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Careers · Transportation and material moving

Material Moving Workers, All Other

Material moving workers operate equipment and perform tasks that transport, load, and unload materials in warehouses, factories, construction sites, and other facilities. This catch-all category includes workers not classified in more specialized material moving roles. They work across diverse industries wherever goods need to be moved, sorted, or stored.

$41,800median pay, U.S., per year
$36,600–$50,220middle half earn
23Kemployed in the U.S.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves operating forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors to move merchandise and materials. Workers might load trucks in the morning, organize items in a warehouse by afternoon, and operate machinery to sort packages. Tasks vary by location—a construction site requires moving heavy building materials, while a distribution center focuses on sorting and shipping products efficiently.

Who this work suits

You do well in this work if you're comfortable with physical activity and operating machinery safely. You tend to be reliable, detail-oriented about where items go, and adaptable to different work environments and shifting tasks throughout your shift.

What it takes

Pay by state

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against material moving workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 53-7199.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.