As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Mover I in the United States is $37,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Materials Mover I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Materials Mover I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Mover I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Mover I | 0-1 years | $37,050 |
| Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II | 1-3 years | $41,327 |
| Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III | 3-5 years | $46,645 |
| Materials Load Planning Supervisor | 5+ years | $76,992 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Materials Mover Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 8.15% |
| Inventory Control | 3.09% |
| ERP | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$39,686 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$39,315 |
6%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$38,945 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$38,945 |
5%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$38,574 |
4%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$38,574 |
4%
|
Materials Mover I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,520. While startup companies pay approximate $35,125.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $35,125 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $37,149 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $40,095 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $41,520 |
For Materials Mover I 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, Materials Mover positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Mover I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $47,382 | $23.0 | 28% |
| Energy & Utilities | $45,528 | $22.0 | 23% |
| Biotechnology | $43,673 | $21.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $41,819 | $20.0 | 13% |
| Software & Networking | $41,819 | $20.0 | 13% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Mover Is 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 a Materials Mover I with a No Diploma is between $33,490 and $35,684).
Materials Mover I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Materials Mover I'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Materials Mover I, 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% |
Salaries for a Materials Mover I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,167 in 2023 to around $40,888 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Materials Mover I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,167 |
| 2024 | $41,183 |
| 2025 | $40,888 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Mover I roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.
The estimated total pay for a Materials Mover in the USA ranges from $34,190 to $41,790 per year, with a mid-salary of $37,490. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, based on collected salary data.
A moving package is offered by companies to employees relocating over 50 miles for long-term employment. It typically covers reasonable moving and work-related expenses, easing the financial burden of relocation. For a Materials Mover, salaries range from $34,190 to $41,790, which can help offset these costs during the transition.
As of January 17, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Materials Mover in the United States is approximately $17.99. While wages can range from $16.43 at the 25th percentile to $20.06 at the 75th percentile, the overall salary range for this position is between $34,190 and $41,790 annually.
Materials Movers typically earn between $34,190 and $41,790, with a mid-salary of $37,490. While this is lower than luxury event planners, the salary range reflects the essential role they play in logistics and operations. Their earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry they work in.
Whether a material handler is a good career depends on personal goals, but it offers solid prospects. The demand for material movers is expected to rise over the next decade. With a salary range from $34,190 to $41,790, there are opportunities for growth. The skills gained are applicable across various industries, enhancing job security and versatility.
To become a material planner, a degree in business, logistics, inventory management, or a related field is preferred. You should have 2+ years of experience in material planning or related roles. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, along with knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain management. The salary for this role typically ranges from $34,190 to $41,790, with a midpoint of $37,490.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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