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What is a driver/material handler and how to become one
The driver/material handler is responsible for every step of the process of getting a product from point A to point B. In the warehouse, they do the job of a material handler and manage and transport inventory within the storage facility. When they step outside, they wear the hat of a driver and make sure the product gets to clients safely.
Every step of the inventory process passes through the driver/material handler's hands. They do things like pulling inventory in the distribution center, loading-trucks, managing other warehouse employees, and driving the material to customers. They need to have excellent physical stamina and attention to detail.
Obviously, a driver/material handler needs to have a driver's license. Many employers also want the driver/material handler to know how to use certain equipment within the warehouse, such as a forklift. Sometimes, the driver/material handler also needs to have experience with sensitive materials such as hazmat materials.
Avg. Salary $36,219
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 7%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%
Asian 2.64%
Black or African American 15.69%
Hispanic or Latino 17.36%
Unknown 4.48%
White 58.99%
Genderfemale 10.59%
male 89.41%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Driver/Material Handler career paths
Key steps to become a driver/material handler
Explore driver/material handler education requirements
Start to develop specific driver/material handler skills
Skills 
Percentages CDL 21.02% Customer Orders 11.29% Inventory Control 8.71% Customer Service 8.58% Safety Rules 6.90% Complete relevant driver/material handler training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New driver/material handlers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a driver/material handler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real driver/material handler resumes.Research driver/material handler duties and responsibilities
- Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
- Load and unload LTL freight from inbound and outbound trailers.
- Operate forklifts in transferring loading and unloading materials in LTL.
- Pick and audit hazmat and international orders.
Prepare your driver/material handler resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your driver/material handler resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a driver/material handler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Driver/Material Handler Resume templates
Build a professional Driver/Material Handler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Driver/Material Handler resume.
Apply for driver/material handler jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a driver/material handler job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Driver/Material Handler Job
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Average driver/material handler salary
The average Driver/Material Handler salary in the United States is $36,219 per year or $17 per hour. Driver/material handler salaries range between $28,000 and $45,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do driver/material handlers rate their job?
Driver/Material Handler reviews
It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output
To be surcharge when there's a damage on goods through accident
Learning where the parts are for such as the refinery. Nuts and bolts are used for. Washers, flanges and pipes are connected to.
Not being able to learn where every part goes to. For instance parts that go to a furnace, train, or a converter.
Updated January 8, 2025
