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Material Handler Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Elwood, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for manually or by hand truck moving materials, supplies, and finished goods to designated places in the facility or onto trucks. Position typically reports to the ...

The Material Handler is responsible for manually or with a pallet jack moving materials, supplies, and finished goods throughout the facility or onto trucks. This role supports overall warehouse ...

Warehouse/Yard Material Handler Duration: Long Term Work Location: All Over United States (Multiple Positions) Pay Rate: $10.00/hr POSITION SUMMARY: Prepares rental equipment orders for shipment and ...

Material Handler

Grant Park, IL · On-site

$17.92 - $20.96/hr

Material Handler| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $17.92-$20.96 per hour Available Shifts: * Sunday-Thursday 11:00 pm-7:00 am TEXT TO APPLY NUMBER: * 928-668-6539 (928-NOVOLEX ...

Material Handler

Grant Park, IL · On-site

$17.92 - $20.96/hr

Material Handler| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $17.92-$20.96 per hour Available Shifts: * Sunday-Thursday 11:00 pm-7:00 am TEXT TO APPLY NUMBER: * 928-668-6539 (928-NOVOLEX ...

Material Handler

Elwood, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Locates materials and supplies by pulling and verifying materials and supplies listed on production orders * Maintains in-process inventory at work centers by delivering and opening materials and ...

Material Handler

Elwood, IL

$17.25 - $21/hr

Locates materials and supplies by pulling and verifying materials and supplies listed on production orders * Maintains in-process inventory at work centers by delivering and opening materials and ...

Load and unload materials Receive and tag incoming inventory Build skids using nail gun Package materials Use of sit-down forklift and overhead crane Overtime mandatory when required Location:

Material Handler experience. Experience making inventory transactions through an ERP system (preferably Epicor E9) and through barcode Desired: Vocational training in Inventory Management, Logistics ...

Material Handler experience. Experience making inventory transactions through an ERP system (preferably Epicor E9) and through barcode Desired: Vocational training in Inventory Management, Logistics ...

Material Handler experience. Experience making inventory transactions through an ERP system (preferably Epicor E9) and through barcode Desired: Vocational training in Inventory Management, Logistics ...

Material Handler experience. Experience making inventory transactions through an ERP system (preferably Epicor E9) and through barcode Desired: Vocational training in Inventory Management, Logistics ...

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Material Handler information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$11

$17

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How much do material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handler in Kankakee, IL is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material handler?

Material handlers are workers responsible for moving, loading, unloading, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. They ensure materials and products are stored properly, transported efficiently, and tracked accurately throughout the facility. Material handlers often use equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors and play a crucial role in maintaining workflow and safety standards in logistics and manufacturing environments.

What does a material handler do?

The job of a material handler differs slightly across industries, which include manufacturing, warehouse supply, or retail. In production, your duties are to procure and deliver products or raw materials to the production floor to be assembled. You may use specialized equipment to move supplies, such as forklifts. In retail, such as working at a second-hand store, your responsibilities may include sorting through donations at distribution facilities or stock rooms and performing quality control to ensure materials meet company standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Handler, you need strong organizational skills, basic math abilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, warehouse equipment like forklifts, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help Material Handlers excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure accurate inventory control, safe handling of goods, and efficient warehouse operations.

What challenges do material handlers face in fast-paced warehouse environments?

Material Handlers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling heavy or bulky items safely, and adapting to rapidly changing inventory demands. Staying organized and maintaining accuracy while working quickly is crucial, especially when tracking shipments or restocking. Effective communication with team members and supervisors helps ensure smooth operations and reduces errors, making collaboration an essential part of the job.

What is the difference between Material Handler vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectMaterial HandlerWarehouse Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; forklift certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; may also require forklift certification
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storage areas
Job DutiesMoving, loading, unloading materials; operating equipmentReceiving, stocking, picking, packing items
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, distributionRetail, logistics, manufacturing

Both roles involve working in warehouse settings and may require similar certifications. However, Material Handlers focus more on moving and handling materials, while Warehouse Associates typically handle inventory management and order fulfillment. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the logistics industry.

Are material handler jobs hard?

Material handler jobs can be physically demanding and require attention to safety protocols, as workers often lift heavy objects and operate equipment like forklifts. The difficulty level varies based on the work environment, workload, and experience, but basic skills and adherence to safety procedures are essential for success in this role.

Do you need a license to be a material handler?

A material handler typically does not need a specific license to perform their duties, which often involve operating forklifts or other equipment. However, employers may require certification in forklift operation or safety training, depending on the job and industry standards.

What job categories do people searching Material Handler jobs in Kankakee, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Handler jobs in Kankakee, IL are:

What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Material Handler jobs?

Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Material Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Handler job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,422 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$17.25 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Material Handler is responsible for manually or by hand truck moving materials, supplies, and finished goods to designated places in the facility or onto trucks. Position typically reports to the Warehouse Supervisor or Lead. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Manually or using hand truck performs various material handling duties in the facility. • Manually loads finished product on pallet or hand truck. • Stacks skids or pallets in designated areas. • Provides cleaning services, as necessary, including sweeping floors, cleaning offices and removal of trash in proper containers or designated areas. • Performs other related tasks to keep the work area safe, clean and organized.