Material Handler Jobs

Warehouses are an indispensable part of today's economy—they ensure that businesses and customers get what they need, when they need it. Inside, material handlers are tasked with storing, locating, packaging, and shipping various products to and from production facilities and distributors. Without material handler jobs, supply chains would crumble, leaving customers' orders unfulfilled.

Material handlers often work with automated equipment that can make this already fast-paced work environment even more efficient. There are as many material handler jobs as there are different types of materials: Some work with non-hazardous materials like consumer goods. Others work with hazardous materials, such as aerosol or asbestos.

If you're a highly organized person who enjoys spending the day on your feet rather than sitting still behind a desk, this job may be the right fit for you. But, if you want to work inside a warehouse and don't necessarily see yourself becoming a material handler, there are other production jobs for you to consider. Some jobs with similar responsibilities include:

Material Handler Training and Skills

One of the biggest advantages of being a material handler is that you don't need a college-level education to apply for material handler jobs. In most cases, employers will ask for a high school diploma or GED. If you do want to increase your chances of getting hired, you can pursue a degree in logistics or mathematics, but this is not required.

Most employers provide on-the-job training for entry-level positions. Though training pro-grams will vary from company to company, most involve modules on equipment and organizational techniques and safety protocols, which are especially important for handlers dealing with hazardous materials.

Since material handlers must operate a variety of heavy machinery, having a forklift certificate and valid driver's license for cars and trucks will help you stand out from other candidates during the application process. Package handling is extremely methodical work, so recruiters also look for organizational skills, communication skills, physical stamina, and mathematical proficiency.

Update Your Material Handler Resume

When applying for a new position, don't forget to update your resume. Customizing your resume for each individual application by highlighting relevant work experience will help distinguish your profile from those of other applicants. Ready to give your resume an upgrade? Take a look at this sample resume and sample cover letter for a logistics professional to get started.

How Much Do Material Handler Jobs Pay?

The median wage for warehouse workers, which includes material handlers, is $14.36 an hour. Needless to say, salaries can differ slightly depending on both your location and the company you work for. Take a look at Monster's Salary Tools to learn how much you're worth where you live. A familiarity with industry standards might come in handy during payment negotiations.

Learn More About Companies You're Interested In

Every warehouse is different. Some are large, others small. Some have lots of rules and regulations, others are more flexible when it comes to their code of conduct. Knowing whether or not a particular company is the right fit for you is a question that every prospective employee should ask themselves at some point during the application process.

Fortunately, Monster can help you answer any questions you might have. On our company profile page, you will find tons of useful information about specific employers, including the number of employees on their payroll as well as a brief overview of their corporate history. To top it all off, photos and videos will give you an impression of their company culture.

Ready to Apply to Material Handler Jobs? Monster Can Help

Applying for a new job can be nerve-racking, but you don't have to go at it alone. Monster is here to help you take the next step along your career path. When you create a free online profile, we'll regularly send you personalized job offers straight to your inbox and ensure that your resume is seen by top recruiters and employers.