Freight handlers and material movers Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
A global AI analysis is below; pick a country for local salary, licensing and migration data.
Forklift drivers and material handlers face a certain threat from AI automation; repetitive lifting and sorting tasks may be replaced by machines, but flexible operations in complex environments, teamwork, and task coordination still depend on humans, overall risk moderate to high.
More exposed than about 3% of occupations (percentile; higher = more exposed to AI)
-
Replaces manual labor of material handlers pushing, pulling, and moving heavy pallets and containers in warehouses, automating point-to-point transport within the warehouse.
-
Replaced the role of搬运工 (porter) in warehouses moving shelves/boxes from storage to picking stations, and optimized path planning to reduce manual walking and handling.
-
Replaces the physical work of movers in Amazon warehouses moving shelves and boxes from storage to picking areas, enabling automated movement and inventory management within the warehouse.
-
Replaces the task of moving pallets and heavy packages in distribution centers, especially reducing labor in floor handling and shelving.
-
Replaces typical tasks of a搬运工 moving boxes from conveyors or stacks in a warehouse, especially for unloading and palletizing, but requires human assistance for complex operations.
- Repetitive搬运 along fixed routes in a warehouse
- Simple sorting by barcode or color
- Use RFID scanners for inventory counting
- Stack goods on automated conveyor lines
- Load and unload pallets following standardized procedures.
- receiving real-time navigation instructions via wearable devices to improve handling efficiency
- Using AI scheduling systems to optimize routes and task allocation
- Quickly identify cargo locations using augmented reality (AR) glasses
- Use data analysis tools to predict material demand and reduce empty runs
- Operate automated forklifts or AGVs for collaborative work
- Flexible handling and problem solving in unstructured environments
- Fine handling of fragile items and irregularly shaped goods
- Rapid response and team coordination in emergencies
- Direct communication and negotiation with customers, drivers, and other personnel
- Supervise the operation of multiple automated machines and handle anomalies
- Operate automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and smart warehousing systems
- Master basic operation of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Learn basic data analysis and lean logistics knowledge
- Enhance collaborative communication and team leadership skills
- Obtain certification for electric handling equipment like forklifts
- Learn basics of troubleshooting and maintaining automated equipment
Entry barriers may rise slightly, with employers preferring workers who can operate automated equipment (e.g., AGVs, smart forklifts). Pure manual roles decline, but basic handling jobs still exist.
Shift from pure manual handling to operating and maintaining automated equipment (e.g., AGVs, smart forklifts), while learning warehouse management systems (WMS) and data analysis, gradually advancing to automated warehouse supervisor or logistics coordinator. Can also transition to industrial truck operators (53-7051) or inventory managers (53-7065), using experience to optimize warehouse processes.
Local data by country
Ratings · Overall 5.7/10
Salary
| Experience | Annual (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| 薪资中位数 | $40,240 ~ $40,240 | 全国全职年薪中位数（来源：美国 BLS OES 2025） |
| Entry level (0–3 years) | $28,000 ~ $35,000 | Entry-level hourly wage around $13-$17 |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | $35,000 ~ $45,000 | Average annual salary around $38,000 |
| Senior (7+ years) | $45,000 ~ $55,000 | Experienced individuals can advance to supervisor, with annual salary up to $50,000+ |
| 平均薪资 | $42,260 ~ $42,260 | 全国全职年薪均值（来源：美国 BLS OES 2025） |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4 years | $0~$0 |
| Short-term on-the-job training | 1 month | $0~$500 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | State education department | Optional |
| Forklift operator certificate | OSHA or certified training provider | Optional |
Migration (to United States)
Not a skilled migration occupation. Visa pathways depend on matching the specific duties to the right petition category; refer to the latest USCIS rules and the relevant category.
Who it fits
- People who are physically strong and can stand for long periods and lift heavy items.
- For those seeking quick entry into the labor market without needing a higher degree
- People who wish to pursue high-skilled or high-paying occupations
- Health restrictions on physical labour
Career outlook
Typically start at entry-level, can advance to team leader, warehouse supervisor, or logistics coordinator after gaining experience. Some workers obtain equipment operation certificates (e.g., forklift) through training, moving to higher-paying roles.
Employment for movers remains stable as e-commerce and logistics grow steadily. Employment is projected to grow about 5% from 2024 to 2034, similar to the average for all occupations. However, automated warehousing may limit growth in some positions.
Growth areas：
e-commerce growthwarehouse expansionlogistics demandentry-level labor
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Indeed, Glassdoor, ERI SalaryExpert and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS); employment and demand outlook cite the BLS Occupational Outlook and O*NET; visa and migration details follow the latest USCIS work-visa (H-1B / O-1 / L-1) and employment-based green-card (EB-2 / EB-3, incl. DOL PERM labor certification) rules. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.
What the community thinks
Tap an option to vote (change anytime)