Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary in the United States

How much does a Warehouse Material Handler I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Material Handler I in the United States is $37,063 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Warehouse Material Handler I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,782
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,503 to $39,533
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,172
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Warehouse Material Handler I Salaries

A Warehouse Material Handler I'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 Warehouse Material Handler I 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 Warehouse Material Handler Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,033.
  • California: $40,883.
  • Massachusetts: $40,333.

Top Paying Cities for Warehouse Material Handler Is

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: $46,743
  • San Francisco: $46,233
  • Oakland: $45,263

What Skills Can Increase a Warehouse Material Handler I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.15% 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.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.09% 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 1.47% 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
Customer Service 8.15%
Inventory Control 3.09%
ERP 1.47%
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 Warehouse Material Handler I's salary.

  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Troubleshooting $39,657
7%
Microsoft Office $39,287
6%
Hard Working $38,916
5%
Get Latest Data

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Warehouse Material Handler I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,419. While startup companies pay approximate $35,037.

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,037
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,055
Established 501~5000 $39,996
Enterprise 5000+ $41,419

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Warehouse Material Handler 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, Warehouse Material Handler positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Warehouse Material Handler I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Warehouse Material Handler I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$47,348$23.028%
Energy & Utilities$45,495$22.023%
Biotechnology$43,642$21.018%
Financial Services$41,789$20.013%
Software & Networking$41,789$20.013%

How Education impacts a Warehouse Material Handler I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Warehouse Material Handler 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 Warehouse Material Handler I with a No Diploma is between $33,513 and $35,651).

Warehouse Material Handler I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Warehouse Material Handler I
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%
View as Graph

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Warehouse Material Handler 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 September 01, 2026
$34,503
Average $37,063/year
$39,533
$2,875
Average $3,089/month
$3,294
$664
Average $713/week
$760
$17
Average $18/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,533 $3,294 $760 $19
Average $37,063 $3,089 $713 $18
25th Percentile $34,503 $2,875 $664 $17

Warehouse Material Handler I Salary Growth & Career Path

Warehouse Material Handler I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Warehouse Material Handler 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%

Most common benefits for Warehouse Material Handler I

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

Common company salaries for Warehouse Material Handler I

Here are companies hiring for Warehouse Material Handler I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Warehouse Material Handler I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Warehouse Material Handler I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Warehouse Material Handler I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Warehouse Material Handler I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Warehouse Material Handler I roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

2. How much does a warehouse worker earn per hour in USA?

How much does a Warehouse Worker make? Based on salary data, Warehouse Material Handlers earn between $16.43 and $20.05 per hour, with a median hourly wage of approximately $17.99. This reflects a range from a minimum annual salary of $34,203 to a maximum of $41,773.

3. Is material handler entry level?

Most Material Handler positions are considered entry-level and typically require a High School Diploma. The salary for these roles ranges from $34,203 to $41,773, with a median salary of $37,493. Meeting the educational requirement is essential for those seeking to start in this field.

4. How to be a better material handler?

To be a better material handler, focus on enhancing your physical fitness, as the role demands lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods. Staying fit can improve your performance and reduce injury risks. With salaries ranging from $34,203 to $41,773, investing in your health can lead to better job performance and career advancement opportunities.

5. What is a good hourly pay in us?

As of January 28, 2025, a good hourly pay for a Warehouse Material Handler in the U.S. ranges from approximately $16.43 to $20.05, based on a minimum salary of $34,203, a mid-salary of $37,493, and a maximum salary of $41,773. This reflects a competitive wage within the industry, aligning with broader wage trends across the country.

6. Is a Material Handler a good job?

Whether a Material Handler is a good job depends on personal perspective. However, it offers solid prospects, with salaries ranging from $34,203 to $41,773. The demand for material handlers is expected to grow over the next decade, providing various opportunities for advancement. Additionally, skills gained in this role are highly transferable across different industries.

7. How many hours can a warehouse worker work?

A warehouse worker in California can work up to 8 hours in a single workday and 40 hours in a single workweek before overtime applies. The salary for a Warehouse Material Handler ranges from $34,203 to $41,773, with a midpoint of $37,493, reflecting the compensation for their labor within these hours.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst