Material Handlers
(NOC 7452)
in All Trades and TransportationMaterials handlers handle, move, load and unload materials by hand or using a variety of material handling equipment. They work for transportation, storage and moving companies, and a variety of manufacturing and processing companies and retail and wholesale warehouses.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Demand is strong for material handlers throughout the province, with vacancies arising continuously. Openings occur frequently due to turnover, as the fast pace and physicality in certain workplaces are not suitable for all workers. Applicants may find that training and experience operating a forklift are assets for certain positions. Candidates may be expected to have their own vehicle as shiftwork may occur at night when public transit is not available.
Hourly Pay
$13.60
Minimum$17.00
Median$25.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,103
Minimum$27,417
Median$53,776
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Materials handlers handle, move, load and unload materials by hand or using a variety of material handling equipment. They work for transportation, storage and moving companies, and a variety of manufacturing and processing companies and retail and wholesale warehouses.
Job duties
Material handlers (manual):
- Load, unload, and move products and materials by hand or using basic material handling equipment.
- Move household appliances and furniture onto and off moving trucks or vans.
- Carry out other material handling activities like counting, weighing, sorting, packing and unpacking.
Material handlers (equipment operators):
- Use winches and other loading devices to load and unload materials onto and off trucks, railway cars and loading docks of warehouses and industrial shops.
- Use industrial trucks, tractors, loaders, and other equipment to move materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
- Connect hoses or pipes and use equipment to load and unload liquid petroleum, chemical or other products into or from tank cars, tank trucks or storage tanks.
- Use equipment to dump materials like coal, ore, and grain into or to remove materials from railway cars, trucks, or other vehicles.
- Use conveyors and equipment to transfer grain or other materials from transportation vehicles to elevators, bins, or other storage areas.
- May perform other activities like opening containers and crates, filling warehouse orders, assisting in taking inventory and weighing and checking materials.
Sample job titles
- forklift operator
- freight handler (except air transport)
- furniture mover
- lumber handler - building supplies
- material handler - manufacturing and warehousing
- railway car loader
- truck loader
- warehouse worker - material handling
- warehouseperson
Skills
- You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength for material handlers who work with heavy materials. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
Other considerations
- Materials handlers often work shifts and are on their feet most of the time.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$25,615 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$34,342 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$29,050 median annual incomeSouthern
$31,983 median annual incomeCape Breton
$23,639 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Wholesale trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$27,879 median annual incomeLess than high school
$22,387 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,780 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$30,027 median annual incomeBachelor
$23,262 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Ground Transportation - Other
College or Trades ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Ground Transportation.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.