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Material Handler Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Material Handler- 1st Shift

Dyer, IN · On-site

$20.10 - $26.10/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for the movement, storage and handling of materials within the plant Responsibilities: * Move parts or materials and load or unload parts and materials from ...

Caterpillar

Material Handler- 1st Shift

Dyer, IN · On-site

$20.10 - $26.10/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for the movement, storage and handling of materials within the plant Responsibilities: * Move parts or materials and load or unload parts and materials from ...

University of Utah

Warehouse Materials Handlers

Campus, IL

$16.75 - $20/hr

Warehouse Materials Handler, I: Requires little to no related experience. Preferences * Basic knowledge of inventory management practices * Ability to use warehouse management or inventory tracking ...

University of Utah

Warehouse Materials Handlers

Campus, IL

$16.75 - $20/hr

Warehouse Materials Handler, I: Requires little to no related experience. Preferences * Basic knowledge of inventory management practices * Ability to use warehouse management or inventory tracking ...

University of Utah

Warehouse Materials Handlers

Campus, IL

$16.75 - $20/hr

Warehouse Materials Handler, I: Requires little to no related experience. Preferences * Basic knowledge of inventory management practices * Ability to use warehouse management or inventory tracking ...

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All JobsMaterial Handler JobsMaterial Handler Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Material Handler information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$11

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

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

Material Handler jobs near you
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.

2nd Shift Toppings Material Handler

Urban Farmer LLC

Manteno, IL • On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Bakery Material Handler

The Bakery Material Handler is responsible for ensuring all dough ingredients, toppings, packaging supplies, and raw materials are accurately staged and delivered to the bakery production lines. This role supports the Mixing, Sheeting/Press, Baking, Cooling, and Packaging departments by maintaining continuous material flow, removing finished product, and assisting operators throughout production.

Schedule: This position may require up to six (6) days of work per week based on business needs and operational demands

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Material Staging:

  • Stage raw materials in designated areas to ensure availability for production lines.
  • Verify materials against production schedules or instructions to ensure accuracy.

Packing and Palletizing:

  • Assist in packing products into boxes, trays, or containers following production specifications.
  • Manually stack and palletize finished goods, ensuring they are securely wrapped, labeled, and prepared for storage or shipment.

Production Support:

  • Assist machine operators by manually providing materials, removing finished products, or troubleshooting minor issues as needed.
  • Support production lines through tasks such as sorting, inspecting, and assembling products.

Quality Assurance:

  • Conduct visual inspections to confirm materials and finished goods meet quality and safety standards.
  • Report any material discrepancies, damaged goods, or quality issues to supervisors immediately.

Safety and Compliance:

  • Follow all company safety rules, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe lifting techniques.
  • Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and maintain food safety and hygiene standards at all times.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

  • Be prepared to switch between tasks or production areas based on operational demands.
  • Take on more detailed or physically intensive assignments, such as rework or manual product sorting.

Documentation and Reporting:

  • Accurately complete production logs, quality checklists, and material usage records.
  • Communicate any issues related to materials, equipment, or workflow to supervisors promptly.

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work collaboratively with team members, machine operators, and supervisors to achieve production goals.
  • Provide clear and effective communication regarding work progress and any issues.

Other Duties:

  • Perform other duties as assigned by management to support overall production objectives.

Qualification Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in mechanical equipment preferred.

Experience:

  • Prior experience in food manufacturing or similar production environments is preferred but not required.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and recipes accurately.
  • Attention to detail to ensure consistent product quality.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand, lift, and move for extended periods in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and handling repetitive tasks.
  • Comfortable working in environments with varying temperatures.

Knowledge:

  • Understanding of GMPs and food safety protocols is preferred.

Physical Demands:

  • Compliance with safety requirements, including PPE such as safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
  • Capability to work in variable temperatures and handle physical tasks like lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Standing or walking for extended periods and maneuvering around equipment.

Work Environment:

This position works in a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery. Some tasks may require additional safety measures to ensure the safe completion of the task.

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