Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salary in the United States

How much does a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) in the United States is $37,430 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $45,091
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,930 to $41,440
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,654
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View as table View as graph 25% $34,930 10% $32,654 90% $45,091 75% $41,440 $37,430 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $41,440 $3,453 $797 $20
Average $37,430 $3,119 $720 $18
25th Percentile $34,930 $2,911 $672 $17
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Key Factors That Influence Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salaries

A Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'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.

How Experience Level Affects Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $36,982
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $37,430
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $38,747
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $38,926
  • Expert (over 8 years): $39,226
Levels Salary
Entry Level Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)$36,982
Intermediate Level Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)$37,430
Senior Level Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)$38,747
Specialist Level Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)$38,926
Expert Level Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)$39,226
$36,982 0 yr
$37,430 < 2 yrs
$38,747 2-4 yrs
$38,926 5-8 yrs
$39,226 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) 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 Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $41,440.
  • California: $41,280.
  • Massachusetts: $40,730.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)s

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: $47,210
  • San Francisco: $46,750
  • Oakland: $45,710

What Skills Can Increase a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6% 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.
  • Container (Mentioned in 4.46% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6%
Container 4.46%
Data Entry 1.64%
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 a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'s salary.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Presentation
$51,653
38%
Scheduling
$45,665
22%
Problem Solving
$41,173
10%
Organizing
$39,676
6%
Purchasing
$39,302
5%
Merchandising
$39,302
5%
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How Education impacts a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)s 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 a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $36,206 and $38,480).

Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 63.6%
High School 63.6%
Associates 27.3%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)'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 March 01, 2026

Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous), 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 25% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)

Salaries for a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,538 in 2023 to around $44,200 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$44,538
2024
$44,500
2025
$44,200
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $44,538
2024 $44,500
2025 $44,200
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)

Here are companies hiring for Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous)

1. Which heavy equipment job pays the most?

While heavy equipment jobs can vary widely in pay, the Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) offers a salary range of $35,690 to $44,000 per year. Other high-paying roles include Belly Dump Driver, with salaries up to $110,000, and Tower Crane Operator, earning between $62,500 and $81,500 annually.

2. Is material handler an entry level job?

Yes, material handler positions are often considered entry-level jobs. They typically require physical strength and stamina to move products, and many roles do not demand extensive experience. A GED or high school diploma may be necessary. Salaries for material handlers range from $35,690 to $44,000, with a midpoint of $39,590.

3. What does a material handler do?

A Material Handler is responsible for ensuring the smooth production and distribution of products. This includes pulling orders from inventory, delivering materials and supplies, and staging finished products for distribution. The salary for this role typically ranges from $35,690 to $44,000, with a mid-point of $39,590, reflecting the importance of maintaining an organized storage area.

4. 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 HAZMAT and inventory management software certifications can enhance your job prospects. Salaries typically range from $35,690 to $44,000, with a median of $39,590.

5. What is a material handler also known as?

A material handler, also known as a package handler or warehouse associate, plays a crucial role in the supply chain by moving goods to and from production or storage facilities, docks, and delivery vehicles, using both manual and motorized equipment. The salary for this position ranges from $35,690 to $44,000, with a mid-point of $39,590.

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

The highest pay for a Materials Handler (Non-Hazardous) is $44,000. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $35,690, with a mid-range salary of $39,590.

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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