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Material Handling Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Monitor all production machines and stock with raw materials and work-in-process as needed, using clamp and/or fork trucks. * Use hand held scanners and desk top computers for maintaining machine ...

Installer

East Longmeadow, MA ยท On-site

$24 - $33/hr

As one of the largest and most successful material handling companies in the Northeast, we travel across Western Mass and Connecticut to distribute for approximately 1,300 manufacturers and supply a ...

As one of the largest and most successful material handling companies in the Northeast, we travel across Western Mass and Connecticut to distribute for approximately 1,300 manufacturers and supply a ...

Materials Handling Tech III

Milford, MA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Overview Waters Corporation is currently looking to hire a Material Handler to join our team. In ... Prioritizing and handling daily/weekly workloads with the ability to multitask. Skills:

Materials Handling Tech III

Milford, MA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Waters Corporation is currently looking to hire a Material Handler to join our team. In this role ... Prioritizing and handling daily/weekly workloads with the ability to multitask. Skills:

Materials Handling Tech III

Milford, MA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Overview Waters Corporation is currently looking to hire a Material Handler to join our team. In ... Prioritizing and handling daily/weekly workloads with the ability to multitask. Skills:

This role ensures accurate inventory handling, proper storage, and timely delivery of materials to production areas. Key Responsibilities * Load, unload, and move materials manually or using pallet ...

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Material Handling information

See Massachusetts salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do material handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handling in Massachusetts is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material handling?

Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It involves a variety of equipment and systems, such as conveyors, forklifts, storage racks, and automated systems, to ensure materials are efficiently transported and stored. Effective material handling is crucial for improving workflow, reducing costs, and maintaining workplace safety.

Are jobs in material handling in demand?

While the positions are becoming more automated, the operators of material handling systems are becoming more vital to the efficient management of inventory and order fulfillment. The two main types of jobs are manual handling, which is becoming less common, and automated handling, which includes the use of various machines to protect workers and make supply systems flow more smoothly. Increased automation results in a lowering of demand for labor, meaning that material handling should not be considered a long-term career.

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 basic math skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure efficient inventory movement, workplace safety, and smooth operations in fast-paced environments.

What are some common challenges faced in a material handling role, and how can I prepare for them?

Material Handling professionals often face challenges such as managing heavy loads efficiently, working in fast-paced environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, it's important to develop physical stamina, learn proper lifting techniques, and become familiar with the operation of equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. Additionally, practicing good communication skills is essential, as you'll frequently coordinate with warehouse staff and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors or accidents.

What is the difference between Material Handling vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectMaterial HandlingWarehouse Associate
Primary RoleMoving, storing, and managing materials and products within a facilityReceiving, stocking, and preparing items for shipment or storage
Required CertificationsForklift certification often requiredBasic OSHA training, sometimes forklift certification
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storage areas
Common TasksOperating forklifts, loading/unloading, inventory managementPicking, packing, stocking, inventory checks

Material Handling and Warehouse Associate roles often overlap in warehouse environments, but Material Handling focuses more on moving and managing materials, often involving equipment operation, while Warehouse Associates handle stocking, packing, and order fulfillment. Both roles require safety training and are essential in supply chain operations.

Is material handling a good career?

Material handling involves managing the movement, storage, and control of materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. It offers opportunities for employment with roles that often require physical stamina, operating equipment like forklifts, and sometimes certifications. The field can provide stable employment and career advancement in logistics and supply chain industries.

What are the duties of a material handling?

A material handling worker is responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. Their duties include operating equipment like forklifts, organizing inventory, and ensuring safe handling practices. They often use tools such as pallet jacks and may need certifications for equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Material Handling jobs in Massachusetts?

For Material Handling jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Handling jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Handling jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Material Handling jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Material Handling job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Handling job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,376 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Team Lead - Material Handling

Jen-Coat Inc

Westfield, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily direction to Plant Warehouse Associates regarding tasks and workflow.

  • Ensure shift coverage for lunch, vacations, and various shifts, including nights and weekends.

  • Monitor production machines, stock raw materials and work-in-process, and assist with loading, unloading, and transporting materials.


Job description

Now hiring! Come work at a place to build your future and be an integral part of a fast-paced, safety-oriented, and growing industry! We are an ESSENTIAL employer that is ACTIVELY HIRING at our Westfield, MA facility!

ProAmpac is a leading global flexible packaging company with comprehensive product offerings. Providing 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.

The safety and health of our team is our top priority. ProAmpac has taken great steps to provide all personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies to create a safe and healthy work environment for you. 

We are actively seeking to join our growing team. If you are looking for a new opportunity with a leading packaging company, ProAmpac is looking for you to join our team!

What ProAmpac has to offer:

  • A unique, "4 on / 4 off" schedule (work 12-hour shifts for 4 days, then get 4 days off) -- only work for half the year!
  • Quarterly bonuses: perfect attendance bonus
  • Premium pay built into your shift schedule.
  • 11 paid company holidays
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and other supplemental offerings
  • Company-provided life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Wellness program -- living a healthy lifestyle can get you a discount on your health insurance premiums AND other incentives.

Essential Duties and Tasks

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • At the direction of the Warehouse Manager, responsible for providing direction on daily basis to Plant Warehouse Associates regarding daily tasks and workflow.
  • Ensure shift coverage is provided for lunch schedules and vacations for Plant Warehouse Associates, material handlers, and forklift drivers including nights and weekends. Shift coverage may vary between 8-12 hours per shift.
  • Responsible for ensuring the Warehouse is clean and organized in both Plants.
  • Monitor all production machines and stock with raw materials and work-in-process as needed, using clamp and/or fork trucks.
  • Use hand held scanners and desk top computers for maintaining machine schedules, transferring material and to process paperwork
  • May be required to perform other housekeeping and/or other manufacturing related functions as required by Management.
  • Assist with loading and unloading of trucks as needed.
  • Receive raw materials using clamp and/or fork trucks.
  • Ship finished goods using clamp and/or fork trucks.
  • Remove, sort and recycle scrap waste
  • Responsible for transporting materials using the company owned/leased truck between plant locations.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Good math and reading skills required.
  • Work independently and as part of a team, effectively communicate, good math and mechanical skills, get along with others, positive attitude and well organized.
  • Valid state issued driver’s license.
  • Exceptional time management and organization skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously establishing priorities to meet deadlines.
  • Proactive; exercises sound judgment and decision making; able to identify problems and needs and develop solutions and/or options.
  • Self-confident, self-motivated individual who thrives in a challenging, fast-paced environment.