Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

SOC code 53-7062 · O*NET-SOC 53-7062.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation

Hand labourers and material movers keep warehouses, docks and stockrooms flowing — loading, unloading, sorting and staging goods. E-commerce has made this one of the fastest-hiring occupations in the country. The work is physical but the entry bar is low, and forklift certification is the usual first step up.

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$40,240

a year

Hourly

$19.35

per hour

10th$31,270Median$40,24090th$55,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$42,260

$20.32 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,090 – $46,920

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$31,270 – $55,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

2,950,280

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $31,270; $15.03/hr
25th percentile: $36,090; $17.35/hr
Median percentile: $40,240; $19.35/hr
75th percentile: $46,920; $22.56/hr
90th percentile: $55,140; $26.51/hr

What do laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
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.
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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 89% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)89%
Less than a High School Diploma11%
Some College Courses1%

Common questions

How much does a laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand earn?

The national median is $40,240 a year. The full range runs from $31,270 at the 10th percentile to $55,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Speaking2.8/5
Monitoring2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.5/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Transportation3.1/5
Production and Processing3.1/5
Mathematics3.0/5
English Language2.9/5
Personnel and Human Resources2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Time Management.