As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Handler III in the United States is $46,622 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Materials Handler III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Materials Handler III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Handler III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Handler I | 0-1 years | $37,062 |
| Materials Handler II | 1-3 years | $41,319 |
| Materials Handler III | 3-5 years | $46,622 |
| Materials Handling Supervisor | 5+ years | $76,888 |
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 Materials Handler IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.4% |
| Inventory Control | 3.31% |
| ERP | 1.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$51,750 |
11%
|
|
Coordination
|
$49,886 |
7%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$49,886 |
7%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$49,886 |
7%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$49,419 |
6%
|
|
ERP
|
$49,419 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Handler IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,466 and $48,159).
Materials Handler III Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Materials Handler III'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, 2026For a Materials Handler III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Handling Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $76,888 - a projected growth of 65% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Materials Handler III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Materials Handler III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Handler III is $58,804.
The highest pay for Materials Handler III is $55,716.
The lowest pay for Materials Handler III is $40,117.
Responsible for the loading and unloading of materials 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. Records flow information of materials and products and ensures the accuracy. May assist in the training of lower level material handlers. May provide training to lower level material handlers. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
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