Salary distribution
Where California laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $36,890 and $48,500, with a median of $42,660.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
No formal credential
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 3.8 / 5
Static Strength
Ability
- 3.5 / 5
Multilimb Coordination
Ability
- 3.5 / 5
Trunk Strength
Ability
- 3.3 / 5
Control Precision
Ability
- 3.1 / 5
Manual Dexterity
Ability
- 3.1 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.1 / 5
Stamina
Ability
- 3.1 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
- 02
Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
- 03
Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.
- 04
Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
- 05
Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
- 06
Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
- 07
Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
- 08
Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+1.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Francisco$48,220
- San Jose$46,030
- Riverside$44,970
- Sacramento$44,420
- Los Angeles$39,200
- San Diego$39,000
Compare Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California is $42,660.
- How does California compare to the national median for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
- The California median is +7.5% versus the BLS national figure of $39,701.
- What is the salary range for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,300 and the 90th-percentile at $55,720, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 1.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.