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Intermediate Materials Handler Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Materials Handler in the United States is $41,330 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,812
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,490 to $45,770
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,904
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Materials Handler Salaries

An Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 Intermediate Materials Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $45,760.
  • California: $45,590.
  • Massachusetts: $44,980.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $52,130
  • San Francisco: $51,560
  • Oakland: $50,470

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.83% 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.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
  • Warehouse Management (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): Planning, arranging, and organizing goods and materials for the daily operation of a warehouse.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.83%
Housekeeping 3.86%
Warehouse Management 1.82%
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 Intermediate Materials Handler's salary.

  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Presentation $45,050
9%
Collaboration $43,397
5%
Scheduling $42,983
4%
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Intermediate Materials Handler Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Materials Handler salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,188. While startup companies pay approximate $39,070.

Intermediate Materials Handler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $39,070
Growth Stage 51~500 $41,321
Established 501~5000 $44,600
Enterprise 5000+ $46,188

Intermediate Materials Handler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Materials Handler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Materials Handler positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Materials Handler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Materials Handler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$49,596$24.020%
Energy & Utilities$49,596$24.020%
Financial Services$49,596$24.020%
Pharmaceuticals$49,596$24.020%
Software & Networking$49,596$24.020%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Materials Handler's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Materials Handlers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Intermediate Materials Handler with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,241 and $42,725).

Intermediate Materials Handler Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Materials Handler
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.5%
High School 60.0%
Associates 25.0%
Bachelors 7.5%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Intermediate Materials Handler Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate 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
$38,490
Average $41,330/year
$45,770
$3,208
Average $3,444/month
$3,814
$740
Average $795/week
$880
$19
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $45,770 $3,814 $880 $22
Average $41,330 $3,444 $795 $20
25th Percentile $38,490 $3,208 $740 $19

Intermediate Materials Handler Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Materials Handler

Next Role

Advancement

For an Intermediate Materials Handler, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $46,700 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Intermediate Materials Handler

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

Common company salaries for Intermediate Materials Handler

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

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FAQ about Intermediate Materials Handler

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Materials Handler roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do you need a degree to be a material handler?

Most material handler positions don't require a college degree, but a high school diploma or GED is often needed. About 20% of material handlers have an associate degree. Special certifications in HAZMAT and inventory management software can enhance your job prospects. Salaries for Intermediate Materials Handlers range from $38,430 to $47,960, with a median of $42,690.

3. Is a material handler the same as a warehouse worker?

A material handler and a warehouse worker have similar roles, but they are not exactly the same. Material handlers focus on moving, loading, and unloading materials, while warehouse workers may have broader responsibilities, including inventory management and order fulfillment. The salary for an Intermediate Materials Handler ranges from $38,430 to $47,960, with a midpoint of $42,690.

4. How much do material handlers make in the US?

Material handlers in the US typically earn between $38,430 and $47,960 annually. The average salary is approximately $42,690, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation for this role based on current salary data.

5. Is material handler an entry level job?

Material handler positions can be considered entry-level jobs, as they typically require minimal experience. Candidates should possess physical strength and stamina to move products effectively. While some roles may ask for a GED or high school diploma, the salary range for intermediate material handlers is between $38,430 and $47,960, with a midpoint of $42,690.

6. Is material handler a forklift?

A material handler is not exclusively a forklift driver, but forklift operation is a key part of material handling. Material handlers may use various equipment, including forklifts, to move products. The salary for an Intermediate Materials Handler ranges from $38,430 to $47,960, with a midpoint of $42,690.

7. How much do professional handlers make?

Professional Intermediate Materials Handlers earn an annual salary ranging from $38,430 to $47,960, with a mid-salary of $42,690. This reflects a competitive wage compared to other handling professions, ensuring a solid income for skilled workers in this field.

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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