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Material Handling Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ProAmpac

Associate - Material Handling

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$22.84/hr

Associate - Material Handling Job Category: Operations/Production/Manufacturing Requisition Number ... Notify operator or supervisor of any product that has not met correct manufacturing specifications.

ProAmpac

Associate - Material Handling

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $18.75/hr

PRODUCTIVITY: 1. Keeping machine line clear. 2. Cross check with operators to ensure customer requirements are met in regard to palletization. 3. Cell phone use is not permitted in manufacturing area.

MagnaFlow

Material Handler I

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Follow all safety procedures and guidelines for handling materials and operating equipment. * Maintain a clean and safe working environment. * Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts ...

New

MagnaFlow

Material Handler I

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Follow all safety procedures and guidelines for handling materials and operating equipment. * Maintain a clean and safe working environment. * Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts ...

New

MagnaFlow

Material Handler I

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Follow all safety procedures and guidelines for handling materials and operating equipment. * Maintain a clean and safe working environment. * Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts ...

New

JOB OPTIONS, Inc.

Material Handler

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.31 - $26.47/hr

In addition to material handling duties, the employee will provide forklift support as needed, including operating a forklift to load, unload, transport, and stage pallets and merchandise when the ...

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Material Handler III

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Experience operating material handling equipment (MHE), including: * * Order Picker * Reach Truck * Counterbalance Forklift * Slip Attachment * Clamp Attachment * Dock Stocker * Experience using RF ...

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Job Options

Material Handler

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

In addition to material handling duties, the employee will provide forklift support as needed, including operating a forklift to load, unload, transport, and stage pallets and merchandise when the ...

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All JobsMaterial Handling Operator JobsMaterial Handling Operator Jobs in California

Material Handling Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do material handling operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handling operator in California is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Material Handling Operators typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or overtime. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or specialized construction positions, but these usually require specific skills, certifications, or extensive experience. Most roles paying this amount without a degree are rare and often involve high responsibility or physical demands.

What is the difference between Material Handling Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectMaterial Handling OperatorForklift Operator
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but OSHA training may be preferredForklift certification/license often required
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plantsWarehouses, loading docks, construction sites
Job DutiesMoving, stacking, and organizing materials manually or with equipmentOperating forklifts to lift and transport heavy loads
Industry UsageCommon in logistics, manufacturing, retailPrimarily in logistics, shipping, and warehousing

While both roles involve moving materials in similar environments, a Material Handling Operator may perform manual tasks and operate various equipment, whereas a Forklift Operator specializes in operating forklifts and often requires specific certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is the highest pay for a material handler?

The highest pay for a material handling operator can reach around $20 to $25 per hour or approximately $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills, certifications, and supervisory roles can lead to higher compensation in this field.

What are some common challenges Material Handling Operators face, and how are they addressed on the job?

Material Handling Operators often work in fast-paced environments where efficiency and safety are paramount. Common challenges include managing heavy or awkward loads, adapting to changing inventory demands, and operating machinery in tight spaces. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough safety training, regular equipment maintenance, and clear communication with team members. Many organizations also implement standardized procedures and use technology to streamline workflow and reduce the risk of errors or accidents.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 or more per day include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and successful entrepreneurs. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, or significant business ownership, and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What is a material handling operator?

A material handling operator is responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. They often operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient logistics operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Handling Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Handling Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, familiarity with warehouse procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and warehouse management systems, often requiring OSHA certification, is essential. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient movement of goods and smooth warehouse operations.

What does a Material Handling Operator do?

A Material Handling Operator is responsible for moving, loading, unloading, and storing materials within warehouses, factories, or other industrial settings. They typically operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to transport goods safely and efficiently. Their duties also include keeping records of materials moved, inspecting equipment for safety, and sometimes assisting with inventory management. Material Handling Operators play a crucial role in ensuring smooth logistics and preventing workplace accidents.
What are popular job titles related to Material Handling Operator jobs in California? For Material Handling Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Handling Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Material Handling Operator jobs in California are:
Material Handling Operator jobs near you
Associate - Material Handling

Associate - Material Handling

ProAmpac

Buena Park, CA • On-site

$22.84/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

ProAmpac rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 114 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Associate - Material Handling

Job Category: Operations/Production/Manufacturing Requisition Number: ASSOC004865

Posted: June 12, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

Rate: $22.84 USD per hour

6485 Descanso Ave Buena Park, CA 90620, USA

Travel Required: No

Job Details Description

Role: The role of the bag plant baler is to support the machine line by clearing the conveyor. Correctly labeling and palletizing to meet customer requirements and maintaining the general housekeeping level in the baling area and perform any other duties as assigned by a supervisor, shift lead or adjustor.

Core Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Ensure safety is first and foremost in everything you do.
  • Safely assist bag machine operations as needed within the scope of job function. The primary function of all at Buena Park bag is to safely produce high-quality low-cost paper bags, and all job functions are to assist in this process.
  • Clear machine lines and palletize bales.
  • Keep hot melt bins filled.
  • Tape all open bales.
  • Make sure to use the right pallet per order.
  • Maintain a clean work area.

Expectations:

Safety:

  • You are responsible for a safe manufacturing operation.
  • Always properly wear required PPE.
  • Use vacuum lift in accordance with the Vacuum Lift Requirements document.
  • When palletizing bales bend your knees and keep your back straight.
  • Report any safety concerns to management.
  • Report any injury or cuts immediately to your supervisor.
  • Pick up all spills from floor immediately.
  • No Horseplay.

Quality:

  • Ensure all bales meet customer requirements including UPC code, item number, bag count and customers name if required.
  • Make sure that the print on the bale is dark and can clearly be read.
  • Notify operator or supervisor of any product that has not met correct manufacturing specifications.
  • Check run order to make sure that the correct pallet type is being used and configured properly.
  • Pallets should be stacked neatly and square.
  • Properly label bales that require it with the current date.

Housekeeping:

  • "Clean as you go". Don't leave for later.
  • Maintain a clean environment around your work area.
  • After blow down floor should be thoroughly swept and all trash removed from floor.
  • All waste cans should be emptied.
  • Keep paste underneath press off the floor.

Productivity:

  • Keeping machine line clear.
  • Cross check with operators to ensure customer requirements are met in regard to palletization.
  • Cell phone use is not permitted in manufacturing area.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About PROAMPAC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ProAmpac is a leading global flexible packaging company with comprehensive product offerings. We provide creative packaging solutions, industry-leading customer service and award-winning innovation to a diverse global marketplace. We are guided in our work by five core values that are the basis for our success: Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, Involvement and Impact.

Industry

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1971

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