As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Material Handler in the United States is $117,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Lead Material Handler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead Material Handler | $112,191 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Material Handler | $112,674 |
| Senior Level Lead Material Handler | $114,285 |
| Specialist Level Lead Material Handler | $116,217 |
| Expert Level Lead Material Handler | $119,083 |
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 Lead Material Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.67% |
| Inventory Management | 2.45% |
| Shipping and Receiving | 1.53% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$127,595 |
9%
|
|
New Product Development
|
$126,425 |
8%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$125,254 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$125,254 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$124,084 |
6%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$124,084 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Material Handlers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Lead Material Handler with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,177 and $127,368).
Lead Material Handler Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.9% |
| High School | 27.1% |
| Associates | 12.4% |
| Bachelors | 42.6% |
| Masters | 13.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Material Handler can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,164 in 2023 to around $100,887 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Material Handler salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,164 |
| 2024 | $101,235 |
| 2025 | $100,887 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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