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
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Many material handlers were laid off because of the pandemic. Many material handlers work in retail and wholesale trade and the combination of nonessential store closures and supply chain disruptions reduced demand for this occupation. The rebound in employment for material handlers will be tied to the health of the retail industry and supply chains in general.
Employment prospects are average in this occupation. Total employment is expected to remain stable or decline slightly as automation reduces the need for some workers. However, a high rate of turnover will continue to provide regular vacancies. There has been a high degree of competition among job applicants for certain vacancies in the Halifax area. This may reflect an elevated number of unemployed jobseekers remaining from the layoffs that happened earlier in the year. Prospects are somewhat better in some rural areas where there may be a shortage of labour willing to contend with the physically demanding nature of the position. Jobseekers may improve their prospects by having access to personal transportation and being willing to travel to employers in such areas.
The median employment income for the 48% of Material Handlers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,904. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600.
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$16.50
Median$26.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,103
Minimum$27,417
Median$53,776
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
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
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared 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
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Ground Transportation - Other
College or Trades ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Ground Transportation.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, 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.