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Material Handling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Material Handling Laborer

Lorton, VA ยท On-site

$25.53/hr

Operate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and shrink wrap machines. * Maintain forklift certification and adhere to all safety protocols. * Perform ...

Material Handling Laborer

Lorton, VA ยท On-site

$25.53/hr

Operate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and shrink wrap machines. * Maintain forklift certification and adhere to all safety protocols. * Perform ...

Material Handling Laborer

Lorton, VA ยท On-site

$25.53/hr

Operate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and shrink wrap machines. * Maintain forklift certification and adhere to all safety protocols. * Perform ...

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Material Handling information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do material handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handling in Virginia is $18.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Material Handling jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Material Handling job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Handling job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,561 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Material Handling Laborer

HCI | Integrated Solutions

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Material Handling Laborer is responsible for: Setting up various classroom configurations in classrooms, conference center and other annexes; ensuring supplies such as easel's, easel pads, whiteboard markers, required student materials and cleaner are made available in all classrooms at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). Functions also include warehouse support to include loading and unloading supplies and furniture, assembling or disassembling furniture, assist with inventories and driving material handling equipment and trucks to move furniture, supplies and materials within the FSI complex.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks and in moving or relocating items to the warehouse or within the facility.
  • Ensure that items are appropriately marked for storage in authorized designated areas of the facility;
  • Assist in setting up classrooms, dining rooms, conference centers, and in the movement and arrangement of office furniture and other equipment in accordance with approved work orders and orders from the (COR);
  • Classrooms shall be set up and cleaned to include removal of trash and debris, e.g., whiteboards erased, tables wiped off, ensure supplies such as easel's, easel pads, whiteboard markers and cleaner are made available in all classrooms.
  • Additional room setups will be performed for conferences and special events as necessary. Assembles furniture and deliver items to requesting office or prepares them for pickup; participates in periodic physical inventories of warehouse items and items stored in storage rooms.
  • Assist with space renovations to move boxes, furniture or equipment and to dismantle furniture for use in an office or for surplus.
  • Deliver copy paper and card stock to offices. Occasional driving of the government official vehicle may be required to transport personnel, deliver messages, documents, packages, mail or equipment to other facilities, annexes or government agencies.
  • Assist with marking and palletizing surplus property for shipment to disposal facilities.
  • Use forklift, motorized pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment as necessary
  • Assist with warehouse and storage room receipt of supplies, inventories and storage requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Candidate must demonstrate capability to perform material handling laborer duties to include the following:
  • Ability to work with computer systems, software, programs and use websites to perform duties
  • Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Licensed and ability to drive and operate vehicles up to 5 Ton trucks, Material Handling and Warehouse Equipment
  • Ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
  • Ability to be able to lift up to 50 Lbs without assistance
  • Ability to fill out forms and address labels to include accountability reports
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English.

Minimum Job Requirements:
  1. U.S. citizenship
  2. High School Diploma
  3. Must have a minimum of 1-2 Years' experience in warehouse operations to include shipping and receiving functions.
  4. Fluency in the English Language
  5. Effective oral and written communication skill
  6. The ability to follow technical direction as delivered by the CO, COR, ACOR, or GTM.
  7. The ability to interact effectively in a multicultural setting
  8. Ability to exercise independent judgement when necessary
  9. Ability to perform physical labor in all categories
  10. Licensed to drive/operate Forklifts, and Government owned or leased light and medium size trucks up to 5Ton Capacity

*This is contingent on award of this contract.