Job openings should be numerous because these occupations are very large and turnover is relatively high, even though little or no change in employment is expected because of automation.
Employment change. Employment in material moving occupations is projected to decline by 1 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is considered little or no change in employment. Improvements in equipment, such as automated storage and retrieval systems and conveyors, will continue to raise productivity and moderate the demand for material movers.
Job growth for material movers depends on the growth or decline of employing industries and the type of equipment the workers operate or the materials they handle. Employment will grow in the warehousing and storage industry as more firms contract out their warehousing functions to this industry. For example, a frozen food manufacturer may reduce its costs by outsourcing these functions to a refrigerated warehousing firm, which can more efficiently deal with the specialized storage needs of frozen food. Jobs in mining are expected to decline due to continued productivity increases within that industry. Opportunities for material movers will also decline in manufacturing due to productivity improvements and outsourcing of warehousing and other activities that depend on material movers. Job growth generally will be slower in large establishments, which can afford to invest in automated systems for their material moving needs.
Construction is very sensitive to changes in economic conditions, so the number of job openings in this industry will fluctuate. Although increasing automation will eliminate some routine tasks, new jobs will be created by the need to operate and maintain new equipment. Additionally, firms are more likely initially to use workers when expanding their businesses as opposed to using automated systems due to the large fixed costs associated with such systems.
Job prospects. Despite the little or no employment growth expected, job openings should be plentiful due to the fact that these occupations are very large and there will be a relatively high number of openings created by the need replace workers who transfer to other occupations or who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons—characteristic of occupations requiring little prior or formal training.
Material movers held 4.8 million jobs in 2006. They were distributed among the detailed occupations as follows:
| Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand |
2,416,000 |
| Packers and packagers, hand |
834,000 |
| Industrial truck and tractor operators |
637,000 |
| Cleaners of vehicles and equipment |
368,000 |
| Machine feeders and offbearers |
148,000 |
| Refuse and recyclable material collectors |
136,000 |
| Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators |
80,000 |
| Conveyor operators and tenders |
50,000 |
| Crane and tower operators |
46,000 |
| Tank car, truck, and ship loaders |
16,000 |
| Wellhead pumpers |
14,000 |
| Pump operators, except wellhead pumpers |
11,000 |
| Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators |
4,200 |
| Loading machine operators, underground mining |
3,100 |
| Hoist and winch operators |
3,000 |
| Shuttle car operators |
2,900 |
| Dredge operators |
2,100 |
| Material moving workers, all other |
54,000 |
About 29 percent of all material movers worked in the wholesale trade or retail trade industries. Another 21 percent worked in manufacturing; 16 percent in transportation and warehousing; 4 percent in construction and mining; and 14 percent in the employment services industry, 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, while others work in factories, warehouses, or mining operations.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
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For information about job opportunities and training programs, contact local State employment service offices, building or construction contractors, manufacturers, and wholesale and retail establishments.
Information on safety and training requirements is available from:
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210. Internet: http://www.osha.gov
Information on training and apprenticeships for industrial truck operators is available from:
- International Union of Operating Engineers, 1125 17th St. NW., Washington, D.C. 20036. Internet: http://www.iuoe.org
Information on crane and derrick certification and licensure is available from:
- National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, 2750 Prosperity Ave., Suite 505, Fairfax, VA 22031. Internet: http://www.nccco.org
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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