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Material Handler Jobs in Manhattan, KS (NOW HIRING)

Solar Turbines

Material Handler III

Wamego, KS · On-site

$19.21 - $28.81/hr

The Material Handler III is responsible for training and certifying Material Handlers I and II. Provides general leadership and guidance to all Material Handlers. Similar to the Material Handler II, ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Material Handler III

Wamego, KS · On-site

$19.21 - $28.81/hr

The Material Handler III is responsible for training and certifying Material Handlers I and II. Provides general leadership and guidance to all Material Handlers. Similar to the Material Handler II, ...

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Material Handler ll

Wamego, KS · On-site

$16.81 - $25.21/hr

The Material Handler II loads, unloads, and moves materials within or near plant, yard, or work site by performing the following duties. The Material Handler II performs many of the same duties as ...

Solar Turbines

Material Handler ll

Wamego, KS · On-site

$16.81 - $25.21/hr

The Material Handler II loads, unloads, and moves materials within or near plant, yard, or work site by performing the following duties. The Material Handler II performs many of the same duties as ...

Gentex

Material Handler - DC 2nd Shift

Riley, KS

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW Material Handler is responsible for the movement of material into and out of the warehouse in a safe, accurate and efficient manner, using industrial lift trucks and other material ...

All JobsMaterial Handler JobsMaterial Handler Jobs in Manhattan, KS

Material Handler information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handler in Manhattan, KS is $16.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.26 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.
More about Material Handler jobs

What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Material Handler jobs?

Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Material Handler job openings:

Material Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Handler job openings in Manhattan, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,545 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Material Handler III

Solar Turbines

Wamego, KS • On-site

$19.21 - $28.81/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Job Purpose:
The Material Handler III is responsible for training and certifying Material Handlers I and II. Provides general leadership and guidance to all Material Handlers. Similar to the Material Handler II, the incumbent is required to be more efficient and will be expected to accomplish more assigned tasks than the Material Handler I. The incumbent is responsible for handling special projects (e.g., loading larger, more valuable products) that would not be assigned to a Material Handler I and even a Material Handler II due to the experience level.
Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Cross train in shipping, receiving, and material handling/storage.
  • Reads work order or follows oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be moved.
  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trays, racks, and shelves by hand.
  • Loads materials into vehicles and installs strapping, bracing, or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
  • Conveys materials from storage or work sites to designated area.
  • Secures lifting attachments to materials and conveys load to destination or signals crane or hoisting operators to move load to destination.
  • Counts, weighs, and records number of units of materials moved or handled on daily production sheet.
  • Attaches identifying tags or labels to materials or marks information on cases, bales, or other containers.
  • Loads truck for Industrial Truck Operator.
  • Stacks or assembles materials into bundles and bands bundles together.
  • Clamps sections of portable conveyor together or places conveyor sections on blocks or boxes to facilitate movement of materials or products.
  • Removes samples of materials, labels with identifying information, and takes samples to laboratory for analysis.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators.
  • Makes simple adjustments or repairs such as realigning belts or replacing rollers.
  • Assembles crates to contain products such as machines or vehicles.
  • Shovels loose materials such as sand, gravel, metals, plastics, or chemicals, into machine hoppers or into vehicles and containers such as wheelbarrows, scrap truck, or barrels.
  • Operates industrial truck or electric hoist to assist in loading or moving materials and products.
  • Performs minor preventative maintenance on forklifts (check fluid levels, lights, horns, etc.).
  • Develops a culture that works to achieve and maintain an accident-free workplace.
  • Develops a culture that works to achieve and maintain ongoing housekeeping excellence.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with a minimum for five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Summary Pay Range:
$19.21 - $28.81
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
August 18, 2026 - August 24, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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