Hand Laborer

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and staying active throughout the day.
Essential role in ensuring goods are efficiently moved and organized for businesses.
Offers a dynamic work environment with varied tasks and responsibilities.

💰 Earn $36K-$48K

📚 NO DEGREE REQUIRED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.2% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.

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.
Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.

Scoop

Minimum Education

None

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

409,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$40,550 in California

$37,660 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Hand Laborer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years