Material Moving Workers, All Other Salary 2025: $41,800 Median, Fast Growth
Material Moving Workers, All Other—a catchall BLS category for moving and handling materials not covered elsewhere—earn a median $41,800 per year, according to the latest 2024 BLS data. That works out to roughly $20 per hour. The typical worker in this occupation makes between $34,330 (10th percentile) and $62,820 (90th percentile), meaning pay varies widely by employer, location, and specific duties.
How much Material Moving Workers, All Other earn
The national mean wage is $45,640, or about $21.94 per hour. Half of all workers earn less than $41,800; half earn more. The lowest-paid 10% take home $34,330 or less, while the top 10% earn $62,820 or more. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' OEWS survey and are as of May 2024.
- Median annual salary: $41,800
- Mean hourly wage: $21.94
- 10th percentile: $34,330
- 90th percentile: $62,820
Pay by state
Earnings vary sharply by location. The highest-paying state is Washington, where the average annual wage reaches $71,640. New Jersey ($64,870), Colorado ($61,240), New York ($60,960), and New Hampshire ($57,720) round out the top five. On the other end, the lowest-paying states include Arkansas ($35,650), Wisconsin ($35,580), and Ohio ($33,420). Moving to a higher-paying state can boost income by more than $30,000.
- Highest: Washington ($71,640), New Jersey ($64,870), Colorado ($61,240), New York ($60,960), New Hampshire ($57,720)
- Lowest: Arkansas ($35,650), Wisconsin ($35,580), Ohio ($33,420)
How to become Material Moving Workers, All Other
Most positions require no formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is the primary entry path; new hires learn safety procedures, equipment handling, and workplace logistics from experienced workers. Some employers may prefer candidates with a valid driver's license or forklift certification, especially for roles involving powered industrial trucks. Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy loads (often 50+ pounds) are essential. Advancement can lead to supervisory roles or specialized equipment operator positions.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent typically required
- Training: Short-term on-the-job training (a few days to a month)
- Certifications: Forklift or other equipment certifications may be needed for certain jobs
- Key skills: Physical stamina, attention to safety, ability to lift heavy objects
Job outlook
Employment of Material Moving Workers, All Other is projected to grow 4.3% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,100 openings each year over the decade, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field. The current workforce numbers 23,480 people. Demand stems from ongoing needs in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Material Moving Workers, All Other?
The median annual salary is $41,800, with a range of $34,330 (10th percentile) to $62,820 (90th percentile). The mean hourly wage is about $21.94.
What education do I need to become a Material Moving Worker?
Typically, only a high school diploma or equivalent is needed. Most training happens on the job. Some positions may require a forklift certification or driver's license.
Is the job outlook good for Material Moving Workers?
Yes, the BLS projects 4.3% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings per year are expected.
Which states pay the most for Material Moving Workers?
Washington leads at $71,640, followed by New Jersey ($64,870), Colorado ($61,240), New York ($60,960), and New Hampshire ($57,720).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Material Moving Workers, All Other data.