SalaryNode

Average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in California

In California, Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand professionals earn an average annual salary of $44,270, surpassing the national average of $41,390. This higher compensation is largely influenced by California's robust economy and the state's higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain skilled workers in physically demanding roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,270 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,720.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 382,740 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.1, California demonstrates a strong concentration of laborers and material movers relative to the national average. This indicates a consistent and potentially growing demand for these essential roles within the state's dynamic logistics and supply chain sectors, suggesting a stable job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,270

The average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California earns+7.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.3

Weekly

$851

Monthly

$3,689

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,300$17
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,203$16
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$42,660$20.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$55,338$26.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$55,720$26.8

Detailed Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,270

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,964

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $44,270 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be comparable to or slightly less than what a similar salary would offer in a more affordable region, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

382,740

Total Jobs

21.195

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California suggests that this profession is slightly more concentrated in the state than the national average. This indicates a healthy market with a good number of job opportunities, but it also implies a degree of competition among workers for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand make in California?

The median annual salary for a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in California is $44,270. This typically ranges from $35,300 for entry-level positions to $55,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 7.0% higher than the national median of $41,390.

Is California a lucrative place for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average, but the significantly higher cost of living offsets some of this advantage.

Is California a good place to live for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($47,830) and Visalia, CA.

What is the average hourly wage for a mover in California?

Based on the average annual salary of $44,270, the estimated average hourly wage for a Laborer and Freight, Stock, and Material Mover, Hand in California is approximately $21.28, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

How does experience affect pay for movers in California?

Experience is a significant factor; entry-level movers will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can expect to earn substantially more than the state average.

Are there many job opportunities for movers in California?

Yes, with a large workforce and a Location Quotient slightly above the national average, California presents a robust job market for laborers and material movers, indicating consistent demand.

Is the salary for movers in California enough to live comfortably?

While the salary is above the national average, California's high cost of living means that comfort levels can vary greatly depending on the specific city or region within the state and individual spending habits.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 382,740 employees in the California area with a job density of 21.195 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.