Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.
Common Job Titles
- Laborer
- Loader
- Material Handler
- Warehouse Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform manual handling and moving of freight, stock, and materials in warehouse, shipping, or industrial settings, often under time constraints.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize work tasks and prioritize material movement activities to meet production schedules and shipping deadlines independently.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply public safety and security procedures when handling materials in compliance with workplace regulations and hazard protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks following safety protocols in loading dock and warehouse environments.Developing
- Hands-onExecute inspection of equipment, structures, and materials for damage or defects during loading and unloading operations to ensure quality standards.Developing
- MindsetEngage in coordination with supervisors, peers, and team members to facilitate efficient workflow and resolve logistical challenges.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret work orders, shipping labels, and inventory documentation to accurately identify, sort, and route materials to designated locations.Developing
- Hands-onPerform general physical activities including lifting, carrying, and positioning materials adhering to ergonomic practices and weight capacity limits.Developing
- KnowledgeMonitor processes, materials, and surroundings for safety hazards and operational issues in fast-paced warehouse or distribution environments.Developing
- KnowledgeEstimate quantifiable characteristics of products such as weight, dimensions, and volume to optimize load configurations and storage space utilization.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate basic hand and power tools including hammers, saws, and banding machines for securing loads and performing minor maintenance tasks.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in training and team-building activities to support skill development and maintain collaborative work relationships.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
2,982,530
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,810. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,410. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,940. 75th percentile: U.S. $46,370. 90th percentile: U.S. $53,180. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $30,810 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $53,180 |
| Workers on average earn | $41,420 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Administration and Management3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Transportation3.1/5
- Production and Processing3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apple Safari
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
- Oracle Database
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Data entry software
- FaceTime
- Handheld computer device software
- IBM Notes
- Inventory management systems
- Inventory tracking software
- Machine control software
- Microsoft Publisher
Tools & Equipment
- Banding machines
- Claw hanmers
- Dollies
- Forklifts
- Hand saws
- Handtrucks
- Jacks
- Lift trucks