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Entry Materials Handler Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Materials Handler make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Materials Handler in the United States is $37,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, an Entry Materials Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,876
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,500 to $39,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,133
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Entry Materials Handler Salaries

An Entry Materials Handler's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Entry Materials Handler Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Materials Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,100.
  • California: $40,900.
  • Massachusetts: $40,400.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Materials Handlers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $46,800
  • San Francisco: $46,300
  • Oakland: $45,300

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Materials Handler's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.15% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.09% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
  • ERP (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.15%
Inventory Control 3.09%
ERP 1.47%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Materials Handler's salary.

  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Troubleshooting $39,697
7%
Microsoft Office $39,326
6%
Hard Working $38,955
5%
Get Latest Data

Entry Materials Handler Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Entry Materials Handler salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,461. While startup companies pay approximate $35,072.

Entry Materials Handler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,072
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,092
Established 501~5000 $40,036
Enterprise 5000+ $41,461

Entry Materials Handler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Entry Materials Handler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, Entry Materials Handler positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Materials Handler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Entry Materials Handler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$47,395$23.028%
Energy & Utilities$45,540$22.023%
Biotechnology$43,685$21.018%
Financial Services$41,830$20.013%
Software & Networking$41,830$20.013%

How Education impacts an Entry Materials Handler's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Materials Handlers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Materials Handler with a No Diploma is between $33,500 and $35,694).

Entry Materials Handler Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Materials Handler
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.7%
High School 67.3%
Associates 11.2%
Bachelors 16.8%
Masters 0.9%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Entry Materials Handler Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Materials Handler's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$34,500
Average $37,100/year
$39,600
$2,875
Average $3,092/month
$3,300
$663
Average $713/week
$762
$17
Average $18/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,600 $3,300 $762 $19
Average $37,100 $3,092 $713 $18
25th Percentile $34,500 $2,875 $663 $17

Entry Materials Handler Salary Growth & Career Path

Entry Materials Handler

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Materials Handler, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Medical Materials Mover $37,500 1%
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II $41,400 12%

Most common benefits for Entry Materials Handler

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Entry Materials Handler

Here are companies hiring for Entry Materials Handler and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Entry Materials Handler

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Entry Materials Handler?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Materials Handler roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

2. Can a woman work as a material handler?

Yes, women can work as material handlers, and their presence in the field is increasing annually. This diverse industry values various skills, including problem-solving abilities. Entry-level material handlers can expect salaries ranging from $34,200 to $41,800, with a mid-salary of $37,500, making it a viable career option for many.

3. What is the highest pay for a material handler?

The highest pay for an Entry Materials Handler typically ranges from $34,200 to $41,800 per year. While some material handling positions can offer higher salaries, entry-level roles in this field generally fall within this range, focusing on tasks in warehouse operations, such as package handling and forklift operation.

4. How much does a material planner earn in USA?

How much does a Material Planner make? The estimated total pay for a Material Planner varies significantly, but for an Entry Materials Handler, salaries range from $34,200 to $41,800, with a midpoint around $37,500 per year. This reflects the entry-level position, while experienced planners may earn more.

5. How much do Entry Level jobs pay in USA?

As of January 12, 2025, Entry Materials Handlers in the USA earn between $34,200 and $41,800 annually. The average salary is approximately $37,500. While hourly wages can vary, this range reflects the typical compensation for entry-level positions in this field.

6. Why is entry-level pay so low?

Entry-level pay can be lower due to the minimal skills and experience required for these positions. For example, an Entry Materials Handler earns between $34,200 and $41,800, with a midpoint of $37,500. Factors like cost of living and industry demand also play a significant role in determining these wages.

7. What is the salary of a construction worker in the US?

How Much Does an Entry Materials Handler Make? Entry Materials Handlers earn a median salary of $37,500. The lowest 25% earn around $34,200, while the highest 25% can make up to $41,800.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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