How to become laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, handeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Logistics Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$40,240

25th–75th pct. $36,090–$46,920

Top pay (est.)

$71,700

Top 10% $55,140

Pay in 5 years

$46,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$54,200est.

$46,600–$62,900

Outlook score

45/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

33%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+1.8%

340K openings / yr

How to become laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Key skills

Coordination

2.8

Operation and Control

2.5

Operations Monitoring

2.5

Time Management

2.1

Writing

2.1

Active Listening

2.1

Monitoring

2.1

Reading Comprehension

2.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

3.2

Administration and Management

3.1

Public Safety and Security

3.0

Education and Training

3.0

Production and Processing

3.0

Mathematics

2.9

Transportation

2.6

Customer and Personal Service

2.5

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Important abilities

Static StrengthTrunk StrengthExtent FlexibilityMultilimb CoordinationStaminaNear Vision

Education of workers

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

48%

None / short demo

21%

1–3 months

21%

3–6 months

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

53%

1–2 years

23%

3–6 months

11%

2–4 years

Up to 1 month

4–6 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Stockers and Order Fillers Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders.	$37,330	61/100	35%
2	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory.	$45,260	25/100	54%
3	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.	$46,420	43/100	30%
4	Packers and Packagers, Hand Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.	$36,280	33/100	38%
5	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.	$59,650	34/100	70%
6	Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment Wash or otherwise clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment.	$35,830	54/100	21%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.