As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Cargo Handler in Detroit, MI is $33,180, equivalent to $16 per hour, $638 weekly, or $2,765 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Cargo Handler in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Cargo Handler in Detroit, MI vary widely, spanning from $28,809 to $37,406. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($30,892) and 75th percentile ($35,392), while top earners (90th percentile) make $37,406 per year. This $4,500 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, Detroit Cargo Handler often earn 1.6% higher than national averages. However, Detroit currently ranks 348 statewide for Cargo Handler job salary. 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 $28,809 Detroit, MI January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $30,892 Detroit, MI January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $33,180 Detroit, MI January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $35,392 Detroit, MI January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $37,406 Detroit, MI January 01, 2026
25% $30,892 10% $28,809 90% $37,406 75% $35,392 $33,180 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Cargo Handler/Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Forward Air Corp. - Grand Rapids, MI

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Cargo Handler

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Job Openings for Cargo Handler in Detroit, MI

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

 
 
 
30892
35392
33180

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
32437
39955
35718
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Cargo Handler in Detroit, MI. The base salary for Cargo Handler ranges from $30,892 to $35,392 with the average base salary of $33,180. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $32,437 to $39,955 with the average total cash compensation of $35,718.

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30892
35392

 

About Detroit, Michigan    Detroit (/dɪˈtrɔɪt/, locally also /ˈdiːtrɔɪt/; French: Détroit, lit. 'strait') is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, th....More

Detroit, Michigan  area prices were up 1.2% from a year ago

Cargo Handler Salary in popular cities: Grand RapidsWarrenSterling Heights

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