As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Cargo Handler in the US is $33,162, equivalent to $16 per hour, $638 weekly, or $2,764 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Cargo Handler in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Cargo Handler in the US vary widely, spanning from $28,786 to $37,385. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($30,871) and 75th percentile ($35,372), while top earners (90th percentile) make $37,385 per year. This $4,501 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or Inventory Control, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Cargo Handler often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 24 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Cargo Handler Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $28,786 US August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $30,871 US August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $33,162 US August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $35,372 US August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $37,385 US August 01, 2026
25% $30,871 10% $28,786 90% $37,385 75% $35,372 $33,162 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Cargo Handler

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Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Cargo Handler

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. Up a level:

    Materials Handler II

    1 - 3 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Cargo Handler, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
30871
35372
33162

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
33253
40903
36626
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Cargo Handler in the United States. The base salary for Cargo Handler ranges from $30,871 to $35,372 with the average base salary of $33,162. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $33,253 to $40,903 with the average total cash compensation of $36,626.

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30871
35372

 

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