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Material Handling Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

Thermo Fisher

Material Handler II - 1st Shift

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

Experience operating forklifts and other material handling equipment. * Experience using SAP or other ERP systems for inventory management and shipping activities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

New

Aerotek

Material Handler

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Hands-on experience with material handling, including operating a forklift and using a hand truck for unloading and moving materials. * Familiarity with ERP or WMS systems to support inventory ...

York Employment

Material Handler- Forklift

Chino, CA

$18 - $19/hr

If you have a passion for logistics and a knack for operating forklifts safely and effectively, we want to hear from you! Responsibilities * Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to ...

York Employment

Material Handler- Forklift

Chino, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

If you have a passion for logistics and a knack for operating forklifts safely and effectively, we want to hear from you! Responsibilities * Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to ...

Gexpro

Material Handler

Livermore, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

The Material Handler should preferably possess at least 1 year of experience operating forklifts or other material handling equipment within a warehouse environment. This position requires standing ...

First Solar

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29.38/hr

... material handling role is preferred. * Experienced Industrial Equipment Operator. * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Required Skills/Competencies: * Basic mathematical and ...

Thermal-Vac

Be Seen First

Metal Finisher

Orange, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operator must be comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, handling chemicals ... PPE requirements, and hazardous material handling procedures. -Assist with packaging and ...

First Solar

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA

$29.38/hr

... material handling role is preferred. * Experienced Industrial Equipment Operator. * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Required Skills/Competencies: * Basic mathematical and ...

First Solar

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29.38/hr

... material handling role is preferred. * Experienced Industrial Equipment Operator. * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Required Skills/Competencies: * Basic mathematical and ...

Aerotek

Warehouse Material Handler

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Hands-on experience with material handling, including operating a forklift and using a hand truck for unloading and moving materials. * Familiarity with ERP or WMS systems to support inventory ...

Complete Quality Solutions

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Bendi operator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

... and precise material handling to support overall logistics and inventory management ... Forklift operator certification * Strong understanding of forklift operation and safety compliance

Aerotek

Forklift Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $45/hr

Forklift Operator This role involves safely operating forklifts and related equipment to move, load ... Hands-on experience with material handling, including loading, unloading, and transporting ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 31, 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
Infographic showing various Material Handling Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,390 per year, or $18 per hour.

Material Handler - Forklift Operator (Warehouse)

Majestic Steel USA

Pittsburg, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

What Majestic Steel offers
Majestic Steel offers career-growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sabbatical program
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Pet insurance
  • Additional company-sponsored benefits
What you will do
  • Operate lift trucks to transport steel and other materials throughout the service center.
  • Move, place, stack, and rotate materials according to company procedures.
  • Maneuver lift trucks and material-handling equipment safely in limited spaces.
  • Stage materials for production and customer orders.
  • Verify quantities of materials received and shipped.
  • Complete daily lift-truck inspections.
  • Report equipment concerns or safety issues to your supervisor.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
  • Assist in other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
Experience Requirements
  • At least one year of forklift or lift-truck operating experience.
  • Previous manufacturing, warehouse, or material-handling experience.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products and Windows-based computer applications.
Preferred qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two or more years of forklift or lift-truck experience.
  • Experience handling loads weighing 10,000 pounds or more.
  • Experience operating lift trucks with fork or ram attachments.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements
  • Ability to operate lift trucks with ram and fork attachments or a crane.
  • Ability to operate assigned equipment safely, effectively, and efficiently.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow processes and procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain neat and orderly work area and promote safe conditions throughout the facility.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with management and co-workers.
Physical and work requirements
  • Must be able to frequently lift and move objects weighing up to 70 lbs.
  • Must be able to walk, sit, stand, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl throughout a shift of up to 10 hours.
  • Must be able to mount, dismount, and operate powered industrial equipment.
  • Must be able to work in both hot and cold conditions depending on the weather.
  • Must be able to work outside regular business hours, including weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Location: Pittsburg, CA
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
At Majestic, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are welcomed from associates throughout the entire organization. We have an inclusive culture, where all associates are respected; where different viewpoints, thoughts, and ideas are encouraged and embraced. Majestic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Majestic considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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