Career Overview
Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.
Also Known As
- Laborer
- Loader
- Material Handler
- Warehouse Worker
Alternate Job Titles
- Air and Water Filler
- Airport Maintenance Laborer
- Aluminum Can Collector
- Ash Collector
- Ash Handler
- Ash Pit Worker
- Ash Worker
- Assorter
- Bag Turner
- Bag Worker
- Baggageman
- Bagger
- Bagger Helper
- Bale Opener
- Bale Piler
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
- Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
- Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Inspect products for damage or leaks.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Static Strength
- Trunk Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- Extent Flexibility
- Stamina
- Deductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Apple Safari
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
- Oracle Database
Tools & Equipment
- Banding machines
- Claw hanmers
- Dollies
- Forklifts
- Hand saws
- Handtrucks
- Jacks
- Lift trucks
- Lifting hooks
- Overhead cranes
- Pallet jacks
- Pallet transport trucks
- Personal computers
- Planes
- Power hoists
Work Environment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $30,810 |
| Median | $38,940 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $53,180 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,982,530
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,700
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,390
Packers and Packagers, Hand
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $35,580
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $58,070
Conveyor Operators and Tenders
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $41,230
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.