As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Materials Handler in South Carolina is $43,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Senior Materials Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Materials Handler'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Materials Handler'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Materials Handler | 0-1 years | $34,718 |
| Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II | 1-3 years | $38,722 |
| Senior Materials Handler | 3-5 years | $43,702 |
| Materials Load Planning Supervisor | 5+ years | $72,121 |
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 Senior Materials Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $48,979. While startup companies pay approximate $41,421.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,421 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,810 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,298 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,979 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $52,548 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $52,548 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $50,358 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,169 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Media | $48,169 | $23.0 | 10% |
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 July 01, 2026For 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 $72,200 - a projected growth of 65% over your current level.
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