Laborer / Material Mover
O*NET-SOC: 53-7062.00
Manually moves freight, stock, and other materials, loading and unloading trucks, operating hand trucks and forklifts, and performing general physical labor in warehouses, factories, and construction sites.
About this Role
Laborers and material movers spend their days physically handling freight in warehouses, shipping docks, and truck yards. They unload delivery trucks using forklifts and wheeled carts, sort items by destination, stack goods on shelves or shipping platforms, and prepare outbound loads by securing freight with straps and padding. Much of the work involves scanning barcodes to keep inventory records accurate, deciding how to arrange heavy items so loads stay balanced, and following safety procedures to avoid injuries in a fast-paced environment.
A Day in the Life
6:00 AM
Shift start and safety check
Arrive at the warehouse, put on protective gear, and review the list of incoming and outgoing shipments for the day.
6:30 AM
Unload incoming trucks
Use a forklift or wheeled cart to move freight off delivery trucks, then scan each item and place it in the correct storage area.
8:30 AM
Stage inventory for orders
Pull items from shelves and move them to a staging area, checking quantities against order sheets before packaging.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Take a 30-minute break to eat, hydrate, and stretch to reduce the chance of muscle strain.
12:30 PM
Load outbound shipments
Stack and secure freight onto trucks using straps and padding, making sure weight is distributed evenly for safe transport.
2:30 PM
Sort overflow and clear jams
Hand-carry packages that backed up on conveyor belts and update the inventory tracking system on a handheld scanner.
4:00 PM
Organize the yard
Reposition trailers in the loading yard and check that stored freight has not shifted during the day.
5:30 PM
End-of-shift cleanup
Sweep the dock area, park and lock equipment, and note any damaged or missing items in the shift log for the next crew.
Tools & Technologies
Web Browsers
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
Word Processing
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
- IBM Notes
CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $35K and $46K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $31K |
| 25th | $35K |
| 50th (Median) | $39K |
| 75th | $46K |
| 90th | $53K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
OSHA Forklift Operator Certification
OSHA
Training on safe forklift operation, load handling, and warehouse navigation.
Recommended
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Qualifies for handling and moving dangerous goods in transportation.
Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Training
OSHA/National Safety Council
Comprehensive safety for pallet jacks, reach trucks, and other movers.
Helpful
Warehouse Safety Certification
National Warehouse Logistical Association
Covers ergonomics, rigging, and accident prevention in material handling.
Professional Memberships
International Warehouse Logistics Association Membership (IWLA)
IWLA
Professional group for logistics workers with training and networking.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (39)
- CoordinationModerate Match
- Active ListeningModerate Match
- Reading ComprehensionPartial Match
- SpeakingPartial Match
- MonitoringPartial Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laborer / Material Mover a good career?
Laborer / Material Mover can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $39K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Laborer / Material Mover?
The typical education requirement for a Laborer / Material Mover is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Laborer / Material Mover?
Becoming a Laborer / Material Mover typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Laborer / Material Mover?
The work-life balance for a Laborer / Material Mover is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Laborer / Material Mover?
The job outlook for Laborer / Material Mover is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.