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Materials Handler Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Material Handlers at the Joint Pathology Center handle pathology samples, manage inventory of ... Pulls materials from files upon authorized request, enters transfer of all materials in computer ...

Receiving, delivering, and moving materials from point to point as needed. * Performing cycle ... Apply to be a Material Handler today! #GRACE As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those ...

Material Handler

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Demonstrating knowledge of logistics and materials management processes * Assisting with training ... Material Handler seeking steady employment, apply today. Qualified applicants will be contacted ...

Material Handler

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler We are seeking a motivated and reliable Material Handler to join our team ... This role involves pulling, loading, and receiving steel materials to support our operations. The ...

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Material Handler to join a leading Company located ... Duties include: incoming receipt and inspection; stock inventoried materials on shelves; pick ...

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Material Handler to join a leading Company located ... Duties include: incoming receipt and inspection; stock inventoried materials on shelves; pick ...

Material Handler

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$18.45 - $22.80/hr

Material Handler / Sheeting Helper Phoenix Color ® is a premier full-service, full-color printer ... Drawing on a broad spectrum of materials and decorative technologies, Phoenix Color ® produces ...

Material Handler III

Arlington, VA

$19.25 - $23.25/hr

Receive and inspect materials to meet count, kind, condition and country of origin. Stow and stock materials in locations using FIFO methods ensuring stock rotation. Operating MHE Material Handlers ...

Material Handler III

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.25/hr

Receive and inspect materials to meet count, kind, condition and country of origin. Stow and stock materials in locations using FIFO methods ensuring stock rotation. Operating MHE Material Handlers ...

Material Handler III 8880 Gorman Road, Laurel, MD, USA, 20723 PAY RATE : $14.00 Description This is ... Perform physical movement of materials from one area to another using handcarts or fork lifts ...

Showing results 21-40

Materials Handler information

See Washington salary details

$13

$20

$27

How much do materials handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials handler in Washington is $20.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $22.07 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 Washington are hiring for Materials Handler jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Materials Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Handler job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,910 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler)

Government Publishing Office

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$31.96 - $34.62/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
GPO employees possess a diverse array of talent in many administrative fields and trades. We provide other agencies with innovative services for the printing, publishing, storage, and distribution of digital content. If you are an energetic, inventive individual looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career opportunity, GPO may be the place for you.
This position is part of the Government Secure and Intelligent Documents, Government Publishing Office in Washington, District of Columbia.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Operates material handling equipment such as high lift fork truck, labor savers, low lift walkers, to load/unload, stack, warehouse, and remove boxes, crates, packages, exercising care to avoid overloading or improper stacking or shift of materials.
  • Verifies improper warehousing, infestation, deterioration, improper identifications, mixed stocks, pilferage, and similar conditions of goods.
  • Performs driver's maintenance and daily inspections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
  • Reads instructions and determines the number of cartons, bundles, sheets, etc. required, based on information contained in the work jacket/copy.
  • Responsible for the safe operation of a Briquetter machine.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a current Career or Career Conditional GPO employee to apply.
  • Selectees must pass a physical examination prior to appointment.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Males born after 12/03/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Physical Effort: Reaching, bending, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs, while steering
    and operating hand and foot controls on the material handling equipment.
  • Physical Effort: Lifts moderately heavy items that weigh up to 60 lbs. Heavier items are moved with material
    handling equipment or with assistance from other workers.
  • Physical Effort: Performs warehousing work on hard surfaces and in work areas that require incumbent
    to stand, stoop, bend and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed in a warehouse environment indoors, usually on concrete or
    composite wood block material floors, in areas that are adequately heated, lighted, and
    ventilated.
  • Working Conditions: The incumbent may be subject to variances in weather conditions when working
    from commercial freight trucks at the warehouse loading dock, including other storage
    areas exposed to elements.
  • Selectee may be required to pass all preemployment requirements prior to appointment.
  • Selectee may be required to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.
  • Selectee may be required to obtain and maintain a license for driving high lift forklift trucks, including other materials handling equipment of
    less capacity.
  • Position is essential personnel.
  • Overtime/Weekend/Shift/Holiday may be required, as needed.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must meet the following requirements: Applicants must meet the following Screen-Out element, Job Element #1:
Ability to do the work of a Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) without more than normal supervision in a fast-paced, complex production environment. To be considered for this position, applicants must have experience and/or training of sufficient scope and quality, to independently perform the duties, which are: Warehouse experience which includes operating forklifts and floor sweepers, performing checks and verification of work as needed, performing shipping and receiving functions i.e. proper wrapping, packing, labeling, and weighing procedures, and performing data entry on a PC terminal.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement to be considered.
Education
Substitution of education in lieu of experience/training may not be used for this grade level.
Additional information
Employment of Relatives:
Section 3110 of Title 5, U.S. Code, prohibits a Federal official from appointing, promoting, or advocating the appointment or promotion of a relative in the agency where the official is serving or exercises jurisdiction. In addition, Section 2302(b)(7) of Title 5, U.S. Code, makes it a "prohibited personnel practice" for a person in authority to "appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of a relative." For further information visit: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3110 and https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/2302
Work Life Balance: The GPO offers Transit subsidy for commuters using public transportation (Metro Bus/Rail, MARC, VRE, etc.).
Background Investigation:
To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the GPO requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully completed a background investigation for a Secret Clearance. This review could include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Depending on the type of background investigation required, the security process may take between 6 weeks to 12 months.
The agency may rescind the tentative offer, if the candidate is unable to obtain an interim clearance.
Reasonable Accommodation:
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process you must contact the HC Specialist on the vacancy announcement at least seven business days before the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The selectee will work Shift 1. Work hours are 7:00am - 5:30pm (Monday - Thursday, 4/10-hour days).
Additional vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.