Career profile · SOC ESC-1DAFE938

materials handler

Materials handlers execute the handling and storage of materials through activities such as loading, unloading and moving articles in a warehouse or storage room. They work according to orders to inspect materials and provide documentation for the handling of items. Materials handlers also manage inventory and ensure the safe disposal of waste.

materials handler materials handlers execute the handling and storage of materials through activities such as loading, unloading and moving articles in a warehouse or storage room. The role shows moderate AI exposure (0.50 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include inventory management rules, products coding system, operate warehouse record systems, operate warehouse materials, sort waste.

AI exposure
5.0/10
automation risk

Top skills

inventory management rules products coding system operate warehouse record systems operate warehouse materials sort waste maintain physical condition of warehouse stack goods use different communication channels dispose of non-hazardous waste dispatch order processing

Frequently asked questions

What does materials handler do?

Materials handlers execute the handling and storage of materials through activities such as loading, unloading and moving articles in a warehouse or storage room. They work according to orders to inspect materials and provide documentation for the handling of items. Materials handlers also manage inventory and ensure the safe disposal of waste.

What skills does materials handler need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include inventory management rules, products coding system, operate warehouse record systems, operate warehouse materials, sort waste, maintain physical condition of warehouse. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace materials handler?

Our AI-durability model gives materials handler a score of 0.50 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

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