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Freight Unloader Salary in the United States

How much does a Freight Unloader make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Freight Unloader in the United States is $43,177 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Freight Unloader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,238
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,179 to $47,396
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,449
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Freight Unloader Salaries

A Freight Unloader'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Freight Unloader Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Freight Unloader'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $34,504
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $42,867
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,648
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,185
  • Expert (over 8 years): $82,264
Levels Salary
Warehouse... Level Freight Unloader$34,504
Freight U... Level Freight Unloader$42,867
Warehouse... Level Freight Unloader$47,648
Warehouse... Level Freight Unloader$66,185
Warehouse... Level Freight Unloader$82,264
View as Graph

How Do Freight Unloader 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 Freight Unloaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $47,806.
  • California: $47,624.
  • Massachusetts: $46,990.

Top Paying Cities for Freight Unloaders

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: $54,459
  • San Francisco: $53,863
  • Oakland: $52,728

Freight Unloader Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Freight Unloader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Freight Unloader positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Freight Unloader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Freight Unloader

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$60,448$29.040%
Biotechnology$56,130$27.030%
Software & Networking$53,971$26.025%
Financial Services$51,813$25.020%
Internet$49,654$24.015%

Freight Unloader Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Freight Unloader'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
$40,179
Average $43,177/year
$47,396
$3,348
Average $3,598/month
$3,950
$773
Average $830/week
$911
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,396 $3,950 $911 $23
Average $43,177 $3,598 $830 $21
25th Percentile $40,179 $3,348 $773 $19

Most common benefits for Freight Unloader

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

Common company salaries for Freight Unloader

Here are companies hiring for Freight Unloader and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Freight Unloader

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Freight Unloader?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Freight Unloader roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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