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Senior Materials Handler Salary in the United States

How much does a Senior Materials Handler make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Materials Handler in the United States is $46,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,860
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,290 to $51,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,194
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Senior Materials Handler Salaries

A Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior Materials Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $51,690.
  • California: $51,490.
  • Massachusetts: $50,790.

Top Paying Cities for Senior 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: $58,890
  • San Francisco: $58,190
  • Oakland: $56,990

What Skills Can Increase a Senior Materials Handler's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.4% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.31% 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 1.57% 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
Commitment 3.4%
Inventory Control 3.31%
ERP 1.57%
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 a Senior Materials Handler's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $51,826
11%
Coordination $49,958
7%
Communicates Effectively $49,958
7%
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Senior Materials Handler Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Senior Materials Handler salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,178. While startup companies pay approximate $44,137.

Senior Materials Handler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $44,137
Growth Stage 51~500 $46,680
Established 501~5000 $50,385
Enterprise 5000+ $52,178

Senior Materials Handler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Senior Materials Handler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Senior Materials Handler positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Materials Handler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Senior Materials Handler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$56,028$27.020%
Pharmaceuticals$56,028$27.020%
Construction$53,693$26.015%
Aerospace & Defense$51,359$25.010%
Media$51,359$25.010%

How Education impacts a Senior Materials Handler's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior 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 a Senior Materials Handler with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,980 and $49,090).

Senior Materials Handler Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Senior Materials Handler
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 76.4%
Associates 12.7%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Senior 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
$43,290
Average $46,690/year
$51,490
$3,608
Average $3,891/month
$4,291
$833
Average $898/week
$990
$21
Average $22/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,490 $4,291 $990 $25
Average $46,690 $3,891 $898 $22
25th Percentile $43,290 $3,608 $833 $21

Senior Materials Handler Salary Growth & Career Path

Senior Materials Handler

Next Role

For a Senior Materials Handler, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Load Planning Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,100 - a projected growth of 65% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Senior Materials Handler

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

Common company salaries for Senior Materials Handler

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

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FAQ about Senior Materials Handler

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Materials Handler roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What makes a good material handler?

A good material handler possesses strong inventory control skills, ensuring products are accurately placed and counted. This role requires attention to detail and mathematical proficiency to manage stock effectively. With a salary range of $43,490 to $53,690, the position offers competitive compensation for those who excel in these essential skills.

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

A Material Handler is a specialized warehouse associate responsible for handling, moving, and storing various materials. Their duties include loading and unloading deliveries, maintaining inventory records, and ensuring cleanliness in loading areas. The salary for a Senior Materials Handler ranges from $43,490 to $53,690, with a midpoint of $48,190.

4. How much do professional handlers make?

Professional Senior Materials Handlers earn an annual salary ranging from $43,490 to $53,690, with a midpoint of $48,190. This reflects a competitive wage compared to other handling professions, ensuring a solid income for skilled individuals in this field.

5. What position is material handler?

A Material Handler is responsible for ensuring the smooth production and distribution of products. This includes pulling orders from inventory, delivering materials, and staging finished products for distribution. The salary for a Senior Materials Handler ranges from $43,490 to $53,690, with a midpoint of $48,190, reflecting the importance of this role in maintaining efficient operations.

6. What is the salary of a material handler in the US?

The salary of a Senior Materials Handler in the US typically ranges from $43,490 to $53,690 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,190. This reflects a competitive compensation structure within the industry, ensuring that skilled professionals are adequately rewarded for their expertise and contributions.

7. Is FedEx material handler hard?

The job of a Senior Materials Handler at FedEx can be quite challenging. It requires physical strength and stamina, making it more suitable for younger or fit individuals. The salary ranges from $43,490 to $53,690, reflecting the demanding nature of the work. While the team and management are supportive, the workload can be intense.

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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