Material Handler

What does a Material Handler do? – tasks and work environment

A Material Handler is responsible for receiving, moving, and organizing materials and goods within warehouses, terminals, or production facilities. Common tasks include unloading and loading goods, sorting, inventorying, and ensuring that the right materials are in the right place at the right time. The work is often done in teams and requires good cooperation skills as well as the ability to work systematically under time pressure. The work environment can vary from large warehouse spaces to outdoor environments and can sometimes be physically demanding, especially when handling heavy lifts or working in shifts.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Material Handlers has been relatively stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 31 900 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of about 7%. In 2024, the average salary has remained at 31 900 SEK, indicating a slowdown in salary growth. The significant increase between 2022 and 2023 can be explained by an increased need for logistics and warehouse staff driven by the growing e-commerce and changing consumption patterns. Since then, the market has stabilized, reflected in the unchanged salary level in 2024. The demand for Material Handlers is still high, but salary development is also influenced by competition and industry pay-setting models.

Material Handler salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 56,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK/hour
• Women: 31,200 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 32 000 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a Material Handler, usually no formal postgraduate education is required, but high school education in areas such as transportation, logistics, or industry is common. Many employers offer internal training or onboarding, and some tasks may require forklift licenses or other certifications. Practical experience in warehouse work, logistics, or similar is often considered an asset.

• High school education: Focus on transportation, industry, or logistics
• Forklift license: Often a requirement for certain tasks
• Internal training: Common upon employment
• Practical experience: Meritorious, especially from warehousing or logistics
• Good physical condition: Necessary for heavy lifts and active work

Common benefits and compensations

Material Handlers are often offered benefits such as shift supplements for night work, wellness allowances, and work clothing. Other common compensations can include overtime pay, meal subsidies, and sometimes bonuses based on performance or efficiency. Some employers also offer training opportunities and employee discounts.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Material Handler is generally low, as the demand for workforce in warehousing and logistics remains high. At the same time, challenges include high staff turnover and high demands for flexibility, especially during seasonal variations or changes in supply flows. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty in finding experienced candidates, even though unemployment within the profession is relatively high. The work environment can be physically demanding, and precision, responsibility, and the ability to handle stressful situations are required. Increased automation and digitalization also mean that adaptability and technical understanding are becoming increasingly important.

Tips for those who want to become a Material Handler

To succeed as a Material Handler, it is good to have a positive attitude towards practical work and be solution-oriented in everyday tasks. Being meticulous and organized helps manage many different tasks simultaneously, especially when the pace is high. Good physical condition is a major asset, as the work often involves heavy lifts and active workdays. The ability to collaborate and communicate with colleagues facilitates teamwork in the warehouse environment, where teamwork is an important part of the work culture. Flexibility and adaptability are also valuable qualities, as tasks and routines can vary between workplaces. Quickly learning new systems and having basic computer skills increase your chances of development in the profession. Finally, a responsible attitude is crucial, as safety and order in the warehouse must always be prioritized.

Key facts about Material Handlers

• Education level: High school diploma, often with a focus on logistics or transportation
• Work environment: Warehouses, terminals, and production facilities
• Common employment: Full-time, often shifts or daytime
• Job opportunities: Large, with 412 available jobs nationwide
• Technical requirements: Forklift license and computer skills are often advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a Material Handler, there may be opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, warehouse manager, or logistics coordinator. Further education in logistics, transportation management, or IT systems for warehouse management can open doors to more qualified positions within the industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities in this profession are plentiful and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. At the same time, rapid development towards increased automation means that those with technical interests have good chances for continued career growth. There are also opportunities to switch to related professions such as transport planner, logistics specialist, or purchasing assistant.

Frequently asked questions about Material Handlers

• What does a Material Handler earn?
  - A Material Handler has an average salary of 31 900 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development been for Material Handlers?
  - Salaries have increased from 29800 SEK (2022) to 31 900 SEK (2023–2024).
• Are there differences between men and women?
  - Men earn 32 000 SEK and women 31,200 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Material Handler?
  - High school education, often with a focus on logistics or transportation, and forklift certification are common.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The demand for Material Handlers is high and expected to stay the same over the next five years.
• What work environments are typical?
  - Mainly warehouses, terminals, or production facilities, often in teams.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Material Handler?
  - Highest salary is 56,700 SEK, lowest is 31,200 SEK.