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Material Handler Jobs in Niles, IL (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler QPS Employment Group is hiring a Material Handler for a company in Elgin, IL. In this role, you'll play a vital role in supporting the production process by efficiently managing ...

Material Handler

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler Location :Carpentersville, IL Hours for First Shift are 6:00am - 2:30pm CT Responsibilities: The Assembly Material Handler is responsible for performing the following duties, * Read ...

Material Handler Job Location US-IL-Carol Stream ID 2026-3914 # of Openings 3 Posted Date 3 months ago(4/14/2026 10:34 AM) Overview Unleash your Potential - Creating Value for Generations! Wieland is ...

Material Handler

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Knapheide Truck Equipment Center in McHenry, IL is looking to hire a full-time Material Handler to supply parts to the production area, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.

Material Handler Location: Wood Dale, IL 60191 Pay Rate: $21.00/hr Shift: 1st 8am start and after that will be 6am - finish. The Material Handler is responsible for the following duties: * Pulling ...

Material Handler

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Knapheide Truck Equipment Center in McHenry, IL is looking to hire a full-time Material Handler to supply parts to the production area, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

Material Handler Location: Wood Dale,IL60191 Pay Rate: $21.00/hr Shift: 1st 8am start and after that will be 6am - finish. The Material Handler is responsible for the following duties: Pulling ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

The Material Handler will be responsible for all tasks that support the production of material. This includes packaging, handling, and transportation of material as well as tasks associated with the ...

Adecco is currently assisting a local Customer in their search for a Material Handler in Chicago, IL! This is a great opportunity to further your existing skills as a Material Handler while learning ...

New

Material Handler FieldBridge is looking for a Material Handler in Morton Grove, IL. to work for a global water technology company. We offer weekly pay + benefits. Pay Rate & Schedule: $21.00-$23.65 ...

Overview Material Handler Location: Bloomingdale, IL Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $16.00-$18.00 per hour , based on experience Join the Big Bolt Team! Since 1977, Big Bolt LLC has been a leading ...

Material Handler

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Position Overview Material Handler Location: Bloomingdale, IL Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $16.00-$18.00 per hour , based on experience Join the Big Bolt Team! Since 1977, Big Bolt LLC has been a leading ...

Material Handler

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$21.18 - $23.57/hr

Under the direction of the Elmhurst Service Group Leader, the Material Handler is an entry level training position which ultimately will lead to being assigned to a work cell at the Service Center ...

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Material Handler information

See Niles, IL salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handler in Niles, IL is $18.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.38 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.

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 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 involve physically moving, storing, and organizing materials, often requiring manual labor and attention to safety protocols. The difficulty can vary based on the work environment, physical demands, and experience level, but they generally require good physical fitness and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts. Some positions may also require certifications or training, but overall, the job is considered physically demanding rather than technically complex.

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 are the duties of a material handler?

A material handler is responsible for moving, storing, and managing inventory within warehouses or manufacturing facilities. They operate equipment such as forklifts, ensure accurate tracking of materials, and maintain a clean and organized work environment. Attention to safety protocols and proper documentation are essential parts of the job.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Material Handler job openings in Niles, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,709 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

$19.05 - $22.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Graphic Packaging International rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description


$2,000 SIGNING BONUS!

OPPORTUNITY: We are a Foodservice folding carton manufacturing operation seeking candidates to join our Elk Grove Village, IL team. We're recruiting for multiple positions so be sure you review all of our job postings. This job posting is for a Material Handler with a pay range of $19.05 to $22.22/ hour plus shift differential. We continually encourage our employees to advance their careers through on the job training and job progression through our strong promotion from within program. We offer a wide array of benefits including, but not limited to, Paid Vacation & Holidays, optional Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, including health spending accounts and a progressive healthy lifestyle program, as well as 401-K with a company matching component and standard supplemental company contributions. Employees may voluntarily elect Pet Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance Programs, Purchasing Power, Tuition Reimbursement, Aflac, Lifelock Identity Protection, and Hyatt Legal Services. Tobacco Cessation and Employee Assistance/Referral Program, Uniform Service, Safety Shoe, and Safety Prescription-Eyewear benefits are also available.

Please review all of our job postings and apply for each position you feel you're qualified and would like to be considered for.

Material Handler Wage:

Starting at $19.05/hour base shift differentials and progressive job rate pay increases.

Material Handler Schedule Requirements:

  • Schedules are up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off. However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
  • Some Departments/Jobs may run a M-F 8-hour Shift Schedule.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime.

Material Handler Job Summary:

The person who occupies this position is responsible for transporting production materials from finishing department to shipping department and having these materials stretch wrapped. Material Handlers understand and align business operations and Finishing Department as he/she executes their manufacturing role to exceed customer expectations and align with GPI business, cultural, financial and operational objectives.

Material Handler Job Functions:

Job functions include, but are not limited to the following.

  • Responsible for retrieving loaded pallets of flat cartons from finishing area and transporting them (by use of forklift) to shipping area. Jeep Driver spends approximately 95% of working shift on forklift.
  • Responsible for wrapping loaded pallets with plastic wrap: Material Handler places load onto “shrink wrapping” machinery and attaches beginning of wrap to load. Machinery automatically wraps manufacturing load.
  • Responsible for loading finished production materials onto outgoing trucks by use of forklift.
  • Responsible for performing daily manufacturing preventive maintenance duties on forklift.
  • Material Handler must go through check list (check water and oil level, air blow engine, check brake, etc...) on daily production basis. Jeep Driver is also responsible for refilling empty propane tanks.

Required Skills

Material Handler Background / Experience / Skills:

  • Manufacturing experience preferred
  • Must speak, read and write in English.
  • Must be flexible: Able to work other shifts, overtime and Saturdays when needed.
  • Must be able to operate forklift.

Material Handler Education / Knowledge:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Material Handler Physical Requirements:

  • Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.
  • Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
  • Physical and visual activities that are commonly associated* with the performance of the functions of this job:
    • Position is associated with walking, lifting (propane tanks, cases of cartons, etc...), carrying (propane tanks), and sitting (in forklift).
  • Physical demands commonly associated* with the performance of the functions of this job:
    • Person must have physical coordination to operate forklift. Person is operating forklift approximately 95% of working manufacturing shift.
    • Material Handler is continually getting on and off forklift (getting off lift to start wrapping machine; getting on lift to move materials, etc...,) throughout working manufacturing shift.
    • Handler must be able to lift propane tank (weighing approximately 50 - 60 lbs.) and carry tank to area to be filled. This activity is performed approximately every work shift.
  • Inside Conditions, extremes of heat (summer), humidity, noise (from forklift and production machinery).

GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLCis an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, sex, age, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

At Graphic Packaging International (NYSE: GPK), we produce the box you may have poured your child's cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight! We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference.
With almost 18,000 employees working in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, we strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us atwww.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.


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