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Job openings should be numerous because the occupation is very large and turnover is relatively high. Most jobs require little work experience or specific training. Pay is low, and the seasonal nature of the work may reduce earnings.
Other workers who operate mechanical equipment include bus drivers; construction equipment operators; machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal and plastic; rail transportation workers; and truck drivers and driver/sales workers. Other entry-level workers who perform mostly physical work are agricultural workers; building cleaning workers; construction laborers; forest, conservation, and logging workers; and grounds maintenance workers.
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Material movers held 4.9 million jobs in 2002. They were distributed among the detailed occupations as follows:
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand 2,231,000
Hand packers and packagers 920,000
Industrial truck and tractor operators 594,000
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment 344,000
Machine feeders and offbearers 164,000
First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand 147,000
Refuse and recyclable material collectors 134,000
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators 80,000
Conveyor operators and tenders 58,000
Crane and tower operators 50,000
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders 17,000
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers 13,000
Wellhead pumpers 11,000
Hoist and winch operators 9,000
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators 7,300
Loading machine operators, underground mining 4,000
Dredge operators 3,500
Shuttle car operators 3,200
All other material moving workers 78,000
About 29 percent of all material movers worked in the wholesale trade or retail trade industries. About 23 percent worked in manufacturing and 14 percent worked in transportation and warehousing. Significant numbers of material movers also worked in construction and mining. In addition, 13 percent of material moving workers were employed in the employment services industry where they are employed on a temporary or contract basis. For example, companies that need workers for only a few days, to move materials or to clean up a site, may contract with temporary help agencies specializing in providing suitable workers on a short-term basis. A small proportion of material movers were self-employed.
Material movers work in every part of the country. Some work in remote locations on large construction projects, such as highways and dams, or in factory or mining operations.
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Many material moving workers work outdoors in every type of climate and weather condition. The work tends to be repetitive and physically demanding. They may lift and carry heavy objects, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, or outdoors in all weather conditions. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noise, or dangerous machinery. To avoid injury, these workers wear safety clothing, such as gloves and hardhats, and devices to protect their eyes, mouth, or hearing. These jobs have become much safer as safety equipment such as overhead guards on forklift trucks has become common. As with most machinery, accidents usually can be avoided by observing proper operating procedures and safety practices.
Material movers generally work 8-hour shifts, though longer shifts also are common. In many industries that work around the clock, material movers work evening or “graveyard” shifts. Some may work at night because the establishment may not want to disturb customers during normal business hours. Refuse and recyclable material collectors often work shifts starting at 5 or 6 a.m. Some material movers work only during certain seasons, such as when the weather permits construction activity.
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Median hourly earnings of material moving workers in 2002 were relatively low, as indicated by the following tabulation:
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators $20.44
First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand 17.87
Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers 17.53
Crane and tower operators 17.47
Wellhead pumpers 16.24
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders 15.63
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators 15.58
Hoist and winch operators 15.09
Industrial truck and tractor operators 12.54
Conveyor operators and tenders 11.66
Refuse and recyclable material collectors 11.60
Machine feeders and offbearers 10.50
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand 9.48
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment 8.20
Hand packers and packagers 8.03
All other material moving workers 12.58
Pay rates vary according to experience and job responsibilities. Pay usually is higher in metropolitan areas. The seasonality of work may reduce earnings.
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