level: No formal credential required

  • Role: Water Transportation Workers | Salary: $66,490 | Education Level: On-the-job training

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Training:

Online Courses & Videos:

  • LinkedIn Learning: Warehouse Safety, Forklift Operation Basics

  • YouTube: NCCCO Crane Operation tutorials, OSHA safety series

  • Coursera/edX: Intro to Logistics, Workplace Safety

Books:

  • Forklift Safety by George Swartz

  • Crane Operator’s Handbook by NCCCO

  • Warehouse & Distribution Science by Bartholdi & Hackman (free online)

Communities & Forums:

  • r/WarehouseWorkers (Reddit)

  • OSHA forums

  • IUOE Local Union Groups

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

 

Keandra Wilson
Previous

Material Recording Clerks
Next

Massage Therapist