All About Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
Position Description Manually move freight, stock, or other materials or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.
A Day in the Life of a Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover
- Connect electrical equipment to power sources so that it can be tested before use.
- Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
- Guide loads being lifted to prevent swinging.
- Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use.
- Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
- Pack containers and re-pack damaged containers.
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Qualities of a Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover
Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Hatch Tender
- Bundle Helper
- Flyer
- Lumber Straightened
- Grave Digger
Job Outlook for Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 2,628,400 jobs in the United States for Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 199,700 new jobs for Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 388,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover are Utah, Nevada, and South Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover Salary
Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers make between $20,700 and $45,700 a year.

Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $27,140 |
Alaska | $38,950 |
Arizona | $31,460 |
Arkansas | $26,770 |
California | $32,380 |
Colorado | $32,010 |
Connecticut | $32,600 |
Delaware | $28,560 |
District of Columbia | $50,560 |
Florida | $29,370 |
Georgia | $28,140 |
Hawaii | $37,210 |
Idaho | $31,080 |
Illinois | $30,140 |
Indiana | $30,590 |
Iowa | $32,530 |
Kansas | $31,800 |
Kentucky | $29,720 |
Louisiana | $27,680 |
Maine | $28,330 |
Maryland | $32,630 |
Massachusetts | $34,020 |
Michigan | $31,060 |
Minnesota | $35,080 |
Mississippi | $25,500 |
Missouri | $31,360 |
Montana | $30,430 |
Nebraska | $32,500 |
Nevada | $31,550 |
New Hampshire | $30,110 |
New Jersey | $30,280 |
New Mexico | $29,260 |
New York | $33,940 |
North Carolina | $27,860 |
North Dakota | $34,470 |
Ohio | $30,100 |
Oklahoma | $29,320 |
Oregon | $32,170 |
Pennsylvania | $31,590 |
Rhode Island | $32,690 |
South Carolina | $29,010 |
South Dakota | $28,080 |
Tennessee | $29,300 |
Texas | $30,530 |
Utah | $30,450 |
Vermont | $30,440 |
Virginia | $29,370 |
Washington | $34,940 |
West Virginia | $29,470 |
Wisconsin | $33,360 |
Wyoming | $35,990 |
What Tools & Technology do Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Inventory tracking software
- Handheld computer device software
- Palm OS
- Oracle
- Machine control software
Becoming a Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover
What kind of Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover?

Who Employs Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers?

Below are examples of industries where Hand Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Hand Laborer or Freight, Stock, and Material Mover might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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