What Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand this way: "Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 2,940,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 2,991,900 in 2035, an increase of 51,600 jobs (+1.8%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 340,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $40,240, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand earn the most
Across the 40 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $35,210 in Louisiana to $46,394 in Minnesota, a gap of $11,184 (1.32 times). 26 of those 40 states average above the BLS national median of $40,240 and 14 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 342,500, which is 9.3% of the 3,668,810 counted across them. Indiana follows with 299,310.
Highest-paying states
Minnesota ($46,394), Washington ($46,062) and Wisconsin ($45,142) lead the ranking, while Louisiana ($35,210) and Alabama ($36,608) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: pay against the cost of living
We compare 90 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Clark County, IN (Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN) at $18,902. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $5,749 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 85 of the 90 markets and falls short in 5. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 29.2% and 93.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Stockers and Order Fillers, Packers and Packagers, Hand and Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (53-7000) include Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors and Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators.
Frequently asked questions about Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
What is the national median wage for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $40,240. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $35,210 to $46,394.
Which state pays Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand the most?
Minnesota, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $46,394. Washington is next at $46,062.
What is the job outlook for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
BLS projects employment to grow by 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 340,500 openings a year.
What education do Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Clark County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $18,902 on a median wage of $46,830.