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Materials Handler I Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Handler I in the United States is $37,045 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,764
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,488 to $39,515
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,160
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Materials Handler I Salaries

A Materials Handler 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.

How Experience Level Affects Materials Handler I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Handler 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:

  • Materials Handler I (0-1 years): $37,045
  • Materials Handler II (1-3 years): $41,330
  • Materials Handler III (3-5 years): $46,654
  • Materials Handling Supervisor (5+ years): $77,034
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Materials Handler I0-1 years$37,045
Materials Handler II1-3 years$41,330
Materials Handler III3-5 years$46,654
Materials Handling Supervisor5+ years$77,034
View as Graph

How Do Materials 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 Materials Handler Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,016.
  • California: $40,861.
  • Massachusetts: $40,316.

Top Paying Cities for Materials 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: $46,725
  • San Francisco: $46,213
  • Oakland: $45,239

What Skills Can Increase a Materials 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 Materials 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 $39,638
7%
Microsoft Office $39,268
6%
Hard Working $38,897
5%
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Materials Handler I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Handler I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,357. While startup companies pay approximate $35,019.

Materials Handler I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,019
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,028
Established 501~5000 $39,933
Enterprise 5000+ $41,357

Materials Handler I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Materials Handler I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$47,325$23.028%
Energy & Utilities$45,473$22.023%
Biotechnology$43,620$21.018%
Financial Services$41,768$20.013%
Software & Networking$41,768$20.013%

How Education impacts a Materials Handler I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Handler I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Materials Handler I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $35,729 and $37,636.

Materials Handler I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Materials 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

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

Understanding how a Materials 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 October 01, 2026
$34,488
Average $37,045/year
$39,515
$2,874
Average $3,087/month
$3,293
$663
Average $712/week
$760
$17
Average $18/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,515 $3,293 $760 $19
Average $37,045 $3,087 $712 $18
25th Percentile $34,488 $2,874 $663 $17

Materials Handler I Salary Growth & Career Path

Materials Handler I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Materials 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
Materials Handler - Hospital $37,408 1%
Materials Handler II $41,330 12%

Most common benefits for Materials Handler I

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

Common company salaries for Materials Handler I

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

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FAQ about Materials Handler I

1. Where can a Materials Handler I earn the most?

A Materials Handler I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Materials Handler I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Handler I is $46,725.

2. What is the highest pay for Materials Handler I?

The highest pay for Materials Handler I is $41,764.

3. What is the lowest pay for Materials Handler I?

The lowest pay for Materials Handler I is $32,160.

4. What are the responsibilities of Materials Handler I?

Loads and unloads material within a warehouse or storage facility. Utilizes hand trucks, forklifts, hoists, conveyors, or other handling equipment to move material to and from aircraft, trucks or trains and within the storage facility. Has knowledge of commonly-used practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. May require a high school diploma. Typically reports to supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Materials Handler I?

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

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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