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Hand Laborer

💰 Earn $37K-$49K
📚 No Degree Required
⏱️ 6–12 Month Training
📈 1.5% Job Growth
  • 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.
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Hand Laborer
What Hand Laborers DoManually 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.
Hand Laborers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationNone
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings384,300 Annually
Median Earnings
$42,660 in California
$38,940 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
    Go Deeper: Hand Laborers Explained
    Hand Laborer
    Hand LaborerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
    How Do You Train for This Career?

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

    Apprenticeship
    ApprenticeshipAn 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
    Associate's Degree
    Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
    🎓 College
    ⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
    Vocational School
    Vocational SchoolA 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
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    Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

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    What Is the Building & Distribution Industry?
    Building & Distribution
    Building & DistributionThe primary activities of this group involve constructing, installing, repairing, and maintaining physical infrastructure, producing goods and materials, and transporting people and products from one location to another.
    What Are Similar Careers?
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    💰 $45K Median Salary
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    Materials Loader

    Load and unload bulk materials using specialized equipment for safe transport.

    💰 $60K Median Salary
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    Tractor Operator

    Operate tractors to efficiently move and manage materials in various locations.

    💰 $50K Median Salary
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    Operate machines to package products for storage or shipment efficiently.

    💰 $45K Median Salary
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    Hand Packer

    Ensure product quality by hand-packing and inspecting items for shipment.

    💰 $35K Median Salary
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    Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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    Hand Laborer | Explore this Career