Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers handle the physical movement of goods in warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, shipping facilities, and manufacturing plants. The work involves loading and unloading trucks, organizing inventory, moving pallets, and general material handling using hand tools, dollies, and other equipment.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes receiving shipments and unloading freight from trucks, scanning and organizing items in warehouse racks, picking orders for shipment, and loading finished goods onto delivery vehicles. Work may involve operating a forklift or pallet jack, stacking boxes, wrapping pallets, and maintaining organized work areas. Physical demands remain steady throughout the day with breaks for rest and meals.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this occupation if you prefer hands-on, physical work and follow established procedures and safety guidelines reliably. You tend to work systematically, pay attention to detail in organizing materials, and focus on getting tasks completed efficiently within set standards.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $39,110 | $46,280 | $52,070 | 54,480 |
| Washington | $40,300 | $46,190 | $51,230 | 49,450 |
| District of Columbia | $40,200 | $45,740 | $52,000 | 1,200 |
| North Dakota | $38,470 | $45,690 | $49,580 | 9,990 |
| Colorado | $39,610 | $45,370 | $48,770 | 31,140 |
| Massachusetts | $38,920 | $44,920 | $49,190 | 34,700 |
| Oregon | $37,840 | $44,750 | $49,300 | 27,720 |
| California | $37,890 | $44,710 | $48,950 | 355,500 |
| New York | $38,450 | $44,630 | $49,200 | 100,950 |
| Wisconsin | $37,510 | $44,610 | $48,500 | 70,520 |
| Alaska | $39,000 | $44,510 | $54,860 | 4,250 |
| Arizona | $37,280 | $44,290 | $48,170 | 71,090 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) — Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 115 more
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7062.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.