CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Median pay

$38,940
Median annual pay for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

384,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

2,988,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+44,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Administration and Management
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Transportation
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Static Strength
  2. 2Trunk Strength
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Extent Flexibility
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative tasks

  • Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
  • Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
  • Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
  • Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
  • Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
  • Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
  • Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
  • Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.

Software and tools

Warehouse management system WMS · in demandOracle Database · hot technologyMozilla Firefox · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Edge · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyApple Safari · hot technologyGoogle Docs · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.