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 are employed by transportation, storage and moving companies, and by a variety of manufacturing and processing companies and retail and wholesale warehouses.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Material Handlers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 51% of Material Handlers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,904. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$14.50
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,103
Minimum$27,417
Median$53,776
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
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 are employed by transportation, storage and moving companies, and by a variety of manufacturing and processing companies and retail and wholesale warehouses.
Job duties
Material handlers (manual) perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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.
- Perform other material handling activities such as counting, weighing, sorting, packing and unpacking.
Material handlers (equipment operators) perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate winches and other loading devices to load and unload materials onto and off trucks, railway cars and loading docks of warehouses and industrial establishments.
- Operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders and other equipment to transport materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
- Connect hoses or pipes and operate equipment to load and unload liquid petroleum, chemical or other products into or from tank cars, tank trucks or storage tanks.
- Operate equipment to dump materials such as coal, ore and grain into or to remove materials from railway cars, trucks or other vehicles.
- Operate conveyors and equipment to transfer grain or other materials from transportation vehicles to elevators, bins or other storage areas.
- May perform other activities, such as 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
To work in these jobs, 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
None
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
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Wholesale Trade
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$41,040 median annual incomeLess than high school
$46,661 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$51,838 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$59,436 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Ground transportation - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Ground Transportation.
Institutions providing this program
74 Townsend Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5C8
(902) 562-8549
Highway #2, Masstown PO Box 848
Truro, NS B2N 5G6
(902) 662-2190
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.