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.

SOC: 53-7062.00

Common Job Titles

LaborerLoaderMaterial HandlerWarehouse Worker

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
  • KnowledgeOrganize work tasks and prioritize material movement activities to meet production schedules and shipping deadlines independently.
  • KnowledgeApply public safety and security procedures when handling materials in compliance with workplace regulations and hazard protocols.
  • Hands-onOperate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks following safety protocols in loading dock and warehouse environments.
  • Hands-onExecute inspection of equipment, structures, and materials for damage or defects during loading and unloading operations to ensure quality standards.
  • MindsetEngage in coordination with supervisors, peers, and team members to facilitate efficient workflow and resolve logistical challenges.
  • KnowledgeInterpret work orders, shipping labels, and inventory documentation to accurately identify, sort, and route materials to designated locations.
  • Hands-onPerform general physical activities including lifting, carrying, and positioning materials adhering to ergonomic practices and weight capacity limits.
  • KnowledgeMonitor processes, materials, and surroundings for safety hazards and operational issues in fast-paced warehouse or distribution environments.
  • KnowledgeEstimate quantifiable characteristics of products such as weight, dimensions, and volume to optimize load configurations and storage space utilization.
  • Hands-onManipulate basic hand and power tools including hammers, saws, and banding machines for securing loads and performing minor maintenance tasks.
  • MindsetParticipate in training and team-building activities to support skill development and maintain collaborative work relationships.
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

MetricU.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 SafariAutodesk AutoCADGoogle DocsMicrosoft EdgeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordMozilla FirefoxOracle DatabaseSAP software

Technology Skills

Data entry softwareFaceTimeHandheld computer device softwareIBM NotesInventory management systemsInventory tracking softwareMachine control softwareMicrosoft Publisher

Tools & Equipment

Banding machinesClaw hanmersDolliesForkliftsHand sawsHandtrucksJacksLift trucks