A material handler forklift is a versatile warehouse professional who operates forklifts and other equipment to move, store, and manage materials throughout a facility. Unlike a dedicated forklift operator who primarily drives trucks, a material handler combines equipment operation with broader inventory and logistics tasks.
Core Responsibilities
Material handlers operating forklifts perform a wide range of duties:
Loading and Unloading: Move raw materials, finished products, and equipment using forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, and hand trucks
Inventory Management: Locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise; complete cycle counts; verify materials against production orders
Order Fulfillment: Pick, process, and pack customer orders; load and unload trucks
Equipment Inspection: Perform pre-shift forklift inspections and report issues
Warehouse Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness, identify defective materials, and support safety initiatives
Material Handler vs. Forklift Operator: Key Differences
Aspect Material Handler Forklift Operator
Certification Often not required; OSHA training may be provided Forklift certification required
Primary Focus Managing materials and inventory Operating forklifts to move heavy loads
Tools Used Forklifts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, packaging tools Forklifts primarily
Work Environment Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing Warehouses, construction sites, factories
Salary Expectations
Metric Amount
Average Annual Salary (USA) $37,010 – $43,466
Hourly Rate $17.79 – $20.00
Typical Range $16 – $24 per hour
Salaries vary by location, with top-paying cities like San Francisco reaching $43,605+ annually.
Qualifications and Skills
High school diploma or GED
Previous forklift experience preferred
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
Basic math, reading, and computer skills
Safety mindset and physical capability for bending, twisting, and reaching
The bottom line: A material handler forklift is a warehouse professional who operates forklifts and other equipment to move, store, and manage materials. Unlike a forklift operator who focuses primarily on driving, material handlers combine equipment operation with inventory management, order picking, and warehouse maintenance. Forklift certification is often not required for material handlers, but OSHA training is typically provided. Average salaries range from $37,000 to $43,500 annually, with hourly rates of $17–$20.