Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
O*NET 53-7062.00 · SOC 53-7062
Laborers and Freight is a solid career choice. Median pay is $40k a year with +1.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 340,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Load and unload boxes and freight from delivery trucks
- →Move materials using hand trucks, dollies, or pallet jacks
- →Sort incoming freight by destination or product category
- →Stack boxes and goods in designated warehouse storage areas
- →Count and verify quantities of received shipments against manifests
Education & How to Get In
Laborers and Freight roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Laborers and Freight involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Laborers and Freight?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Laborers and Freight Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·37% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Laborers and Freight make?
The median Laborers and Freight earns $40k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Laborers and Freight jobs?
Our model puts Laborers and Freight at 55 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 37% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Laborers and Freight a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 340,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Laborers and Freight?
Most Laborers and Freight roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Laborers and Freight?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Laborers and Freight career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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