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Materials Handler Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Handler/Fork Lift Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Position Summary The Material Handler/Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, receiving, and distribution of raw materials, packaging components, and finished ...

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Materials Handler information

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$10

$16

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How much do materials handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials handler in Tennessee is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials handler?

Materials handlers are workers responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or similar facilities. They operate equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to load and unload shipments, organize inventory, and ensure products are delivered to the correct locations. Materials handlers play a crucial role in maintaining efficient supply chains and safe, orderly work environments. Their tasks often also include checking shipments for damage, keeping records, and following safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials handler?

To thrive as a Materials Handler, you need knowledge of inventory management, safe material handling practices, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), forklifts, pallet jacks, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for efficiency and teamwork. These abilities ensure accurate inventory control, workplace safety, and seamless supply chain operations.

What are some common challenges materials handlers face, and how can they be overcome?

Materials Handlers often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads during peak times, ensuring the accurate tracking of inventory, and safely handling bulky or hazardous materials. To overcome these, it's important to stay organized, use proper lifting techniques, and follow established safety protocols. Many teams foster a collaborative environment, so asking for assistance and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and coworkers can also help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Materials Handler vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectMaterials HandlerWarehouse Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; forklift certification often preferredHigh school diploma; forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storage
Job FocusHandling, storing, and moving materials within facilitiesReceiving, stocking, and shipping goods
Common UsageManufacturing, logistics, industrial sectorsRetail, logistics, wholesale sectors

Materials Handlers and Warehouse Workers often share similar environments and certifications. However, Materials Handlers focus more on moving and managing materials within a facility, while Warehouse Workers typically handle receiving, stocking, and shipping goods. Both roles are essential in logistics and manufacturing industries, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

How do you become a materials handler?

To become a materials handler, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience with warehouse or inventory management. Training on equipment like forklifts and knowledge of safety procedures are often required, and certifications may be preferred by employers.

How much do materials handlers make in the US?

Materials handlers in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced handlers with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many roles involve operating forklifts or other equipment and may require physical stamina and safety training.

Is materials handling a hard job?

Materials handling is physically demanding and often involves lifting, moving, and organizing heavy or bulky items, which can be challenging. It requires attention to safety procedures, proper use of equipment like forklifts, and sometimes working in fast-paced environments or irregular shifts.

What are the duties of a materials handler?

A materials handler is responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing materials within a warehouse or manufacturing environment. They often operate equipment such as forklifts, maintain inventory records, and ensure proper handling and safety procedures are followed. Attention to detail and physical stamina are important for this role.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Materials Handler jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Materials Handler job openings:

Materials Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Handler job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,386 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Nolensville, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Goodwill Industries Of Middle Tennessee rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 783 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Job Location

North Nolensville Pike

Job Summary:

The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate supports Goodwill's donated goods operations by delivering an exceptional donor experience while safely receiving, handling, and moving donated merchandise through backroom operations, including the Donation Express Center (DEC). This role is responsible for donor engagement, material handling, trailer loading, and maintaining efficient workflow to support production and store replenishment.
Under the direction of the store leadership, this role balances donor service, safety, productivity, and accuracy in a fast paced, high-volume environment. The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate operates in alignment with Goodwill's mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and upholds the values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Job Description

Essential Functions

Donor Experience
  • Consistently deliver the GREAT donor experience by Greeting donors promptly, offering donation Receipts accurately, providing Excellent Service, Assisting donors as needed, and Thanking donors sincerely for their support.
  • Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming and positive first impression at the donation site.
  • Receive donated goods in accordance with established donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines.
  • Provide basic donor information as needed, including donation procedures and Goodwill's mission impact.
  • Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to ensure a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience.
  • Manage donor flow to maintain safety, efficiency, and a customerfriendly environment during peak donation periods.
Material Handler & Backroom Operations
  • Support efficient donated goods operations through safe, accurate handling and movement of donated merchandise within backroom operations and donation areas.
  • Maintain consistent material flow to support processing, production, and store replenishment needs in a highvolume environment.
  • Load, unload, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks, in accordance with safety and operational standards.
  • Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks, as trained and authorized.
  • Ensure backroom, staging, equipment, and trailer areas are organized, clean, and operationally ready to support daily workflow.
  • Perform routine housekeeping to maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient work environment, including keeping work areas free of hazards.
  • Follow all safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, lifting practices, and operational procedures to support a safe and productive workplace.
Safety & Operational Standards
  • Perform all duties in accordance with Goodwill's safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
  • Use proper lifting techniques and safe work practices to prevent injury and protect donors, team members, and donated goods.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues promptly to leadership.
  • Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within backroom operations.
Schedule & Flexibility
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support donor experience, backroom operations, and overall store performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

  • Previous experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customerfacing roles preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational and backroom responsibilities throughout the workday.
  • Ability to follow established operational standards, workflows, and safety procedures consistently.
  • Ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move donated goods as required.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota/production or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations preferred.
  • Experience supporting donors/customers in a community-facing role while performing donation processing, material handling, or backroom operations preferred.
  • Prior nonprofit or mission-based retail experience is a plus.
  • Bilingual language skills preferred.

What Goodwill Industries Of Middle Tennessee employees say

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Benefits

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