As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hazardous Material Handler in the United States is $35,911 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Hazardous Material Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hazardous Material 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hazardous Material 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Hazardous Material Handler | $36,020 |
| Intermediate Level Hazardous Material Handler | $36,455 |
| Senior Level Hazardous Material Handler | $37,738 |
| Specialist Level Hazardous Material Handler | $37,912 |
| Expert Level Hazardous Material Handler | $38,204 |
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 Hazardous Material Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6% |
| Container | 4.46% |
| Data Entry | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Presentation
|
$49,557 |
38%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$43,811 |
22%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$39,502 |
10%
|
|
Organizing
|
$38,066 |
6%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$37,706 |
5%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$37,706 |
5%
|
For Hazardous Material Handler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Hazardous Material Handler positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hazardous Material Handler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $46,684 | $22.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $44,889 | $22.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $43,093 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $43,093 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $41,298 | $20.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hazardous Material 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 Hazardous Material Handler with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $37,091 and $39,287).
Hazardous Material Handler Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 63.6% |
| High School | 63.6% |
| Associates | 27.3% |
| Bachelors | 9.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Hazardous Material 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Hazardous Material Handler can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,398 in 2023 to around $43,069 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hazardous Material Handler salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,398 |
| 2024 | $43,361 |
| 2025 | $43,069 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Hazardous Material Handler roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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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